10,000 Drops Craft Distillers sits on 4th Street NE in downtown Faribault, Minnesota, occupying a converted historic building that once housed other local businesses. Founded by husband-and-wife team Jason and Amy Schommer, the distillery opened its doors in 2018 after years of planning and perfecting their craft in smaller batches. Jason brings a background in engineering while Amy handles much of the business operations, and together they’ve built something that feels authentically Minnesotan. They focus primarily on whiskey, gin, and vodka, with an emphasis on sourcing local grains when possible and maintaining small-batch control over every step of the process. The Schommers didn’t jump into distilling on a whim—they spent considerable time learning the craft, attending workshops, and developing recipes that would stand out in Minnesota’s growing craft spirits scene. Their approach centers on quality over speed, aging their whiskeys properly and refusing to rush products to market before they’re ready. Jason’s engineering background shows up in their methodical approach to fermentation and distillation, while Amy’s business acumen keeps the operation running smoothly and the tasting room welcoming. Visitors find a cozy operation that doesn’t try to be bigger than it is. The production area sits adjacent to their tasting room, so you can see the copper still and fermentation tanks while sampling their spirits. It’s the kind of place where the owners are often on-site, happy to talk about their process or explain why they chose certain grains or aging techniques. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational rather than flashy, appealing to people who want to understand how their spirits are actually made.