Whiskey Tasting | Far North Distillery Tasting - Madison Only

In the world of wine, one of the most important things we talk about is "terroir" - the combination of soil and climate that gives wine its sense of place. But when it comes to whiskey, we're more likely to talk about water sources than land.  If you’re interested in what terroir-driven spirits taste like, there is no better place to start than this special evening with Far North Spirits on Tuesday, October 10th from 6pm-7:30 at our Orchard Pointe Store in Fitchburg.

Far North has quickly become a Waterford favorite. We'll be featuring our latest private barrel releases, as well as tasting some highly allocated special offerings direct from the distillery, all under the guidance of  Far North co-owner Cheri Reese.

Located 25 miles from the Canadian border, in Hallock, Minnesota, Far North is on the family farm of  farmer/distiller Mike Swanson. The Red River Valley Swanson farm has been continuously farmed by Swansons since 1917. It is a thousand acres of jet-black, abundantly rich soil that produces exceptional rye and heirloom corn. Built in 2013, the distillery sits on what was once a wheat field, and it is one of only a handful of estate distilleries nationwide to also grow their own grains.

This seed-to-glass approach sets all their spirits apart, but is most significant in their rye. Most rye is made in a grain elevator and sold in bulk. Not only do producers not know where it's coming from, but they don't even know what types of rye they are using. Swanson found an heirloom variety of winter rye - AC Hazlet - to be the most agreeable to this farm and the style of whiskey he wanted to make, and his whiskies are built around this single variety. And it’s genius!

From leading a research study on heirloom varieties with the University of Minnesota, to consulting with Whistlepig when they decided to try their hand at growing rye in 2017, no one knows rye like Far North.

Hope to see you at what is sure to be a special evening.

Spirits to be tasted:

Solveig Gin

Alander Spiced Rum (made from cane grown by Mike’s cousin in Louisiana, it will change your holiday cocktail game!)

Roknar Cognac Cask-Finished Minnesota Rye

Bodalen Bourbon

Waterford Private Barrel Releases

Limited Production Whiskies TBD