History

Brother Justus Whiskey Co. is Minnesota's premier American Single Malt Whiskey. Founded by Phil Steger, and named in honor of the rebellious monk Brother Justus Trettel, whose story of helping families through Prohibition inspires the brand. The brand speaks of conviction and belief and strives to capture Minnesota's flavors and climate in the whiskey.

The brand describes itself as a company that goes its own way — not just following a trend. The history is also described as a tribute to Brother Justus and Minnesota 13 during Prohibition, and how the brand builds on this legacy.

The Made From Minnesota(TM) philosophy highlights the natural resources: the Mississippi water source near the headwaters, barley from the Great Plains and oak from Minnesota's oak savanna and boreal forest. Minnesota is regarded as the only place in the world where three biogeographic regions meet for whiskey production. The brand also notes that Minnesota has large peat bogs in the boreal forest, which give depth and complexity of flavor.

Production / Making

The whiskey is produced from 100% malted barley. The water comes from the Mississippi headwaters. Oak barrels are made from Minnesota White Oak, described as the world's coldest oak. According to the brand's technology, the Aitkin County Process (Cold-Peated) is used to capture the essence of peat without burning. Barley malting takes place at Rahr Malting in Shakopee, Minnesota. The Core brand is aged in barrels for at least two years in Minnesota, which provides a balance between malt and oak.

Brigid is the name of the first 1000-gallon still used in early production, and Brigid's First Batch describes the initial flavor profiles. In addition to the standard line there are limited editions such as Founder’s Reserve and Distiller’s Select. The brand also references new flavor profiles through the Cold-Peated concept and other experimental releases.

Products / Whisky Series

• American Single Malt Whiskey – 43% ABV / 86 Proof. 100% Minnesota-malted barley. Tasting notes: butterscotch, grilled stone fruit, spices and a campfire-like finish.
• American Single Malt Silver Whiskey – 43% ABV / 86 Proof. Unaged whiskey, kissed by Minnesota White Oak. Tasting notes: fresh citrus, pineapple, banana and cocoa nibs.
• Cold-Peated American Single Malt Whiskey – 43% ABV / 86 Proof. Captures Minnesota's peat essence without burning. Tasting notes: herbal minerality, mushroom umami, maple and caramel.
• Founder’s Reserve 1, 2 and 3 – higher ABV: 58.5% ABV (117 proof), 62% ABV (124 proof), 62.5% ABV (125 proof). Notes range from butterscotch, vanilla oak, marmalade, orange, brown sugar, honey and spices. Suitable neat or in Old Fashioned.
• Distiller’s Select – 62.3% ABV / 124.6 Proof. Distillery-selected Single Barrel with notes of cherry, fig, orange zest, spices and caramel.
• Brigid’s First Batch – 50% ABV / 100 Proof. Limited bottling from the first fermentation and use of a 1000-gallon still.
• The Commander’s Own – 43% ABV / 86 Proof. Blended whiskey with Minnesota-malt and older whiskey; notes of mandarin, toffee, clove, vanilla and caramel; a portion of proceeds goes to The 34th Infantry Division Association.
• SMarch Select – 60.5% ABV / 121 Proof. Collaborative release with Stephanie March featuring caramelized citrus, toasted oak, marmalade and mint.

Visit / Experiences

• Distillery in Northeast Minneapolis; Cocktail Room and Bottle Shop; 21+ and ID check. The Cocktail Room is temporarily closed for renovation and remodeling; Bottle Shop is open Thursday and Friday from 2-6 PM. Tours and private events can be arranged, including Guided Distillery Tours & Tastings with 10-20% off bottle purchases on the day. There are various rooms for events, including Terrace and Chapter Room; catering and vendors can be arranged. The brand also highlights accessibility through WeCo.

Philosophy

• Made From Minnesota – our whiskey is made with respect for Minnesota's natural resources: Mississippi water, Great Plains barley, Minnesota White Oak and boreal peat bogs.
• No Fake Flavors. No Shortcuts. – our approach to craftsmanship and flavor is based on innovation and dedication; the brand is described as a company with conviction and belief to deliver top quality without compromise.
• Background and inspiration – Brother Justus is mentioned as a bootlegging monk, whose legend inspires making whiskey that connects community and history; Minnesota 13 and Prohibition are mentioned as part of the history.