History

Crooked Water Spirits was founded out of a fascination with handmade spirits in 2013. Heather Manley experienced a memorable encounter with a local, small-batch spirit and was inspired by a micro vs macro approach that would make spirits more accessible while raising expectations.

In 2013 Heather explored several distilleries in the Midwest and formed a partnership with a distillery in Madison, WI. The owner Nick had many years of experience and could run Crooked Water on his terms with complex and unique recipes. In 2023 production moved home to Minnesota, and Crooked Water Spirits began to collaborate exclusively in Minnesota with Panther Distillery for storage and blending of products. The company is thus 100% owned and produced in Minnesota.

Production and Manufacturing

Crooked Water Spirits focuses on quality, innovation and the experience as the cornerstone of its approach. The products are often high-proof to provide the best tasting experience, and emphasis is placed on unique recipes, cask finishing and aging.

Some of the production details in our range include a focus on small-batch and handmade approaches, for example L’eau Grand vodka which is double-column distilled in small batches. The production relationship in Minnesota with Panther Distillery contributes to storage and assembly of products since 2023, underscoring the company’s 100% Minnesota-owned and -produced profile.

Products / Whisky Series

• Gin
• Abyss (57% ABV, London Dry) with notes of a deep juniper, Cedar tips and rosemary as well as nuances of sea grass, wild cherry bark and blackberries.
• Sundog (43% ABV) – citrus-forward gin with fresh grapefruit and orange, crafted in small batches.
• Gluten-free: Yes for both gin variants.
• Vodka
• Simple (46% ABV) – artisanal premium vodka, clean and smooth, gluten-free.
• L’eau Grand (French Oak Finished Wheat Vodka, 45% ABV) – 100% winter wheat, deeper character with caramel and vanilla from its own wood, double-column distillation in small batches.
• Gluten-free: Yes for both vodkas.
• Bourbon
• Kings Point (45% ABV) – straight bourbon finished in port cask; silky texture and vanilla in the finish.
• Old Hell Roaring (45% ABV) – double oak aging and smoky notes; bold style with deep vanilla and burnt caramel.
• Lost Lake (45% ABV) – sherry cask finish (30-year Spanish Oloroso); sophisticated color, aroma and flavor, crisp and smooth – notes of sherry.
• Manley’s Old Fashioned – Ready-to-pour Old Fashioned based on their signature bourbon with demerara and bitters.
• Brandy
• MinneApple (43% ABV) – apple brandy with finish in bourbon-, port- and French oak barrels; Honeycrisp apples, especially around autumn mood.

Visits and Experiences

Crooked Water Spirits over the years has hosted and been the host of various events and educational activities. Examples from the events section include Cocktail Tasting Dinner in Stillwater, a cocktail class at Lela’s Restaurant in the Minneapolis area, food tastings and spirit-tasting events at Central Ave Liquors and St. Boni Liquor, as well as events such as Art of Vodka III and other networking and lunch/dinner events in the Minneapolis area. These events highlight a range of experiential opportunities to learn about and enjoy Crooked Water Spirits.

Philosophy

Crooked Water Spirits operates on three core values: Quality, Innovation and Experience. They aim for products that exceed expectations and push boundaries with unique recipes, cask finishing and aging. The company focuses on high alcohol content for the optimal flavor experience, and if a lower percentage is desired, it is up to the consumer to dilute themselves. They are proud to have a strong, distinctive character and an experience that elevates the drinking experience.