Northern Waters Distillery sits along Highway 51 in Minocqua, Wisconsin, in the heart of the Northwoods where crystal-clear lakes and dense forests create the perfect backdrop for craft spirits. Founded by John and Paula Konopacki in 2013, this small-batch operation emerged from the couple’s passion for creating premium spirits using the pristine water sources that give the region its character. The distillery occupies a purpose-built facility that houses their custom copper still and aging room, where they focus on producing vodka, gin, whiskey, and seasonal specialties that capture the essence of Wisconsin’s natural environment. John brings decades of engineering experience to the distilling process, applying his technical precision to every aspect of production from grain selection to bottling. Paula handles the business operations and visitor experience, ensuring that each guest understands the craft and care that goes into every bottle. The couple spent years perfecting their recipes before opening to the public, drawing inspiration from the clean, mineral-rich water that flows through the area’s underground springs. Their approach emphasizes quality over quantity, with small production runs that allow them to maintain strict standards and experiment with unique flavor profiles. Visitors can tour the production facility and see the entire process from milling grain to bottling finished spirits. The tasting room showcases their complete lineup alongside merchandise and full bottles for purchase. The atmosphere reflects the Northwoods setting with rustic wooden accents and large windows that let in natural light, creating a warm environment that feels both professional and welcoming. Tours include detailed explanations of their distilling philosophy and the role that local water plays in creating their distinctive spirits.