History

Perlick Distillery is located in Sarona, Wisconsin. The Perlick family bought a small farm in Wisconsin’s North Woods in 1920, and six generations have since been involved in the work and cultivation of the surrounding land and forests. The farm and family now run the distillery and continue the tradition of growing and processing their own ingredients.

The farm cultivates over 2,000 acres of corn, wheat, soybeans, barley, sunflowers, and other crops. The distillery was established in 2014 with two goals: to add value to the grains grown on the farm, and to create spirits of the highest quality.

Production and Raw Materials

On site, American Yeoman Vodka, Yeoman Maple Syrup Flavored Vodka, and a 5-year American single malt whiskey are produced. The American single malt whiskey is made from 100% malted barley grown on the farm, and is distilled to no more than 80% ABV. It is aged in new, charred white oak barrels at no more than 62.5% ABV for at least two years. The production focuses on preserving quality and terroir through the use of the farm's own crops.

The distillery does not sell whiskey outside the distillery; the whiskey is produced in limited quantities and is primarily available at the distillery (and at a few nearby retailers noted as places where whiskey and selection may be available). There are also references to limited availability and first-come, first-served: whiskey at the distillery and at select partners.

In addition, American Yeoman Vodka and Yeoman Maple Syrup Flavored Vodka are produced, distributed to Wisconsin liquor stores and bars in the state. Direct shipping of spirits to consumers is not allowed according to their FAQ, but the products are sold in Wisconsin through retail and on-premise channels.

Products / Whisky Series

Whiskey portion is limited — a 5-year American single malt whiskey made from 100% malted barley from the farm and aged in new charred white oak casks. The whiskey is described as a 5-year American single malt and is in stock at the distillery (with descriptions of where it is sold directly from the distillery and in select shops/partnerships).

Whiskey Size and Style

• 1) Single Malt: American Single Malt Whiskey (5-year) – produced from 100% malted barley grown on the farm.

Visits and Experiences

Tasting Room and Opening Hours

The Tasting Room is open year-round: Thursday 3:00 PM–7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served, and there is the option to have a drink while waiting for a table. The distillery is open to the public during these times and is not closed to private events during public opening hours.

Food and Events

The distillery offers food from food trucks Thursday through Sunday in April to October; in the winter period (November to April) full and half charcuterie boards with Wisconsin cheeses and meats are offered. You are also welcome to bring your own food, and guided tours are available upon request (20–40 minutes, free).

Private Events and Gift Cards

They can host private events on days when they are not open to the public (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and in the winter period possibly before/after hours). A minimum amount and hourly rate is required for private events. Gift cards can be purchased in the Tasting Room and over the phone.

Farmers Market and Satellite Tasting Rooms

The Summer Market area hosts a farmers market from early June to the end of September: Thursdays 3:00–7:00 PM (Summer Market) and Sundays 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (Fall Market). The Tasting Room will also be open during the market, and customers may bring cocktails to shop during the market.

Perlick Distillery also has satellite tasting rooms at Snø Hill Chapel in Ellsworth and Mitchell’s Cocktail Company in New Richmond.

Pets and Safety

Dogs are allowed on patios and grassy areas outside, but indoors in the Tasting Room dogs are generally not recommended. Various dairies and suppliers participate in the charcuterie offerings in the winter period, and there is usually the option to bring your own food.

Philosophy

The history and operations emphasize a strong farm-to-spirit philosophy: they grow and use their own crops from the farm to add value to the grains and achieve the highest quality in their spirits. The farm’s landscape and Wisconsin’s nature provide the backdrop for production, and the aim is to produce top-quality spirits by bringing together soil, grain, and craft throughout the process. The distillery is a family-owned business that has maintained its ties to fields and forests for six generations and continues the tradition of processing the farm’s crops into unique products.