Crooked Water Spirits sits in Minneapolis’s Warehouse District, founded by Michael Swanson and Amy Swanson in 2014. These two jumped from corporate careers—he from finance, she from marketing—to chase their dream of making authentic American spirits. They opened their doors in 2016 inside a converted warehouse space that maintains its industrial feel with exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and high ceilings. The operation runs on a custom copper still system they imported from Germany, producing vodka, gin, whiskey, and seasonal specialties that reflect Minnesota’s grain heritage. The journey wasn’t smooth sailing. Michael spent two years learning distillation techniques, traveling to Kentucky and Scotland to work with master distillers before feeling ready to launch. Amy handled the business side, navigating Minnesota’s complex licensing requirements and building relationships with local grain farmers. They chose the name ‘Crooked Water’ as a nod to the Mississippi River’s winding path through Minneapolis, connecting their spirits to the city’s geography and history. Their master distiller background shows in the attention to detail—they age their whiskey in charred American oak and use a grain bill sourced entirely from Minnesota farms. Visitors walk into a working distillery where you can see the entire process, from mash to bottle. The tasting room occupies one side of the 4,000-square-foot space, with large windows offering views of the production floor. You’re not just sampling spirits here—you’re watching them being made. The atmosphere balances industrial aesthetics with Minnesota hospitality, and the Swansons often work the tasting room themselves, sharing stories about their transition from corporate life to craft distilling.