Far North Spirits Roknar Minnesota Rye Whiskey

A farm-to-bottle Rye from the northernmost distillery in the US.

Far North Spirits was conceived by Michael Swanson and Cheri Reese upon returning home to pursue a simpler life. When “home” is the Red River Valley and a farm that is in its 4th generation of Swansons, producing quality rye and heirloom corn, “a simpler life” can only mean one thing ― distilling some proper Spirits. At the northernmost distillery in the US, we might add. Surrounded by super-fertile soil, nestled in a former wheat field just 25 miles from the Canadian border, they produce craft Gin, Rum, Vodka, and Whiskey ― all using grains they grow themselves.

What they’re doing with their Whiskey isn’t unlike wineries, focusing on using different grain varieties in order to produce unique and distinct Spirits. They make 4 Rye Whiskeys under the Roknar banner, each employing a different mash bill, aging, and finishing process. The Minnesota Rye is crafted with 80% Hazlet winter rye, 10% heirloom corn, and 10% malted barley. It’s then aged for 16 months in charred oak before being finished in Cognac casks. These guys are doing a real good job at making “Minnesota Rye” a legit style. Besides, “Roknar” is ancient Norse for “Warrior of the Gods”. What’s not to like?