Chippewa River Distillery sits right on the Chippewa River in downtown Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in a renovated historic building that used to house various industrial operations. Founded by Dan Kanter and his business partner in 2015, this craft distillery brings small-batch spirits production to a town better known for its brewing heritage. Kanter, who had a background in business and a passion for craft spirits, saw an opportunity to create something unique in western Wisconsin’s growing craft beverage scene. The distillery produces bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and gin in their 3,000-square-foot facility, using traditional methods combined with modern equipment. The operation runs on a relatively small scale, which allows them to focus on quality and experimentation with different mash bills and aging techniques. You’ll find them in a brick building with large windows overlooking the river, creating an industrial-meets-rustic atmosphere that fits perfectly with Chippewa Falls’ historic character. The space includes their production area, tasting room, and retail shop, giving visitors a complete picture of how their spirits go from grain to glass. What started as a dream between friends has grown into a legitimate player in Wisconsin’s craft spirits movement, earning recognition for their bourbon and rye expressions.
