About Us
The Maple River Distillery opened last december 2009 by Greg and Susan Kempel. There are many different spirits that are produced such as; vodkas, cordials, and fruit brandies. Everything is produced in small quantities using local fruits from North Dakota. Some items will only have between 4-5 bottle production runs. There is about 2 pounds of rhubarb in the vodka 750ml and about 4 pounds in the cordial 750ml.
Current Products include:
Rhubarb Vodka,
Rhubarb Cordial,
Chokecherry Vodka
Chokecherry Cordial
Wild Plum Cordial
Brandies include:
Aronia
Apple
Chokecherry
Wild Plum
Pear
Red Current
Black Current
Strawberry
What is a Cordial?
It is a liquer that is distilled and hs somthing added to it, such as Bailey's is an Irish creme liqueur. Rhubarb cordial is a liqueur with rhubarb in it. Chokecherry, wild plum, etc.
What is in Rhubarb Vodka?
Grandma's secret recipe. Combination of local products including over 2 pounds of rhubarb in each 750ml.
What is the difference between Cordal and Wine?
Wine is fermented fruit with yeast and sugar. Cordials are a product that is distilled at a temperature of 173 degrees. Water boils at 212. Methanol (icky stuff comes out at about 168) fusel oils come out at about 180-185 at this elevation. Those are the nasty buggers that give you a handover. That is also the big difference between good vodka and lesser priced vodka. Lesser priced vodka will contain more fusel oils.
How long will it last after opened?
A good year in the refrigeratior. It's best served chilled.
Tasting room is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm on Historic Downtown Casselton's Front Street, just down from the Winery.