History

Little Round Still is a Minnesota-based distillery in Wadena, located in the heart of potato production and surrounded by world-class white oak. The company claims to control its own destiny by having key resources in-house, which they believe improves quality. The two founders met at a stave-sawmill and shared a common interest in bourbon and oak, which led to a friendship and a dream to produce a world-class bourbon and have fun. The story describes an approach where craftsmanship and local identity are at the center, and where Minnesota's rich heritage of forests and water becomes part of the brand.

Production/Manufacturing

The production team claims to use 100% potato-based vodka and a small-batch approach. Our Minnesota grain gets only fresh water and caring attention through the entire growth cycle, and the process is described as grinding, fermentation with fresh filtered water, filtration of the grain, and pressing the leftovers to maximize yield and minimize waste. There is an emphasis on reducing wastewater and environmental impact. In addition to vodka, rum and whiskey are produced, including spiced rum, white rum and whiskey, supported by references to products such as Boathouse Bourbon, 8-year Rye finished in Andean Oak, and Gunflint Whiskey. There is also mention of using new white oak barrels and of staves (oak infusion staves) for specific products, as well as a strong focus on local talent and environmentally friendly initiatives. Engraving of barrels and laser engraving of barrel heads are mentioned as part of production and the customer experience.

Products/Whisky Series

• Barrel-Select Whiskey (including use of recycled casks and a secret oak infusion stave approach to flavor)
• Boathouse Bourbon
• Barrel-Select Bourbon (single barrel pick)
• Barrel-Select Rye (single barrel pick)
• 8-year Rye finished in Andean Oak
• Gunflint Whiskey
• 8-year Rye and Andean Oak refer to an aging process and finish that adds spicy and floral notes
• Other spirit varieties mentioned in the material include Rhuberry (vodka infused with rhubarb and strawberry) and Habango (vodka infused with habanero and mango), as well as Oak Dokie and spiced/white rum and oak-inspired products. (Note: the focus here is on the whisky/whiskey range; other products are mentioned only as context.)

Visits/Experiences

There is a tasting room at Little Round Still, located just steps from the production area, where you can sample spirits and purchase bottles in 375 ml or 750 ml sizes. According to Minnesota law, the daily shop sales are limited per person. There is also a gift barrel offer: personalized 2.5-gallon barrels with 6 or 12 bottles of whiskey to fill them, including a new chrome-plated white oak barrel and accessories such as a steel spigot and silicone stopper. Laser engraving of barrel heads is offered via a separate page, where the design can be customized and shown as a digital proof before engraving begins. In addition, there is a gallery of design ideas for barrel heads and the option to customize with names, logos or other details. Our commitment to the customer experience continues with a note about 14 days production time due to Minnesota's alcohol regulations, and a follow-up from the company to gather engraving details.

Philosophy

Little Round Still describes itself as part of a new wave of craft spirits seeking to move away from mass-produced brands through craftsmanship and local identity. The company highlights the use of in-house resources to ensure quality and reduce environmental impact through small-batch processes and a clean approach to fermentation and filtration. Emphasis is placed on Minnesota heritage, forests and water as an emotional connection to the brand, as well as a story that began with wood and a desire to have fun, while striving to deliver unique and character-filled spirit experiences.