Located in the heart of Minnesota, Flying Dutchman Spirits has quickly become a standout destination for craft spirits and unforgettable experiences. In my recent conversation with Jonathon Nelson, the owner and president of Flying Dutchman, I had the chance to learn about the distillery’s unique processes, their dedication to quality, and their exciting new addition — pizza — which has already been serving customers. 

The Passion Behind Flying Dutchman Spirits 

Jonathon Nelson, a dedicated visionary in the world of spirits, shared the driving force behind Flying Dutchman’s creation. “We started this because we were passionate about distilling. It’s about quality and craft,” Jonathon explained. He emphasized that Flying Dutchman Spirits is not just about selling drinks but about creating an environment where customers can truly experience and appreciate the art of distilling. 

The distillery’s philosophy is simple but powerful: to produce high-quality, handcrafted spirits that stand out in a market flooded with options. Flying Dutchman’s commitment to producing distinctive spirits is evident not just in their attention to detail but also in the way they handle every aspect of the process, from sourcing ingredients to final production. 

A Closer Look at the Distillery Process 

I had the privilege of speaking with Mackenzie, the distiller at Flying Dutchman, who walked me through the fascinating and meticulous distillation process. “We get our agave from Jalisco, Mexico, and it’s shipped here in 200-gallon drums,” Mackenzie explained. “This agave nectar is special because it doesn’t require any enzymes to break it down. It’s ready to ferment right away.” 

The fermentation process can take up to three weeks, depending on the weather, with Mackenzie and her team ensuring that the temperature is carefully maintained to keep the yeast happy and the fermentation moving smoothly. Once the fermentation is complete, the team uses pot distillation — a method that ensures maximum flavor retention and results in a product that retains the unique, spicy and cinnamon-like notes of agave. 

Mackenzie also introduced me to the concepts of “heads, hearts, and tails,” which are terms used during the distillation process to describe different phases of alcohol collection. “The heads are discarded because they’re unpleasant and harsh. The hearts are what we drink, and the tails contain Fusel oils, which give the spirit legs and flavor,” she explained. “By keeping the hearts and discarding the heads and tails, we ensure that every drop that makes it into the bottle is of the highest quality.” 

Flying Dutchman produces a range of spirits, from their 100% blue agave spirit (which they can’t technically call tequila due to regulations) to vodka, gin, rum, and even a specialty apple brandy. The distillery has become known for its unique, flavorful products, with their agave spirit and gin standing out as crowd favorites. Mackenzie takes pride in Flying Dutchman's grain to glass craft in the production process, ensuring the spirits are of highest quality for their guests. 

Craft Cocktails and Pizza Pairings 

Flying Dutchman isn’t just about spirits; it’s also about creating an exceptional experience for customers. The team has crafted a menu of cocktails that utilize their spirits, offering everything from simple classics to complex, inventive drinks. The distillery also has a cocktail list that includes around 500 different drink options, which bartenders can experiment with and perfect. 

And now, Flying Dutchman Spirits is offering something new that adds even more value to their guests’ experiences: pizza. This new addition has already made its debut, and it’s been a hit with guests who are looking for a tasty bite to pair with their craft cocktails. 

“We’ve always wanted to offer something to complement our drinks, and pizza felt like the perfect fit,” Jonathon shared. “It’s casual, shareable, and perfect for enjoying with friends. Plus, it pairs beautifully with our cocktails.” 

The new pizza menu is already available, and it's quickly becoming a favorite. Whether you're enjoying a gin and tonic or sipping on their signature blue agave spirit, the pizza offers a delicious and satisfying pairing. “It’s all about providing a well-rounded experience,” Jonathon continued. “And pizza adds that new dimension to what we’re already offering.” 

The Flying Dutchman Team 

The team at Flying Dutchman Spirits is small but mighty. Jonathon explained that it’s Mackenzie (their master distiller), Katie (handles their events and experiences), John (their  trade marketing manager), and Michael (their Food and Beverage Manager.. Despite the relatively small team, Flying Dutchman has been able to grow and offer high-quality spirits, with the help of some part-time staff and seasonal workers. “It’s a great group of people who are passionate about what they do,” Jonathon shared. “Everyone wears a lot of hats, and it makes for an exciting work environment.” 

Future Plans: Expanding Hours and Events 

Looking to the future, Flying Dutchman has some exciting plans in the works. Flying Dutchman is now open on Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm and will be serving a variety of Bloody Mary's with their different spirit offerings. Additionally, Jonathon shared that they are always working to improve their offerings and events. 

The Flying Dutchman Spirits distillery recently hosted its highly anticipated Ugly Sweater Party, and it was a resounding success! Decked out in extravagant holiday decorations, the distillery created a festive backdrop for an evening filled with laughter, creativity, and delicious holiday-inspired drinks. Guests enjoyed a selection of six holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails while mingling to the sounds of a live DJ. 

A highlight of the night was the Ugly Sweater contest, where attendees showcased their most creative and outrageous holiday attire for a chance to win prizes. Adding to the festive fun, Santa himself made an appearance, posing for memorable photos with guests right in the distillery. 

Now that January is here, Flying Dutchman Spirits is embracing the start of the new year with something for everyone, including those observing Dry January. They’ve introduced a selection of innovative mocktails to their menu, with ten refreshing options available. And for an extra treat, $5 Mocktail Mondays are the perfect way to enjoy these expertly crafted non-alcoholic beverages. 

Whether you’re looking for the next great cocktail or exploring the world of mocktails, Flying Dutchman Spirits offers something unique for every taste. Be sure to visit and see what’s on the menu! 

The Flying Dutchman Difference 

What really sets Flying Dutchman apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. As Jonathon put it, "We’re trying to do something different and provide an experience that people can’t get anywhere else.” Whether it’s their handcrafted spirits, the new pizza menu, or their commitment to customer service, Flying Dutchman is a place that’s truly about more than just drinking — it’s about enjoying a memorable experience. 

If you haven’t visited Flying Dutchman Spirits yet, it’s time to stop by and see what all the excitement is about. With a variety of high-quality spirits, delicious cocktails and mocktails, a new pizza menu, and plenty of exciting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

If you're interested in having an interview for a member blog, please email Grace Leapaldt at grace.leapaldt@epchamber.org for more details!