Skaalvenn Distillery & Cocktail Lounge sits in a Brooklyn Park strip mall, which might throw you off at first—but that’s exactly the point. Founded by Mike Westphal in 2016, this Nordic-inspired operation takes its name from the Old Norse “skål” (cheers) and “venn” (friend). Westphal, who spent years in corporate finance before diving into distilling, wanted to create something that felt like gathering with friends rather than a stuffy tasting room. The 3,000-square-foot space houses both production and a full cocktail lounge that stays busy with locals who’ve discovered what’s happening behind that unassuming storefront. The journey to opening wasn’t smooth—Westphal spent nearly three years navigating Minnesota’s licensing requirements and building out the space to handle both distilling operations and full bar service. He installed a 250-gallon hybrid copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works, the same company that builds equipment for Kentucky’s biggest names. The focus landed on vodka, gin, and aquavit, drawing from Scandinavian traditions that connect with Minnesota’s Nordic heritage. Westphal handles most of the distilling himself, working in small batches that let him experiment with botanicals and techniques. You’ll find locals posted up at the bar most nights, sipping cocktails made with house spirits while watching the production area through big windows. The vibe feels more neighborhood hangout than tourist destination, which is exactly what Westphal was going for. Tours happen by appointment and give you a close look at the operation—this isn’t a massive facility, so you can actually see every step of the process and talk directly with whoever’s running the still that day.