CRAFT DISTILLERY

Black Frost Distilling

New Ulm,
Minnesota
— Vodka, Gin, Whiskey

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🔬
Engineer’s Precision
Technical expertise meets traditional distilling methods
🌾
Local Sourcing
Minnesota ingredients in every small batch
🏭
Working Distillery
See actual production, not just showroom
👫
Husband Wife Team
Steve and Angie handle every detail
🍺
German Heritage
New Ulm’s brewing tradition meets craft spirits
📚
Education Focus
Learn the process from grain to glass
📞 (507) 233-1805
🌐 https://www.blackfrostdistilling.com/
📍 201 1st N St, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Engineering Meets Craft In German Minnesota

Black Frost Distilling sits on 1st North Street in New Ulm, Minnesota, bringing craft spirits to this German-heritage town of about 13,000 people. Founded by Steve and Angie Lauer, the distillery opened its doors in 2017 after the couple decided to turn their passion for creating quality spirits into a full-time venture. Steve brings a background in engineering to the distilling process, while Angie handles much of the business operations and customer experience side of things. They produce vodka, gin, and whiskey in small batches using locally sourced ingredients when possible, operating out of a production facility that doubles as a tasting room for visitors. The Lauers were among the early craft distillers to set up shop in southern Minnesota, helping establish the region as a destination for spirits enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the Twin Cities. Their approach focuses on quality over quantity, with careful attention to each step of the distilling process from grain to glass. The operation reflects New Ulm’s strong German brewing traditions while adding a distinctly American craft spirits twist to the local beverage scene.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Small Town Spirits Big City Quality

Black Frost stands out as one of the few craft distilleries operating in south-central Minnesota, bringing small-batch spirits production to a region better known for its German brewing heritage. The Lauers’ engineering background influences their methodical approach to distilling, with Steve applying technical precision to recipe development and production processes. They’ve positioned themselves as a local alternative to mass-produced spirits, focusing on creating products that reflect both traditional distilling methods and modern craft sensibilities. The distillery’s location in New Ulm puts it in the heart of Minnesota’s German-American cultural center, allowing them to draw on the area’s deep beverage-making traditions while pioneering the craft spirits movement in a town that’s historically been more associated with beer than whiskey or gin.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Meet the Makers Behind Every Bottle

You’ll find Black Frost in a straightforward production facility where the working distillery takes center stage. The Lauers or their staff typically handle visitors personally, walking you through their small-batch production process and explaining how they’ve adapted traditional techniques for their Minnesota operation. The tasting room atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, with the focus squarely on the spirits themselves rather than elaborate décor or tourist attractions. During visits, you can see the actual stills and production equipment up close, getting a genuine behind-the-scenes look at how craft spirits come together. The experience feels authentic and educational, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the distilling process and learn about what makes each spirit distinctive.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Real Craft Distilling No Tourist Tricks

Black Frost appeals most to visitors who appreciate authentic craft production and want to support local Minnesota distillers. If you’re exploring New Ulm’s German heritage sites and breweries, adding a distillery stop provides a nice contrast and supports the town’s expanding beverage scene. The experience works well for spirits enthusiasts who enjoy learning about production techniques and meeting the actual distillers behind the products. Don’t expect a polished tourist attraction with elaborate tours or fancy amenities—this is a working distillery where the focus stays on the craft rather than the show. It’s particularly worthwhile if you’re interested in seeing how small-scale distilling operations get started and grow in smaller Midwest communities.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their website before visiting, as hours can vary based on production schedules and the small-scale nature of the operation. New Ulm is about 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis, making Black Frost a good addition to a day trip that might include the town’s historic brewery and German cultural sites. Parking shouldn’t be an issue given the location, but GPS should get you there without trouble on 1st North Street. Come prepared with questions about their distilling process if you’re genuinely interested in craft spirits—the Lauers appreciate visitors who want to learn about what they’re doing. Consider purchasing bottles on-site to support the local operation, especially if you find something you particularly enjoy during your tasting.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Black Frost Distilling — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation to visit Black Frost Distilling?
While reservations aren’t typically required, it’s smart to call ahead or check their website since they’re a small operation and hours can vary based on production schedules. This ensures someone will be available to show you around and conduct tastings.
What types of spirits does Black Frost produce?
They focus on vodka, gin, and whiskey, all produced in small batches using their careful distilling process. The Lauers emphasize quality over quantity, with each spirit reflecting their methodical approach to craft distilling.
How long does a typical visit take?
Plan on spending about 30-45 minutes for a basic tasting and tour of the production facility. If you’re genuinely interested in the distilling process and have lots of questions, visits can extend longer as the owners enjoy sharing their knowledge with curious visitors.

GETTING THERE

Find Black Frost Distilling

📍201 1st N St, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA

 — 

📞 (507) 233-1805

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