Vikre Distillery

Vikre Distillery was founded in Duluth, Minnesota, in 2013 by Emily and Joel Vikre. The couple had been living in Boston before deciding to return to Duluth and establish a distillery inspired by the landscape and water of Lake Superior. Vikre received its federal distilling license in September 2013 and released its first three gins in February 2014; Øvrevann Aquavit followed a few months later. The distillery operates in Duluth’s Canal Park, near the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Emily Vikre, who grew up in Duluth and holds both U.S. and Norwegian citizenship, directs much of the distillery’s flavor and product development, while Joel Vikre is co-founder and oversees much of its equipment and technical work. Aquavit has had a particular role in the company from the beginning: Emily grew up with aquavit at family holiday celebrations, and Øvrevann was planned as one of Vikre’s earliest spirits. The range later expanded with Voyageur Aquavit, matured for more than a year in Cognac barrels.

Vikre’s early production setup combined its own distilling equipment with a local brewing partnership. Bent Paddle Brewing Company produced an all-malted-barley distiller’s beer for Vikre; after stripping, the low wines went through the spirit still three times to produce a high-proof neutral spirit used for the early gins and aquavits. The distillery remains active, and both Øvrevann and Voyageur are part of its current spirits range.