Skaalvenn Distillery | Eppa SupraFruta Sangria
Locally owned and operated Skaalvenn Distillery has all the sensibilities of a high class, metropolitan cocktail lounge, with the attitude and flavors of homegrown Minnesota magic. Founded by Mary and Tyson, the husband and wife super-duo who don't let adversity stop them. Mary comes from a family of Cambodian refugees who came to the US in 1979. She is a full-time esthetician when she is not doing tastings, HR work, and wearing many other hats at Skaalvenn. Tyson enlisted in the US armed forces and has been serving for over 12 years. When he is not on active duty he is spending most of his time at the distillery doing everything from distilling, to photography, to packing product to send out to the Minnesota market.
Skaalvenn recently opened their new cocktail lounge which is open Thursday through Saturdays. The luxurious interior of the cocktail lounge was inspired by Japanese distilleries that spoke to Tyson and Mary while visiting the country. The space has an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur. Skaalvenn's masterful bartenders are ready to serve you a unique and intriguing cocktail made completely with product from in house. These cocktails pack a delicious taste you won't find anywhere else. While they take walk-ins if space is available, your best bet is to place a reservation through Resy on their website to guarantee your spot.
When it comes to the distilling of their product line, Skaalvenn stays true to their Scandinavian roots, while using local grains. Skaalvenn developed their own modern take on Aquavit, bottled at Viking strength (100 proof), this aquavit stands up on its own, with the tasty warmth of caraway, orange peel, and three different types of oak. One of the smoothest rums one can find in Minnesota comes from Skaalvenn, distilled with unrefined cane sugar. This rum is perfect for daiquiris, hurricanes, or any of your favorite rum cocktails.
All distilleries need a good, solid vodka. Skaalvenn is no different, their vodka is smooth and crisp, with a nice clean finish. The story of Skaalvenn's staple Vodka started from a craigslist want ad, when they were looking for a wheat supplier. The response to the ad came from Lee's Seed Farm in Benson, Minnesota, and Skaalvenn has been using their wheat to produce their vodka ever since.
Eppa Sangria is a party in a bottle. This festive and fruity little sangria was crafted by a group of friends whose sole goal was to share their love of a good time with the world.
EPPA is produced in Hopland, California, which is in Mendocino County and regarded as one of the premier organic regions just North of Napa Valley.
Certified organic, Eppa uses a blend of super fruit juices including pomegranate, blueberry, acai, and blood orange; creating a deep red color and robust and fruity flavor, plus, with nearly twice as many antioxidants as other red wines, you can feel good about what you’re drinking.
Eppa white sangria is made from an organic superfruit blend of mangosteen, peach, mango and blood orange juices. Eppa White has nearly 3x the antioxidants of white wine, which is the result of using these real organic superfruit juices.
