Northern Waters Distillery — Local services in Town of Minoqua

I attended the 2-Day Distilling Workshop at Northern Waters, and it was an absolutely phenomenal experience. Pete and his team are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also passionate and welcoming, creating an environment where learning about distilling feels both exciting and immersive. Their dedication to producing high-quality spirits is evident in everything they do, and I can't recommend the workshop—or their products and services—highly enough.

Pete, the instructor, is a true expert in the field. As the former owner and operator of the distillery for the past 10 years, he brings a wealth of hands-on experience and is incredibly open to answering questions.

The workshop provides a full distillery experience—from the moment you walk in, you're surrounded by the rich aromas of fermenting mash and spirits coming off the still. You’ll step into the rickhouse, where bourbon ages in barrels, and even have the opportunity to taste the mash!

What the Workshop Covers: On Day 1, we dove into:

-The entire spirit production process. -Alcohol types and gauging techniques (from traditional hydrometers to advanced density meters). -Fermentation fundamentals: raw materials, enzyme and yeast selection, pH levels, and temperature control. -The different types of distillation and how to make proper cuts -Understanding feints and yield expectations. -Tasting techniques: identifying aromas at different stages of distillation. -Producing high-proof vodka, infusing gin with botanicals, and flavoring with additives.

On Day 2, we shifted focus to the business and regulatory side of distilling, covering:

-Financials, bottling, and packaging. -Equipment sourcing and supplier relationships. -Cleaning, safety, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. -Distillery software solutions for tracking production and sales -Formula and label submission, distribution strategies, and running a tasting room.

Whether you're a passionate spirits enthusiast, hobbyist, industry veteran, or considering transitioning from brewing or winemaking into distilling, this workshop is invaluable.

I also highly recommend stopping by Northern Waters Distillery if you're ever in the Northwoods—their spirits and hospitality are second to none!

Thank you Pete and the Northern Waters team for...

Northern Waters Distillery was a great little side field trip from our cabin while up in the north woods. While there, and after some complimentary samples, I picked up a bourbon, a naturally-flavored corn whiskey, and a gin. They age the bourbon in small 5 gallon barrels (yes, new oak, charred) so it “ages” faster. There is no rye in the mash bill (80.2% Corn, 5.3% Wheat, 8.0% Malted Wheat, and 6.4% Malted Barley). It has an interesting/pleasant sweetness to it. The Gin is very nice, and somewhat light. In addition to traditional botanicals, they also make use of a common northwoods botanical: wintergreen. The wintergreen definitely comes out in the flavor, but not in an overbearing way. So, if you like wintergreen, you'll likely enjoy this refreshing Gin, even if you're not a typical Gin-drinker. The corn whiskey I chose was flavored with real Maple syrup and vanilla beans; no artificial stuff in this one. They also produce a variety of unflavored and flavored vodkas, and other flavored corn whiskeys, as well. Everything we tasted was very nice. It is a really great little distillery, the only one in the area, and with a knowledgeable owner/distiller who is seeking to make a quality and unique product in the north woods of Wisconsin. I highly recommend a trip to Northern Waters Distillery when you are in the area. UPDATE: (09/30/2019) Since last review, the distillery has moved. Same great local product, with larger facilities to expand distillation process and customer experience. Great new tasting room and gift shop, with same personal customer service from all staff. Definitely worth a stop while...

We had an amazing time on our tour of the distillery for my bachelorette party! Alex was a lot of fun as our guide, and answered our ONE MILLION questions with humor and patience. The drinks we were made were absolutely phenomenal (seriously, if I could have just stayed and tried every drink without that killing me...I would have done it) and most of us left with a bottle of one of their amazing products. It was evident that everyone there was excited about the work they are doing, and I can't wait to continue to see them expand. Can't recommend a visit to the distillery enough, and please do yourself a favor and add a tour to your itinerary, as well! Big thank you to Peter and the team for accommodating us and making this activity...