On August 19th, we had the privilege of introducing our guests to a brand new North Dakota distillery. Proof Artisan Distillers is Fargo’s only distillery. Depending on how you define ‘distillery’, Proof is really the State of North Dakota’s only distillery, for sure they are the only one making whiskey. Featuring hand-crafted gins, vodka and whiskeys (be patient for the whiskey, it is currently aging to perfection), Proof is bringing high quality spirits with locally sourced ingredients to the good people of the northern plains.
In fact, we are excited to partner with Proof to provide locally grown corn for their whiskey. Olivia Stenvold, our Lodge Manager, and her husband Austin Stenvold are providing high quality, non-GMO corn, grown right on their farm for Proof. You will be able to stock your cabinet with a bottle of North Dakota made whiskey in 2016. Stay tuned.
Our Tapas & Cocktails event was an infusion of food, drinks and entertainment. Joel Kath, owner and founder of Proof Artisan Distillers, greeted our guests and shared stories from his experience launching his new business.
Chef Judd Eskildsen created a menu of eight different tapas (a Spanish style of cuisine consisting of a variety of small portion food items) which were served throughout the evening. Chef Judd described his inspiration for each of the tapas.
Mixologist Elijah Larson provided demonstrations of how to make four craft cocktails using Proof’s hand crafted liquors. Dining guests had the chance to try an event exclusive barrel aged gin which Elijah used to make an amazing ‘old fashioned’ cocktail. Throughout the evening, Elijah gave us all kinds of fascinating history and stories about cocktails in America.
North Dakota singer/songwriter, Jessie Veeder, and her father Gene Veeder provided musical entertainment for the evening. Their folksy americana style was perfect for the event and we are so thankful they made the trek from Watford City all the way to spend the evening with us at the lodge. Jessie made an encore appearance at our Tewaukon Music Festival over Labor Day Weekend.
Finally, we are thrilled to share the latest great news from Proof, which is now open in downtown Fargo. The talented artisans from our Tapas & Cocktails event including Proof owner Joel Kath, Chef Judd Eskildsen and Mixologist Elijah Larson are back together again, but this time its every Thursday through Friday (4pm-10pm) and Saturdays (1pm-10pm) at ‘Proof: The Restaurant’. So, if you missed out on our special evening with Proof, take a trip to downtown Fargo and stop in to say hi to Joel, Judd and Elijah and while you’re there, treat yourself to a great drink, some amazing food and a tour of the distillery!