Distillery Spotlight: Vikre Distillery

Vikre Distillery, nestled in the scenic city of Duluth, Minnesota, offers a unique blend of craft spirits deeply rooted in the natural splendor of its surroundings. Owned by Emily and Joel Vikre, the distillery has been a beacon of creativity and quality in the spirits industry for nearly a decade. Let’s find out what makes Vikre so special.

Where is Vikre Distillery?

Located mere steps from the Aerial Lift Bridge at 525 Lake Avenue South, Suite 102, Vikre Distillery is not only a place for crafting spirits but also a hub for community and creativity. The distillery is known for its wide range of spirits, including gin, aquavit, and whiskey, each reflecting the unique terroir and culture of the Lake Superior region.

What Spirits Does Vikre Distillery Produce?

Renowned for their commitment to quality and creativity, Vikre Distillery has carved out a distinctive niche in the spirits world. Their portfolio is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional methods, infused with a modern twist that speaks even to the discerning palate. Let’s take a look at their most popular spirits:

Boreal Cedar Gin

The Boreal Cedar Gin from Vikre Distillery is a masterpiece of innovation, blending a unique mix of staghorn sumac, juniper berries, black currants, grapefruit peel, ginger, and cinnamon. This flavorful blend is toasted on red cedar wood, adding a smoky depth. Perfect for gin and tonics or sipping alone, it exemplifies Vikre’s skill in combining traditional and wild botanicals.

Boreal Spruce Gin

The Boreal Spruce Gin is a sophisticated and eloquent spirit from Vikre Distillery, characterized by its elegant blend of spring-foraged spruce buds and hints of lavender, rosemary, and sage. This gin captures the essence of the Minnesota borderlands, offering a beautifully herbal and floral profile. Ideal for classic gin and tonics or for sipping neat, it showcases Vikre’s expertise in harmonizing wild and traditional botanicals.

Lake Superior Vodka

The Lake Superior Vodka from Vikre Distillery stands out with its audacious and affable character. Crafted from a base of malted barley, wheat, and corn, it offers a crisp and memorable profile with hints of honey and vanilla. The vodka’s depth, smoothness, and clarity pay homage to the purity of Lake Superior’s water and the vibrant city it borders.

Øvrevann Aquavit

The Øvrevann Aquavit from Vikre Distillery is a versatile and enthusiastic spirit, embodying the essence of Scandinavian tradition. Light and aromatic, it’s infused with caraway and cardamom, offering flavors reminiscent of sweet rye bread and named in honor of Lake Superior. Perfect for crafting Nordic-leaning cocktails or embracing the Viking spirit, this unaged Aquavit is a nod to the original Scandinavian distilled spirit.

Voyageur Aquavit

The Voyageur Aquavit by Vikre Distillery is a stalwart and suave spirit, aged over a year in cognac barrels to honor Duluth’s French Voyageur founders. This “Viking whiskey” boasts a complex, oaky, and floral finish, making it ideal for sipping or in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Reflecting the legacy of the original Scandinavian distilled spirit, this Aquavit is perfect for those looking to explore Nordic-leaning cocktails or simply enjoy a robust, well-crafted spirit.

The History of Vikre:

Vikre’s journey began with a simple yet powerful inspiration drawn from the majestic Lake Superior. This inspiration led Emily and Joel to leave their East Coast careers and return to their roots in Minnesota to pursue their passion for distilling. Their commitment to hospitality, playful progress, and responsibility is evident in every aspect of their business, from their creatively crafted cocktails to their approach to environmental sustainability.

The distillery’s story is one of overcoming challenges, particularly in navigating the complex world of spirits regulation and licensing. With the support of a large group of small investors and a strong sense of community, Emily and Joel have successfully navigated these hurdles to create a thriving business.

Impact on the Community in Duluth, MN

Vikre Distillery has also made a significant impact on the local Duluth community, contributing to the area’s economic growth and supporting other local businesses. Their dedication to crafting high-quality, artisanal spirits has garnered a loyal following and recognition within the industry.

Does Vikre Distillery Offer Tours & Tastings?

For those interested in experiencing Vikre Distillery’s spirits, the distillery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at the distilling process and sample their exquisite spirits. The cocktail room, open every day, provides a welcoming space to enjoy Vikre’s spirits in a variety of creative cocktails, each carefully crafted to showcase the unique flavors of their products.

Open Hours for Visiting & Touring

Vikre Distillery welcomes visitors to their cocktail room and offers tours at their location on the shores of Lake Superior. 

The cocktail room is open Monday to Friday from 2 to 10 PM, on Saturdays from noon to 10 PM, and on Sundays from noon to 8 PM. They offer a free 30-minute distillery tour every Friday at 5:30 PM. 

While walk-ins are accepted if there’s availability, we recommend you make a reservation to ensure your spot on the tour.

For a more detailed experience, you can book a private tasting on most Saturdays. This includes a guided tasting of their spirits and liqueurs, crafting a cocktail from their menu, and a souvenir Vikre rocks glass. The cost is $45 per person. Reservations for tours and private tastings can be made through their website.

What Are You Waiting For? Visit Vikre Today!

In summary, Vikre Distillery stands as a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and community in the craft spirits industry. With a deep respect for their local environment and a commitment to quality, Emily and Joel Vikre have created a distillery that not only produces exceptional spirits but also enriches the community around it.

Visit Vikre distillery in Duluth, Minnesota today – or order some of their spirits on Drizzly! You won’t be disappointed in their lineup. They have something for everyone, from straight rye whiskey to aquavit, and lots of spirits in between! Mix up some cocktails with their spirits and tag them in your social posts, too!