May 31, 2016
Bill Miller, Owner of J. Carver Distillery
Pioneering a new Minnesota industry

The idea for J. Carver Distillery began when Bill's brother Matt, an upstate New York distiller, encouraged Bill's interest in the industry. At the time Bill was semi-retired from the financial industry.  When more favorable laws were enacted in Minnesota allowing the startup of micro-distilleries, Bill began to explore the concept with Gina Holman.  Her knowledge of the Minnesota spirits marketplace, combined with Matt's distilling experience and Bill's desire to a fun second career resulted in the 6/13 birth of what is now the state's largest micro-distillery.  J. Carver is named after Jonathan Carver, the same Minnesota River Valley explorer that Carver County is named for.  The name reflects the business partners' strategy of local collaboration, exploration and discovery of different and improved spirits developed from grains, barrels, and aromatics available in Minnesota. 

The start-up currently has nine active employees and sells 12 well-received products in liquor stores, restaurants and drinking establishments. A Cocktail & Tasting room opened for public hours and  private and corporate events in 6/15, after new legislation made that possible. EPAM member Jen Loon will team up with Bill for our discussion if her legislative schedule allows.