Made in Minnesota: J. Carver Distillery

Drive about 35 miles southwest of the Twin Cities and you’ll find a town of 10,697 with a number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a quaint town, by all means, but what Waconia has to offer besides its history, is a booming wine, craft beer, and distillery business. Enter J. Carver Distillery, named after pioneer and frontiersman Jonathan Carver – Carver County’s namesake.

Gin, vodka, bourbon, whiskey…..that’s all on the growing list of spirits being crafted at the J. Carver Distillery. 

They call their gin “a whiskey lover’s gin,” perhaps due to the fact that it starts with batches of gin ‘resting' in Minnesota-made virgin bourbon barrels for just weeks to months, depending on the maturity of flavors, with constant monitoring for progress and adjusting of botanicals. Even the hue of the gin is unique: medium amber rather than clear. 

Minnesota’s winter wheat makes J. Carver’s 100 percent wheat vodka a standout. Smooth. Clean. Perfect for a classic cocktail heading. After all, we are now entering gin and vodka season. 

Minnesota farmers are a significant producer of rye, and J. Carver Distillery is putting out some fantastic local rye whiskey. It’s made with 70 percent local rye from Clear Lake, Minnesota, and 30 percent corn selected from local farms close to the distillery in Waconia. 92 proof.

The bourbon has a mash bill of 75 percent corn and 25 percent rye grown on farms near the distillery. With the sweetness of the corn and tinge of spice from the rye, it’s a perfect bourbon for on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.

Recipes:

Carver Bourbon Whiskey Ginger Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces J. Carver Bourbon Whiskey
• ½ ounce Ginger Simple Syrup
• 3 dashes bitters Jamaican #1

Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass or serve over ice in a lowball glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a bourbon cherry. Enjoy straight up or on the rocks 

Grimm Farm Bees Knees with Gin

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces J. Carver Grimm Farm Gin
• 3/4 ounce lavender honey simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 

Carver Vodka Bootlegger

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces J. Carver Premium Vodka
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• 4 mint leaves

Discover what you love by checking out the distillery yourself. Tours and tastings are available. Or, stock up at any of our Haskell’s locations. We are proud to carry so many Made in Minnesota products, like the terrific bottlings from J. Carver Distillery.

Founded in 1934, Haskell’s has championed fine wines for over 80 years. We have several wine stores in Minnesota, two delis and one restaurant. As one of the top wine shops in North America, Haskell’s is known for legendary service and one of the finest collections of wine, beer and spirits. Led by Chairman and CEO Jack Farrell, and the Farrell family, Haskell’s continues to be at the forefront of the wine scene throughout the world. Haskell’s also can ship wine, beer & spirits all throughout the world, the U.S. and we deliver locally.