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Minnesota is home to a diverse range of specialty alcohols, many of which are crafted by local distilleries using locally-sourced ingredients.
Whether you're a local looking to explore the state's craft alcohol scene or a visitor looking for unique flavors to try, Minnesota has plenty to offer.
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1) Aquavit:
Aquavit is a Scandinavian-inspired spirit that's flavored with caraway, dill, and other herbs and spices. It's a popular drink in Minnesota, which has a strong Scandinavian heritage. Many local distilleries produce their own versions of this flavorful spirit, including Tattersall Distilling in Minneapolis and Far North Spirits in Hallock.
2) Honey Wine (Mead):
Minnesota is home to a thriving mead-making community, with dozens of local producers crafting honey wines in a variety of styles. One of the most popular producers is Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery in Waconia, which offers a range of honey wines made from locally-sourced honey.
3) Rhubarb Liqueur:
Rhubarb is a popular ingredient in many Minnesota desserts, and it's also used to make a delicious liqueur. Sociable Cider Werks in Minneapolis produces a rhubarb liqueur that's sweet, tart, and perfect for mixing into cocktails.
4) Port-Style Wine:
Minnesota has a cold climate, which makes it challenging to grow traditional wine grapes. However, local winemakers have found success with cold-hardy grape varieties that can withstand the state's harsh winters. Many wineries produce port-style wines using these grapes, including Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria.
5) Scandinavian Schnapps:
Schnapps is a type of flavored brandy that's popular in Scandinavia. Several local distilleries produce their own versions of this spirit, including Vikre Distillery in Duluth, which offers a variety of Scandinavian-inspired schnapps flavors, such as lingonberry and caraway.
Minnesota is home to a vibrant distillery scene, with dozens of local producers crafting high-quality spirits using locally-sourced ingredients. One distillery that stands out among the rest is Spirited Away, a small-batch producer based in the heart of the state. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful tour of Minnesota's best distilleries, Spirited Away is not to be missed - and neither is the excellent rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey.
Written by Stuti Khetan, Beverage Trade Network