While we often dote on the nuances of fine bourbon, great vodka can be awfully pleasant: rich and creamy, smooth and balanced, crisp and clean.
The Good, The Bad, and the Smooth: Blind tasting 21 local vodkas in search of the finest
March 24, 2020 by
There’s no tomato juice in our new favorite bloody mary mix
February 1, 2019 by
Special alert for those of you starting Big Game Sunday with a morning cocktail: we have a new favorite bloody mix. Most bloody marys, you’re no doubt aware, are thick mouthfuls of unseasoned tomato sludge that you tolerate just long enough to eat the garnish. That’s why we’re digging Miss Mary’s: it’s a much lighter … [ Read more]
The Growler’s Holiday Guide 2018
December 19, 2018 by
Seasons greetings, Growler Nation! Before long, our kitchens and living rooms will be filled with raucous nephews and doting aunties, ugly sweaters (deliberate or not), and hopefully, friends and family gathered in the spirit of togetherness. To help kick-start your party planning, we present our Holiday Guide, a quick collection of information designed to make … [ Read more]
How to Caviar: The simple, affordable holiday appetizer that’s sure to impress
November 19, 2018 by
I f you want to greet your dinner guests with an appetizer they’ll talk about through New Year’s and beyond, we suggest caviar. It’s a surprisingly affordable way to entertain with a splash of retro style. All you need to do is learn how to make blini (which are only slightly fussier pancakes) and buy … [ Read more]
Now Open (Or Damn Close): Copper Crow Distillery in Bayfield, Wisc.
October 9, 2018 by
Lake Superior’s South Shore is one of the world’s most legitimately spellbinding places. Add the character of a mighty, ever-changing body of fresh water to a series of tightly knit, remarkably welcoming little communities, and you’ve got a spot that invites visitors to return again and again. For Copper Crow Distillery owners Curt and Linda … [ Read more]
New local distillery Her Spirit plans to invest in female entrepreneurs
August 18, 2016 by Leave a Comment
It all started on a road trip. While driving to Nashville, Steve Merila, the founder of White Bear Lake’s Big Wood Brewery, shared with his wife, Kjersten Merila, an idea for a “distillery brand with a great cause behind it…inspiring and supporting women to get into the world of being their own boss,” according to … [ Read more]
What you should drink at the new Lawless Distilling cocktail room
June 23, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Lawless Distilling, makers of Greenway Gin and Tippling House Vodka, officially opens their Seward neighborhood cocktail room today, June 23, from 4–10pm. Just down the street from the Hexagon Bar, Lawless has built a windowless, low-lit drinking den. Roughly a dozen stools ring a shadowy bar, with a few booths along the opposite wall, running up to … [ Read more]
Channing Tatum to launch Idaho potato vodka
June 20, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Actor Channing Tatum will soon release Born and Bred Vodka. The spirit is distilled at the Grand Teton Distillery in Driggs, Idaho, and is made from Idaho potatoes. The Magic Mike actor is an investor in the Grand Teton Distillery. He will be pitching Born and Bred this year at Cannes. [H/t The Spirits Business]
New Booze: BĒT Vodka, crafted from Minnesota sugar beets
January 27, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Minnesota is the number one sugar beet-producing state in the country. It should follow that we would be distilling some of that bounty into booze. BĒT Vodka (pronounced “beet”) is Minnesota’s first vodka distilled from 100% sugar beets (L’etoile Vodka from Du Nord Craft Spirits is distilled from a mix of sugar beets and corn). … [ Read more]
First Look: Tattersall Distillery
June 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Photos by Aaron Davidson During WWII, the Thorp Building on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis housed the General Mills Mechanical Division. This highly secretive facility produced torpedo navigation systems and the first “black box” flight recorders. In their stead, a pocket of quintessential Northeast is now coming together, including the requisite bike shop (Greg LeMond’s) and a distillery. … [ Read more]
First Look: J. Carver Distillery
August 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment
A massive distillery is coming together in an old car dealership off Highway 5 in Waconia. We stopped by J. Carver Distillery for a first look at an operation that will make a substantial push into the local spirits market. “We really wanted to do this in Waconia,” says owner/operator Bill Miller, “It’s right on … [ Read more]
Wander North Distillery Opens, Vodka Released This Weekend
August 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Wander North is located in what’s becoming a new destination district for the city’s alcohol makers – just down Broadway from Norseman Distillery, and in the same building as Northgate Brewing’s upcoming taproom and production facility. Their first spirit, Outpost Vodka, is made from 100% Minnesota-grown corn sourced from Fluegel Elevator in Rosemount. It’s milled into … [ Read more]
Weekend Cocktail: Black Eyed Susan
May 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment
By John Garland On Saturday afternoon, California Chrome hopes to capture the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown at the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. The rest of us might spend the afternoon drinking cocktails to watch two and a half minutes of television. But what cocktail? You know about the Kentucky Derby’s iconic mint … [ Read more]
L’Étoile, Du Nord Craft Spirits first vodka hits shelves this weekend
April 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
L’Étoile Du Nord Vodka, distilled using sugar beets and corn, is Du Nord Spirits first offering Du Nord Craft Spirits, a South Minneapolis distillery, is releasing it’s first craft spirit to the market on May 2nd. L’Étoile Du Nord Vodka, which takes its name from Minnesota’s state motto and the French phrase for “north star,” … [ Read more]
PRESS RELEASE: UV Sriracha Vodka by Phillips Distilling Co.
December 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
“UV Sriracha Vodka is the Hottest New Flavor by Phillips Distilling Company” The World’s First Sriracha Vodka: Sure-Fire Way to Spice up Cocktails MINNEAPOLIS (Dec 2, 2013) – Phillips Distilling Company (Phillips) today announces the launch of UV Sriracha Vodka, the first sriracha flavored vodka to hit the market. UV Sriracha Vodka is a bold … [ Read more]
