Far North Spirits
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Today's release gets to the core of what excites us here at Seelbach's - craft distillers pushing back on what we know about farming, grain varietals, and distillation methods. Far North produces exceptional whiskey because it’s made from exceptional, estate-grown varieties of grain. Like their estate winery counterparts, Far North’s focus on varietals results in complex and distinct flavors in the finished spirit.
The northernmost distillery in the contiguous United States, Michael Swanson and Cheri Reese of Far North Spirits make premium, heritage spirits inspired by Minnesota’s character and agricultural abundance. Located just 25 miles from the Canadian border, they are one of only a handful of estate distilleries nation-wide to also grow their own grains.
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. Michael is a fourth generation Minnesota farmer and the first in his family to marry farming with distilling.
These unique, open-pollinated rye varietals are selected and farmed specifically for their flavor when distilled, a radical approach that is virtually unheard of in the industry. When grown in their unique terroir and distilled in small batches, that potential is realized in a spectrum of rich flavors not found in mass-produced whiskies.
Musketeer was originally bred for use in Western Canada. In the field, it’s taller than most modern varietals and thus more susceptible to lodging, but is still well suited to overwintering in our harsh climate. In the glass, Musketeer carries distinctive baking spice notes like clove, allspice, and sandalwood, carried by stone fruit flavors with apricot and sour cherries.
Hazlet is Far North's flagship varietal, Mike originally seeded AC Hazlet for its ability to overwinter in the harsh Northern Minnesota winter. It wasn’t until the whiskeys came of age a few years later that its true character was revealed: Hazlet has a rich vanilla note, with less of the pepper and spice notes commonly found in rye whiskey. That characteristic vanilla is backed up by almond-like nuttiness and dried fruit notes.
The Hazlet Bonded is one of the first 95% rye whiskeys Mike ever distilled. With age, it has become an exemplary expression of what this flavorful grain has to offer. Leading with sweet caramel and creme brulee with notes of cognac and vanilla caviar.
This is a very limited special release, and we are excited to share these Far North expressions with you.
If you have the time, they also have a fascinating in-depth rye study.
Far North Spirits Hazlet Single Varietal Straight Rye Whiskey
$55.00
Far North Spirits Hazlet Single Varietal Bonded Rye Whiskey
$75.00
Far North Spirits Musketeer Single Varietal Rye Whiskey
$55.00
