Vikre Distillery sits right on Lake Superior in Duluth’s Canal Park district, making it Minnesota’s first distillery since Prohibition ended. Joel Vikre and Emily Vikre launched this operation in 2014, bringing craft spirits back to a state that hadn’t seen legal distilling in decades. Joel’s background in chemistry and Emily’s business acumen created the foundation for what started as a leap of faith in a 2,400 square-foot space. They’re producing gin, aquavit, whiskey, and bourbon using a 250-gallon copper still from Germany, plus they’ve got a smaller 26-gallon still for experimental batches. The couple didn’t just want to make spirits—they wanted to create something distinctly Northern, influenced by Scandinavian traditions and Minnesota ingredients. The tasting room overlooks the harbor, and you can literally watch ships come and go while sipping their flagship Juniper Gin or Boreal Cedar Gin. What started as Joel quitting his day job to chase a distilling dream has evolved into a legitimate operation that’s helped define Minnesota’s craft spirits scene. The Vikres have been methodical about growth, focusing on quality and building relationships with local bars and restaurants before expanding distribution. Their approach reflects the Minnesota ethos—hardworking, unpretentious, and focused on doing things right rather than doing them fast.