The Victoria GAZETTE - "A love affair with news and paper."
November 2104 - Victoria Gazette
J. Carver Distillery*
Fans of the shop local movement in Minnesota have a reason to celebrate. Today, J. Carver Distillery announces the introduction of its handcrafted, small-batch gin and vodka distilled at its recently repurposed 17,000 square-foot facility, located 30 miles southwest of Minneapolis in the lake town of Waconia.
Founded in 2013, J. Carver Distillery is focused on producing unique, hand-crafted spirits one batch at a time. In collaboration with Minnesota’s agricultural community, their spirits are formulated using locally-sourced ingredients, such as winter wheat, resulting in the highest quality craft spirits.
“From our beautiful, custom-built copper stills to oak barrels made right here in Minnesota, taking an artisanal approach is the pride of our distillery,” states Lead Distiller, Matt Miller.
With a rich history in farming and local agricultural resources, Waconia is an ideal location to develop and manufacture a variety of spirits including ultra-premium spirits in the near-term, and whiskey and bourbon in the upcoming years. At J. Carver Distillery, every step of the distillation process is done on-site.
“From grinding and mashing to fermenting and filtering,” Miller continued, “our goal is to produce spirits of the highest quality from grains and fruit grown in and around Carver County.”
J. Carver Distillery is part of a thriving community with quintessential, small town charm and lake views as the backdrop for locally owned wineries, breweries and now, the first distillery in Carver County and eleventh in the state of Minnesota.
Gina Holman of Victoria.
“We are thrilled to be on the forefront of the revival of the micro-distilling industry in the state, and passionate about giving Minnesotans an alternative that puts their liquor store spend back into their local economy,” states Gina Holman, Manager of the operation. “We invite consumers to visit their neighborhood liquor stores in the coming months to shop or sample J. Carver spirits and discover the difference,” states Holman.
J. Carver Distillery Premium Gin and Vodka are now available for wholesale purchase exclusively through Minneapolis-based distributor Vinocopia, Inc. Consumers can search the store finder at www.jcarverdistillery.com for retailers by city or zip code. Formerly a car dealership, the J. Carver team will be opening the newly remodeled distillery doors in early spring for public tours and tastings
J. Carver Premium Vodka is a distinctly smooth, inviting spirit. The Minnesota limestone filtering distinguishes the vodka with clean minerality, while local winter wheat results in hints reminiscent of brioche and crème brûlée. Whether you are being wooed by a libation at a speakeasy or relaxing with family and friends, the smooth, creamy flavor profile of J. Carver Premium Vodka will entice you back again and again.
J. Carver Premium Gin, whether served over ice, tickled with tonic, or part of a beloved cocktail, J. Carver Premium Gin is a dynamic and easy-drinking gin. The small-batch distillation process is lovingly handled with care, resulting in palatable flavors of traditional juniper berries and citrus notes from the coriander. Balanced with a harmonious bouquet of seven hand-selected, sensual botanicals for a rounded finish, it is a recipe J. Carver is proud to call its own.
J. Carver Distillery crafts distinctive spirits inspired by a tradition of craft and curiosity, harkening back to the days of unchartered exploration and wonder. With oversight by Lead Distiller Matt Miller, J. Carver will expand its selection into ultra-premium gin and vodka, bourbon and rye whiskey, along with other small batch specialty spirits.
*NOTE: Founded in 2013 in Waconia, Minnesota, partners include Matt Miller, Bill Miller (Waconia), Gina Holman (Victoria), Beth Aschinger (Spring Park), and Dan Niesen (Waconia).
Sue Orsen is the Editor of The Victoria Gazzette. Sue can be reached at Sue@VictoriaGazette.com