Far North Spirits’ Roknar Ups Craft Rye Whiskey Game

A new rye whiskey from Minnesota that heralds from a farm distillery near the Canadian border is now out to market. Known as Roknar, we first highlighted this whiskey back in February, the release is a signature spirit for whiskey maker Far North Spirits.

Far North Spirits’ Roknar is described by the distillery as a single estate Minnesota rye whiskey from a true “field-to-glass” operation. Its mash bill is made up of non-GMO AC Hazlet winter rye and Minnesota 13 heirloom corn planted and harvested by head distiller Michael Swanson from land adjacent to the distilling operation. There’s also a small amount of malted barley in the mix.

Roknar was aged for just one year in 10-gallon, charred oak barrels and then finished in “a combination of 40 year-old Remy Martin XO Cognac casks from France and Oloroso Sherry casks from Spain.” The resulting whiskey, bottled at 95 proof, has been released in limited numbers totaling just 250 cases.

Should you seek out a bottle of Roknar, a few places are selling it online for between $45 and $50. Limited official tasting notes are below, along with a little video on the whiskey, for your consideration. The name of this spirit, by the way, means warrior in Scandinavian.

Bold and rich with notes of toffee and caramel, leather and spice, with added complexity from the cognac and sherry finish. 

FAR NORTH SPIRITS introduces Roknar Minnesota Rye Whiskey from Far North Spirits on Vimeo.