J. Carver Distillery

J. CARVER DISTILLERY RECEPTION

We're pairing up with J. Carver Distillery for a one-night only reception on Thursday, February 23rd from 7 pm - 9 pm!

J. Carver Distillery creates artisanal craft spirits made with the highest quality ingredients that are sourced locally and domestically, while the copper stills used are from Germany’s oldest fabricator mixing the old-world tradition with local ingredients to create superb spirits.

Combining the local flavor that FireLake boasts, Executive Chef Dinesh Jayawardena has created a tasting menu showcasing the best of Minnesota cuisine paired with cocktails created using J. Carver spirits. 

Call 952-851-4040 to reserve your spot today! $49++ per person

What does J. Carver Distillery Spirits, bagpipes, poetry, musicians, men in kilts and Chef Craig Sharp's rendition of haggis with all the fixings have in common? BURNS DINNER 2017, which is being hosted at J. Carver Distillery in Waconia on Thursday January 26th!! This four course family style feast is sure to leave your taste buds happy. Tickets are $67 per person. This charge covers the cost of food, tax, gratuity and entertainment.

Doors open at 6 pm, dinner to begin at 6:30!

Cash bar featuring carefully crafted cocktails that Gina and the J. Carver team are developing special for this gorgeous menu! 

We will check you in at the event! E-mail [email protected] if you have any questions or want to RSVP. Burns Dinner SELLS OUT every year. 

After months of mild weather in Minnesota, this week's cold snap is a welcomed change! Here are 3 must-try Holiday cocktails  Featured on Fox 9 morning show just in time for your Thanksgiving FEAST! 

3 Must-Try Cocktail Recipes for the Holidays

Cocktail No. 1 highlighting J. Carver Barrel Gin:  Barrel Gin Old Fashioned 2 oz J. Carver Barrel Gin ½ oz Rich Simple Syrup* A dash of Easy & Oskey Aurora Bitters In an Old Fashioned glass, add J. Carver Barrel Gin, Simple Syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir. Garnish with a squeeze of orange and a cherry. 

*Rich Simple Syrup for J. Carver Old Fashioned (Perfect with J. Carver Bourbon, Rye and Apple Brandy as well!!!) 2 cups sugar ( 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup demerara sugar) 2 cups water 1 cup frozen organic cherries. (In season I used fresh cherries but hard to come by now) ¼ of a vanilla bean 1 cinnamon stick 1 Rosemary sprig 3 teaspoons Wild Flower Honey 1/4 of an orange

Put all ingredients in a pot. Heat for approximately 10 minutes over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Turn of heat and let cool. Strain syrup. Keep refrigerated in a clean jar for up to three weeks. 

J. Carver Barrel Gin is a whiskey lover’s gin.  This unique spirit is distilled from local grains, wild rice, and a medley of hand-selected botanicals including locally-grown everlasting clover, star anise, cinnamon, sweet orange peel and cardamon.  The gin then rests in white oak barrels made in Minnesota until a balance is achieved between the flavors from the botanicals and influences from the charred oak barrels. (96 proof)

 Cocktail No. 2 highlighting J. Carver Apple Brandy:  Spiked Hot Apple Brandy Cider 2 oz J. Carver Apple Brandy 1/4 oz Honey Simple Syrup* 4 oz Hot Local Apple Cider In a glass coffee mug, add J. Carver Apple Brandy, Honey Simple Syrup and hot cider. Stir. Garnish with an orange, cinnamon stick and candied cranberries.

J. Carver Apple Brandy is Minnesota’s first Apple Brandy based on apples from Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard in Jordan, Minnesota, about twenty miles from the distillery.  (90 proof)

Cocktail No. 3 highlighting Sevilla Liqueur:  Sevilla Chocolate Cream Martini 2 oz J. Carver Sevilla Liqueur 1/4 oz Chocolate Syrup 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 3/4 oz Heavy Cream Shake all ingredients with ice and strain in a martini glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate and candied ginger. J. Carver Sevilla Liqueur offers a subtle blend of local J. Carver Wheat Whiskey aged in Minnesota Barrels with the addition of orange and vanilla. Enjoy sipping straight or try in a classic cocktail. (80 proof)

*Honey Simple Syrup: Heat equal parts honey and water in a small sauce pan over medium heat until dissolved. Cool to room temperature before using. 

Distillery rolls out 2 new grain-to-glass spirits

Published November 2, 2016 at 2:56 pm Fans of the craft spirits movement in Minnesota have a reason to celebrate. Today, J. Carver Distillery celebrates its third year of distilling by announcing the introduction of two new handcrafted spirits, Sevilla, a whiskey-based liqueur, and Hunt Club Double Barrel Rye Whiskey. Both products were distilled grain-to-glass and aged in our barrel room at our facility in Waconia, Minnesota, located 30 miles southwest of Minneapolis.

“We are excited to introduce these two new, unique whiskies to Minnesota consumers,” stated Founder Bill Miller. “Each is handcrafted and based on locally-produced fruits and grains and barrels manufactured in Avon and Park Rapids, Minnesota,” continues Miller. “Our seasoned apple brandy barrels used to create the unique flavors and textures of our Hunt Club Double Barrel Rye Whiskey had previously stored our Apple Brandy, based on Cider from Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest in Jordan, Minnesota, pressed from Haralson and Honey Gold apples developed by the University of Minnesota right here in Carver County.”

“Our entire team is proud to launch these two new whiskey-based products, as they set the stage for additional unique whiskies expected to be introduced in 2017 and beyond,” said Founder Gina Holman. Sevilla Liqueur is a unique blend of J. Carver Wheat Whiskey with the addition of fresh orange peel and vanilla bean with a touch of sweetness. Hunt Club is a very limited release Rye Whiskey, with less than 1,000 bottles produced and available in Minnesota.

“We are thrilled to offer approachable whiskies that are at the forefront of the revival of smaller distilleries in our state, and we are passionate about giving Minnesotans a reason to spend their hard-earned dollars on local products in their local liquor stores,” states Holman.

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, J. Carver spirits are formulated using locally-sourced ingredients, such as winter wheat, rye and corn resulting in the highest quality craft spirits.

J. Carver Distillery Fall Cocktail Class and Barrel House Experience

Back by popular demand! Join us for our Fall Session class which will be offered Thursday, November 17th from 6:30 to 8:30. During the evening we will teach you how to make the perfect cocktails to enjoy as you cozy up to a fire or enjoy during the fast approaching holidays. Yes! We are going to focus on our dark spirits. We will teach you everything you need to know: from measurements and shaking, to garnishing and choosing which barreled J. Carver spirit compliments each cocktail! As an added bonus, you will visit the barrel house to learn about our J. Carver barrel program.

J. Carver Distillery's certified Sommelier and mixologist, Gina Holman, hosts the class. Class begins promptly at 6:30 pm and lasts for one hour. Then, join Bill Miller to sample and learn about how the aging process, the barrel selection and other factors alter the final flavor of our up and coming J. Carver brandies and whiskies. The cocktail room will remain open until 8:30 pm for you to relax and enjoy light appetizers catered by Mackenthun's Fine Foods and specialty cocktails after the class.  Classes are $25 per person and include:

1-hour cocktail class Tasting of 3 craft cocktails Barrel House experience: discussing the difference from a white whiskey to whiskey straight from the barrel to the final product One complimentary cocktail off our signature cocktail menu Complimentary light appetizers

J. Carver Distillery Fall Cocktail Class and Barrel House Experience

Back by popular demand! Join us for our Fall Session class which will be offered Thursday, November 3rd from 6:30 to 8:30. During the evening we will teach you how to make the perfect cocktails to enjoy as you cozy up to a fire or enjoy during the fast approaching holidays. Yes! We are going to focus on our dark spirits. We will teach you everything you need to know: from measurements and shaking, to garnishing and choosing which barreled J. Carver spirit compliments each cocktail! As an added bonus, you will visit the barrel house to learn about our J. Carver barrel program.

J. Carver Distillery's certified Sommelier and mixologist, Gina Holman, hosts the class. Class begins promptly at 6:30 pm and lasts for one hour. Then, join Bill Miller to sample and learn about how the aging process, the barrel selection and other factors alter the final flavor of our up and coming J. Carver brandies and whiskies. The cocktail room will remain open until 8:30 pm for you to relax and enjoy light appetizers catered by Mackenthun's Fine Foods and specialty cocktails after the class.  Classes are $25 per person and include:

1-hour cocktail class Tasting of 3 craft cocktails Barrel House experience: discussing the difference from a white whiskey to whiskey straight from the barrel to the final product One complimentary cocktail off our signature cocktail menu Complimentary light appetizers

J. Carver Distillery Cocktail Class and Barrel House Experience

Back by popular demand! Join us for our Fall Session class which will be offered Thursday, October 20th from 6:30 to 8:30. During the evening we will teach you how to make the perfect cocktails to enjoy as you cozy up to a fire or enjoy during the fast approaching holidays. Yes! We are going to focus on our dark spirits. We will teach you everything you need to know: from measurements and shaking, to garnishing and choosing which barreled J. Carver spirit compliments each cocktail! As an added bonus, you will visit the barrel house to learn about our J. Carver barrel program.

J. Carver Distillery's certified Sommelier and mixologist, Gina Holman, hosts the class. Class begins promptly at 6:30 pm and lasts for one hour. Then, join Bill Miller to sample and learn about how the aging process, the barrel selection and other factors alter the final flavor of our up and coming J. Carver brandies and whiskies. The cocktail room will remain open until 8:30 pm for you to relax and enjoy light appetizers catered by Mackenthun's Fine Foods and specialty cocktails after the class.  Classes are $25 per person and include:

1-hour cocktail class Tasting of 3 craft cocktails Barrel House experience: uncovering the difference from a white whiskey to whiskey straight from the barrel to the final product One complimentary cocktail off our signature cocktail menu Complimentary light appetizers

Registration is required for participation.

J. Carver Distillery Cocktail Class and Barrel House Experience

Back by popular demand! Join us for our Fall Session class which will be offered Thursday, October 6th from 6:30 to 8:30. During the evening we will teach you how to make the perfect cocktails to enjoy as you cozy up to a fire or enjoy during the fast approaching holidays. Yes! We are going to focus on our dark spirits. We will teach you everything you need to know: from measurements and shaking, to garnishing and choosing which barreled J. Carver spirit compliments each cocktail! As an added bonus, you will visit the barrel house to learn about our J. Carver barrel program.

J. Carver Distillery's certified Sommelier and mixologist, Gina Holman, hosts the class. Class begins promptly at 6:30 pm and lasts for one hour. Then, join Bill Miller to sample and learn about how the aging process, the barrel selection and other factors alter the final flavor of our up and coming J. Carver brandies and whiskies. The cocktail room will remain open until 8:30 pm for you to relax and enjoy light appetizers catered by Mackenthun's Fine Foods and specialty cocktails after the class.  Classes are $25 per person and include:

1-hour cocktail class Tasting of 3 craft cocktails Barrel House experience: uncovering the difference from a white whiskey to whiskey straight from the barrel to the final product One complimentary cocktail off our signature cocktail menu Complimentary light appetizers

Drink locally with these seven standout craft whiskeys. 

JARED PAUL STERN  AUG 5, 2016

AS SEEN IN MAXIUM MAGAZINE

This tasty artisanal, small-batch bourbon has a mash bill of 75 percent corn and 25 percent rye, both grown on farms near the distillery in Minnesota.

The farm-to-table movement in high-end restaurants may be old hat by now, but its corollary in craft spirits is just getting started. 

“Barn-to-bottle” whiskeys well worth sipping are springing up across the country, from New England to the High West. (Check out seven of our favorites in the slideshow HERE.)

The crucial difference between these down-home ingredients and production, which tend to yield bottles with a bit more soul. Vermont’s WhistlePig is one of the very few outfits to do the entire process in one place, from harvesting the rye to distilling, aging and bottling the final product. 

J. Carver Distillery Cocktail Class and Barrel House Experience

Many have asked, so we are happy to offer seasonal cocktail classes throughout the year at J. Carver Distillery. Our Summer Session classes will be offered Thursday, July 7th, July 21st, August 4th, and August 18th. During the evening we will teach you how to make the perfect summertime cocktails with fresh herbs and fruit from your  bountiful gardens or neighborhood farmers' market. We will teach you everything you need to know: from measurements and shaking, to garnishing and choosing which J. Carver spirit compliments each cocktail! As an added bonus, you will visit the barrel house to learn about our J. Carver barrel program. J. Carver Distillery's certified Sommelier and mixologist, Gina Holman, hosts the class. Class begins promptly at 6:30 pm and lasts for one hour. Then, join Bill Miller to sample and learn about how the aging process, the barrel selection and other factors alter the final flavor of our up and coming J. Carver brandies and whiskies. The cocktail room will remain open until 8:30 pm for you to relax and enjoy light appetizers catered by Mackenthun's Fine Foods and specialty cocktails after the class.  Classes are $25 per person and include:

1-hour cocktail class

Tasting of 3 craft cocktails

Barrel House experience: compare white whiskey to whiskey straight from the barrel to the final product

One complimentary cocktail off our signature cocktail menu

Complimentary light appetizers

May in Minnesota is one of the most gorgeous months of the year. During winter, Minnesotans hibernate from the cold and wait for the days of summer. In May, the bees are buzzing, the tulips are in full bloom, and martinis at J. Carver Distillery are flowing. 

Have you seen Martini Monday? For those of you who have tuned in to view the video on our FB page, thank you! If you haven't had the opportunity, "Like" us on Facebook and watch Gina teach you how to create some of the tasty cocktails served in our cocktail room. Here are a few of the recipes. Get ready for some summer sipping. 

We are inspired to name the following J. Carver Specialty Cocktail "The Symbol" formally known as the "Purple Rain" Cocktail! You've inspired the world Prince Rogers Nelson. ‪#‎RIPPrince‬ ‪#‎foreverinourhearts‬

"The Symbol"

2 oz J. Carver Grimm Farm Gin ¾ oz lavender honey simple syrup ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 oz blackberry simple syrup or blackberry liqueur ¼ oz egg whites Watch the J. Carver Martini Monday FB video to see how to incorporate the egg whites into this cocktail. Then, shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with blackberries.

Lavender Honey Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons lavender flowers, 2 teaspoons local wildflower honey. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the lavender flowers and pour liquid into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.

Ah yes, May. It's the time of year we celebrate horses, hats, roses, and of course, Mint Juleps!!! We were so grateful to all of you who joined us for a tour during our first annual Kentucky Derby Party last Saturday. Your hats were spectacular and the Mint Juleps were delicious. A perfect cocktail to make for your friends throughout the summer, not just during derby time.

J. Carver Mint Julep

2 oz J. Carver Bourbon Whiskey ½ oz mint simple syrup 2 leaves of fresh mint Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with fresh mint.

Mint Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 12 mint leaves. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the mint leaves and pour liquid into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks. Also, perfect to use when you are making a J. Carver Moscow Mule.

Thank you to Stephanie March and Twin Cities Live for bringing TCL to Waconia!  Food and Dining Editor for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Stephanie March, highlighted J. Carver Distillery,  and Waconia's Breweries and Wineries. The secret is out! J. Carver Distillery is located in a town that creates some delicious wines, beers and spirits! Our J. Carver Barrel Gin (A Whiskey Lover's Gin) Bees Knees Cocktail was featured on Twin Cities Live. Here is the recipe.

J. Carver Barrel Gin Bees Knees

2 oz J. Carver Barrel Gin ¾ oz ginger simple syrup ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with a piece of candied ginger.

Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons fresh ginger - peel ginger first to remove the outside skin. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the ginger and pour liquid into a mason jar. keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.

Raising a glass to Martini Monday and summer sipping. Stay thirsty everyone!

Cheers!

May in Minnesota is one of the most gorgeous months of the year. During winter, Minnesotans hibernate from the cold and wait for the days of summer. In May, the bees are buzzing, the tulips are in full bloom, and martinis at J. Carver Distillery are flowing. 

Have you seen Martini Monday? For those of you who have tuned in to view the video on our FB page, thank you! If you haven't had the opportunity, "Like" us on Facebook and watch Gina teach you how to create some of the tasty cocktails served in our cocktail room. Here are a few of the recipes. Get ready for some summer sipping. 

We are inspired to name the following J. Carver Specialty Cocktail "The Symbol" formally known as the "Purple Rain" Cocktail! You've inspired the world Prince Rogers Nelson. ‪#‎RIPPrince‬ ‪#‎foreverinourhearts‬

"The Symbol"

2 oz J. Carver Grimm Farm Gin ¾ oz lavender honey simple syrup ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 oz blackberry simple syrup or blackberry liqueur ¼ oz egg whites Watch the J. Carver Martini Monday FB video to see how to incorporate the egg whites into this cocktail. Then, shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with blackberries.

Lavender Honey Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons lavender flowers, 2 teaspoons local wildflower honey. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the lavender flowers and pour liquid into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.

Ah yes, May. It's the time of year we celebrate horses, hats, roses, and of course, Mint Juleps!!! We were so grateful to all of you who joined us for a tour during our first annual Kentucky Derby Party last Saturday. Your hats were spectacular and the Mint Juleps were delicious. A perfect cocktail to make for your friends throughout the summer, not just during derby time.

J. Carver Mint Julep

2 oz J. Carver Bourbon Whiskey ½ oz mint simple syrup 2 leaves of fresh mint Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with fresh mint.

Mint Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 12 mint leaves. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the mint leaves and pour liquid into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks. Also, perfect to use when you are making a J. Carver Moscow Mule.

Thank you to Stephanie March and Twin Cities Live for bringing TCL to Waconia!  Food and Dining Editor for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Stephanie March, highlighted J. Carver Distillery,  and Waconia's Breweries and Wineries. The secret is out! J. Carver Distillery is located in a town that creates some delicious wines, beers and spirits! Our J. Carver Barrel Gin (A Whiskey Lover's Gin) Bees Knees Cocktail was featured on Twin Cities Live. Here is the recipe.

J. Carver Barrel Gin Bees Knees

2 oz J. Carver Barrel Gin ¾ oz ginger simple syrup ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with a piece of candied ginger.

Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons fresh ginger - peel ginger first to remove the outside skin. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the ginger and pour liquid into a mason jar. keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.

Raising a glass to Martini Monday and summer sipping. Stay thirsty everyone!

Cheers!

May in Minnesota is one of the most gorgeous months of the year. During winter, Minnesotans hibernate from the cold and wait for the days of summer. In May, the bees are buzzing, the tulips are in full bloom, and martinis at J. Carver Distillery are flowing. 

Have you seen Martini Monday? For those of you who have tuned in to view the video on our FB page, Thank you! If you haven't had the opportunity, "Like" us on Facebook and watch Gina teach you how to create some of the tasty cocktails served in our cocktail room. Here are a few of the recipes. Get ready for some summer sipping. 

We are inspired to name the following J. Carver Specialty Cocktail "The Symbol" formally known as the "Purple Rain" Cocktail! You've inspired the world Prince Rogers Nelson. ‪#‎RIPPrince‬ ‪#‎foreverinourhearts‬

"The Symbol"

2 oz J. Carver Grimm Farm Gin ¾ oz lavender honey simple syrup ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 oz blackberry simple syrup or blackberry liqueur ¼ oz egg whites Watch the J. Carver Martini Monday FB video to see how to incorporate the egg whites into this cocktail. Then, shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with blackberries.

Lavender Honey Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons lavender flowers, 2 teaspoons local wildflower honey. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the lavender flowers and pour liquid into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.

Ah yes, May. It's the time of year we celebrate horses, hats, roses, and of course, Mint Juleps!!! We were so grateful to all of you who joined us for a tour during our first annual Kentucky Derby Party last Saturday. Your hats were spectacular and the Mint Juleps were delicious. A perfect cocktail to make for your friends throughout the summer, not just during derby time.

J. Carver Mint Julep

2 oz J. Carver Bourbon Whiskey ½ oz mint simple syrup 2 leaves of fresh mint Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with fresh mint.

Mint Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 12 mint leaves. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the mint leaves and pour liquid into a mason jar. Keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks. Also, perfect to use when you are making a J. Carver Moscow Mule.

Thank you to Stephanie March and Twin Cities Live for bringing TCL to Waconia!  Food and Dining Editor for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Stephanie March, highlighted J. Carver Distillery,  and Waconia's Breweries and Wineries. The secret is out! J. Carver Distillery is located in a town that creates some delicious wines, beers and spirits! Our J. Carver Barrel Gin (A Whiskey Lover's Gin) Bees Knees Cocktail was featured on Twin Cities Live. Here is the recipe.

J. Carver Barrel Gin Bees Knees

2 oz J. Carver Barrel Gin ¾ oz ginger simple syrup ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain in a chilled martini glass and garnish with a piece of candied ginger.

Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe: 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons fresh ginger - peel ginger first to remove the outside skin. Put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the liquid cool. Strain off the ginger and pour liquid into a mason jar. keep refrigerated up to 2-3 weeks.

Raising a glass to Martini Monday and summer sipping. Stay thirsty everyone!

Cheers!

12 TOP-SHELF WHISKIES EVERY MAN SHOULD TRY IN 2016 From Scotch to bourbon, rye and more.  JARED PAUL STERN  APR 13, 2016

Thristy? You're about to be. Here's our favorite whiskies every guy should try some time this year.

(Title links to the full Blog)

9.) J. CARVER BOURBON

Mint Julep anyone? It's that time of year. Horses, hats, roses, and of course Mint Juleps.