Great Northern Distilling sits in downtown Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where founders Tim Kamps and Chris Schiller opened their doors in 2017 after a three-year journey from concept to reality. The pair, both Stevens Point natives, converted a former auto parts store on Second Street into a 3,000-square-foot craft distillery that reflects their vision of bringing small-batch spirits production to central Wisconsin. Kamps, who worked in manufacturing before diving into distilling, and Schiller, who brought business acumen from his corporate background, spent years perfecting their recipes and navigating the complex licensing process before they could legally start distilling. The space features exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and their custom copper still prominently displayed behind the tasting bar, creating an industrial-meets-rustic atmosphere that feels distinctly Wisconsin. They focus primarily on whiskey production, including bourbon and rye, along with vodka and seasonal offerings that showcase local ingredients when possible. The distillery operates with a philosophy of patience and precision, aging their whiskeys in smaller barrels to accelerate the maturation process while maintaining quality control over every batch. What started as weekend conversations between two friends about opening a distillery has evolved into Stevens Point’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, filling a gap in the local craft spirits scene that the founders felt was long overdue.