Isanti Spirits sits on a sprawling property in Isanti, Minnesota, about 45 minutes north of Minneapolis. Founded by Dave and Cindy Dague, this craft distillery opened its doors in 2018 after the couple decided to turn their passion for spirits into a full-time venture. Dave brought years of home distilling experience to the operation, while Cindy handles the business side of things. They converted farm buildings on their rural property into a production facility and tasting room, creating a rustic but polished space where visitors can sample their growing lineup of spirits including bourbon, rye, and vodka. The Dagues spent nearly three years navigating Minnesota’s regulatory landscape to get their distillery licensed and operational. Dave serves as the master distiller, using a combination of traditional methods and modern equipment to craft small batches of spirits. The operation focuses on quality over quantity, with careful attention to each step of the process from grain selection to bottling. The distillery sources many of their grains locally when possible, supporting Minnesota farmers while creating spirits with a distinct regional character. Visitors to Isanti Spirits get a genuine behind-the-scenes look at craft distilling in action. The tasting room offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can sample their products while learning about the distillation process directly from the founders. Tours showcase their copper still and barrel aging areas, giving you insight into how they transform raw ingredients into finished spirits. The rural setting provides a peaceful escape from city life, making it a solid stop for anyone exploring Minnesota’s growing craft spirits scene.