Sidecar
Fun promo poster
a row of liquor bottles
The 7 yr old bourbon release.
Another fun promo poster
Still
Barrel room
An awesome old fashioned
Tray of beverages
four glasses of whiskey on a wooden tray
the front of the building
interior
drink
The barrels at J. Carver Distillery in Waconia, Minnesota. © Dean Riggott Photography www.riggottphoto.com
interior
interior
Kirk J.
Jan 18, 2025
This place was great! We went with friends as we had never been before because it was far away. Had a couple of cocktails, including the gin and tonic with thyme, a spicy cranberry drink and a winterberry lemonade. All were great. In addition they let us try a few additional cocktails. Gina, one of the owners, shared recipes and talked about the place. Her energy alone is worth the trip down there! If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend getting a couple of drinks there.
Read MoreTracey F.
Jul 16, 2024
Fun distillery with a nice seating space. Saw a group getting ready for a tour and kind of wish my grouo had signed up, it looked like a lot of fun. Next time!We had a couple different beverages. Our server was friendly and helpful figuring out what we all would like. It didn't look like food was available, but could possibly bring in or order from other locations.
Read MoreCaitlyn S.
Dec 4, 2022
I had an INCREDIBLE experience at J.Carver's! I was driving by on my way to an event, and this place had been on my list for a while. I didn't have enough time for a cocktail, but I could make time to pick up a bottle or two. When I walked in, I realized I was there about ten minutes before they actually open. I could totally understand if they would have asked me to wait! But, they let me still shop. A woman, who I assume was the owner, steered me toward the 7-year aged whiskey (only a few bottles left, so I'm glad she told me) and told me all about the change in the laws that let them sell bigger bottles. It's clear she's an AWESOME advocate for better liquor laws in Minnesota (we're so behind the times!). The place itself is so cute. I think it's built into an old mechanic shop. Parking is plentiful, and the tasting room is spacious and seems like it would be an awesome place to get a drink alone at the bar or with friends. Making time for a cocktail here is now on my bucket list. It looks like they host awesome tables for birthdays and celebrations, too, and the whole team was exceedingly friendly. Keep it up, J.Carver!
Read MoreRod S.
Oct 29, 2022
Been here quite a few times, whether driving Mnbeerbus groups or just coming here for cocktails- always top notch! Tonight we went for the unveiling of their first 7 year old bourbon release. Bill, one of the owners gave the very informative and passioned tour, along with tasty sam-les of about six of their bourbons.
Read MoreHoa N.
Mar 8, 2020
Came here through a Groupon deal for a tour and tasting. There were four in our group. Brian was a great guide and educational as well as easy to talk to and ask questions. I didn't care for the tasting flight I had. I'm not a big burbon, whiskey and straight vodka person so it was not very goodb however, the cocktail I had was delicious and easy to drink. No food available just meat and cheese tray. The tap room was busy and we had about 10 people on our tour group. Waconia is a little far for us and so we will stop by when we are in the area.
Read MoreWil G.
Dec 15, 2019
My GF and I got a wild hair and decided to drive out to Waconia to checkout a MN distillery. It's located in the auto service bay of an car dealership. We sampled 7 spirits that they distilled. We both liked their straight rye whiskey the best followed by the barrel gin. We also had a charcuterie board while sampling. If you're out in Waconia stop in to wet your whistle. You won't be disappointed. Cheers
Read MoreChelsea W.
Feb 12, 2017
Cute, clean and modern distillery located in Waconia. My husband and I came here for the first time this past weekend. We got there around 7:30 on a Friday night and were seated with a table right away. They do distillery tours, but we just came to check out the cocktails.I ordered the Minnesota Mule, which was a similar version of a Moscow Mule (without the copper mug). The drink was light and refreshing. My husband ordered the Lakehouse Lemonade, which he also enjoyed. I ordered a Cosmo for my next drink, but I wish I would have stuck with the MN Mule. The Cosmo was so pretty to look at, but just a little too sweet for my taste. Although, I think all cosmos are pretty sweet anywhere you go.This distillery is definitely worth the drive if you live near or far away. My only suggestion would be to keep their doors open a little later on the two days they are open. Interesting fact: the building used to be a car dealership, so they stil have the garage doors and a couple signs left inside -- pretty cool!
Read MoreTommy S.
Feb 23, 2017
this review is not based on the product produced, but rather the experience gained from visiting this distillery. Staff here is very friendly. They want to help you, inform you, and make your stay enjoyable. The tour of operations is fun, educational, and great for groups. The stills and barrel room are impressive. Playing it's part of the agricultural tourism boom in this area....this place is a gem.The tour ends with tastings where the staff is eager to talk you through all the spirits and suggest different drinks. The drinks here are classy and well crafted. - worth the trip to visit, don't miss if you are in the area....look for Groupon deals
Read MoreSteven G.
Dec 31, 2017
This place is great! We came here with some friends and did the tour/sample flights. The staff was very friendly. The owner was the one who actually did the tour, he was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the distilling process. They buy their ingredients locally to help support the local economy which is wonderful. Although I haven't tried all their types of liquor, I'd say the barrel age gin is my favorite. I'll definitely be back!
Read MoreKatie B.
Jan 11, 2025
This place was amazing. I was hesitant at first due to the distance but after making the journey I am already planning my next visit. Our server, Bailey, was an absolute dream. She was so kind and attentive and made our special occasion even better than we imagined. It was my mother's 87th birthday and she was awesome. Charlie was also fantastic. Took us on a quick tour and so accommodating. Everyone at this place is great. Totally recommend.
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