J. Carver Distillery Spotlight

This Minnesota distillery was named after Jonathan Carver, a Massachusetts colonial captain who explored the Northern Mississippi valley and Western Great Lakes region back in the mid 18th century. Many distilleries, like J. Carver Distillery, like to pay homage to local history and continue past experiences that make them special and stand-out in a crowded craft distillery market. J. Carver is no exception; let’s take a look at what makes this distillery special.

What Makes J. Carver Distillery Special?

Located in Waconia, Minnesota, this distillery is in the center of Minnesota’s agricultural heartland. Part of what makes this distillery special is that they craft “Spirits of Discovery,” sourcing local grains, fruits, and botanicals to craft their superior, top-rated spirits. 

They also have a commitment to sustainability; their farm-to-glass approach ensures top-notch quality. 

Meet the Team at J. Carver

The J. Carver Distillery Founding Partners—led by Bill Miller—had the vision of a successful Midwest-centric distillery rooted in community. Bill’s decades-long commitment to Carver County and his dedication to quality shape the business.

Gina Holman also has extensive experience in hospitality and the liquor industry. Gina uses her expertise to explore new taste profiles for the distillery’s spirit lineup.

Gregg Groeche is a businessman and his forward-thinking approach drives the distillery’s strategic discussions.

John Zupan oversees logistics, ensuring seamless operations.

Tom Kullman has expertise in flavor and product development, helping the distillery’s creative process.

J. Carver Spirits

Carver Distillery has a number of top-rated spirits. They have two bourbons, three rye whiskeys, two wheat whiskeys, two brandies, two single malt whiskeys, one aquavit, three cordials/liqueurs, four gins, and two vodkas. Let’s highlight some of their most popular bottles:

Brickyard Straight Bourbon

84 Proof; 71% corn, 20% Minnesota wheat, and 9% malted barley. 

This bourbon celebrates the historic brickyards of Carver County. It’s crafted with a mix of corn for sweetness, Minnesota wheat for a softer mouthfeel, and malted barley. It’s been recognized with awards, including a Gold Medal at the Heartland Spirits Fest in Chicago​​.

J. Carver Bourbon Whiskey

80 Proof; 71% corn, 20% rye, and 9% malted barley

The J. Carver Bourbon Whiskey emphasizes the use of local grains and aging in charred oak barrels. The blend includes corn for sweetness, complemented by the spicy and smooth finish of rye. This whiskey is designed to shine in classic cocktails​​.

Check out recipes they recommend for their bourbons →

J. Carver Barrel Gin

96 Proof; new charred oak barrels coopered in Minnesota

This spirit is part of their specialty cocktail menu and is highlighted in a signature cocktail called the J. Carver Barrel Gin Old Fashioned. It’s definitely a popular choice for those visiting the distillery, suggesting it’s a fan favorite among their gin offerings​​.

J. Carver Gin

80 Proof; 100% Minnesota winter wheat base

Carver Gin is a favorite (even among those who typically don’t enjoy gin), thanks to its J. Carver Premium Vodka base and a carefully chosen blend of nine botanicals. The well-thought-out balance between traditional juniper, citrus, and anise makes it smooth and approachable, ideal for sipping neat. This spirit offers a welcoming introduction to gins.

Check out recipes they recommend for their gins →

J. Carver Vodka

80 Proof; 100% Minnesota winter wheat

Carver Vodka is handcrafted and a stand-out choice when it comes to local vodka. The J. Carver Vodka is distilled slowly from 100% Minnesota winter wheat. This process ensures a rich, warm texture and a subtle hint of butterscotch on the nose. It has a smooth drinking experience without the burn, making it an excellent choice for sipping neat or in refined cocktails.

Check out recipes they recommend for their vodkas →

J. Carver Aquavit

90 Proof; 100% red winter wheat

The J. Carver Aquavit is really just a Scandinavian twist on gin. To make this spirit, they use a 100% red winter wheat base distilled through a 42-plate vodka column. This gives the aquavit an exceptionally smooth texture. Its unique blend of botanicals, including sweet and bitter orange, grains of paradise, fennel seed, caraway, and dill, delivers a multifaceted flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. 

Learn more about aquavit →

Check out recipes they recommend for their aquavit →

Where to Buy J. Carver Spirits

“Due to the small-batch nature of our products, retailers can carry specific products but be temporarily out of stock.”

Keep in mind that, as the quote above states, J. Carver Distillery is a small-batch operation. This means that they tend to keep their craft spirits pretty local and don’t have the means to deliver nationwide. They do have a nifty search feature on their website here; this way, you can see if there are any restaurants, bars, or liquor stores that sell or use their spirits in your local area. You may also find their craft spirits being resold on national, online liquor stores, but it’s not a reliable way to find their products.

Events & Tours

Events

Carver Distillery is happy to help you host a wide variety of events at their Waconia location. From groom’s parties to corporate team meetings, there’s something for everyone. They also have “ seasonal specialty cocktail classes and private behind-the-scenes tours of the distillery and barrel house…”

You can even bring your own food or hire a local caterer to your event with J. Carver. This makes them a standout choice for local events, parties, get togethers, and meetings.

To get something planned, their website says to contact Gina Holman at ginah@jcarverdistillery.com.

Tours

“Our passion is sharing our craft with our guests!”

There are three fun sites to explore at J. Carver Distillery; the cocktail lounge, the production facility, and the barrel room. Reservations are required for distillery tours, but they’re only $10 per person – an extremely affordable day out.

Cocktail Room Tables

On their website, J. Carver Distillery encourages reservations for parties of all sizes. However, for groups of eight or more people, reservations are required.

For all reservations and scheduling, check out their website here.

Location & Hours

J. Carver Distillery is located at 1320 Mill Lane, Waconia, MN 55387. They are open Friday from 4:30 PM to 10 PM, Saturday from 2 PM to 10 PM, and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. They are closed Monday through Thursday for their distillery operations.

Visit J. Carver Distillery Today!

What are you waiting for? Regardless of whether you’re a Minnesota local or simply visiting for the week, J. Carver Distillery is a great spot to gather with friends, learn a little bit more about distilling, and pick up some unique bottles for your collection. 

Schedule a tour or find a local store to get their spirits from today!