J. Carver Distillery sits in a restored 1920s mill building on Mill Lane in Waconia, bringing craft spirits to Minnesota’s lake country about 30 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Founded by John and Lisa Carver in 2018, this husband-and-wife operation transformed a century-old grain mill into a modern distillery while preserving the building’s industrial character. The Carvers spent years perfecting their recipes before opening to the public, focusing on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka made from Minnesota-grown corn and wheat. John handles the distilling while Lisa manages the business side, creating a true partnership that shows in every aspect of the operation. The 3,000-square-foot space combines the original mill’s stone walls and exposed beams with gleaming copper stills and oak barrels, creating an atmosphere that feels both historic and cutting-edge. You’ll find them producing around 1,000 bottles per month, keeping everything intentionally small-scale to maintain quality control and personal attention to each batch.