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Michael and Cheri

MICHAEL SWANSON + CHERI REESE, OWNERS

Michael and Cheri returned home after 25 years and built Far North Spirits in 2013 on the family’s 100-year-old farm. Michael is a fourth generation Minnesota farmer and the first in his family to marry farming with distilling.

They envisioned a portfolio of spirits focused on provenance: heritage and non-GMO grains, rich Red River Valley soil, pristine Lake Agassiz aquifer water, expertly-made Minnesota barrels, and their own Scandinavian heritage. They steadfastly believe in making the best spirits they possibly can.

Michael oversees all aspects of production from the seeds that are planted in the fields to the spirits that are put in the bottle. Cheri manages brand and PR strategy.

Michael’s background includes research, technical service, sales and marketing in Denver and St. Paul. He holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a BS in biology/chemistry from Concordia College, Moorhead. Cheri spent 20 years in public relations in Minneapolist-St.Paul prior to starting Far North Spirits. She holds a BA in English from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. 

They spend every spare minute with their brood of critters –Weston, Millie, Ryely, Boo and Eeep.

 

FAVORITE COCKTAIL
MICHAEL: Sazerac  CHERI: Negron

STEVE GJERDE, PRODUCTION MANAGER

Steve makes it happen at Far North. With more than 25 years experience in manufacturing, he helms our operations and keeps the gin, rum and whiskey flowing. He joined Far North in November 2021.

FAVORITE COCKTAIL: Sazerac with Roknar Sauternes cask finish

DEAN LIPINKSI, ASSISTANT DISTILLER

Dean is doing great things in production, distilling and behind the bar at Far North Spirits. A Hallock native who has a multitude of hobbies, he’s been with Far North since May 2019. He enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing. He’s a lover of games of all sorts, including card, board and video games. He’s also a huge Minnesota Vikings fan and loves to play a round of Frisbee golf.

FAVORITE COCKTAIL: Big Ginger

 

JOHN BEDELL, NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR

John oversees our national sales strategy, working with distributor partners and opening new markets. He grew up in the city that’s so nice they named it twice: New York, New York. It’s there that he first met Cheri and Mike, while working as the Craft Spirits Manager at T Edward Wines, Far North’s NYC distributor. He is passionate about connecting drinkers to what goes into their glass and is ecstatic to share the story of Hallock and the Swanson farm far and wide.

He and his wife Helen are now living in California with their two young daughters – the current soundtrack to their life is anything from Elmo’s song catalogue.

 

FAVORITE COCKTAIL: ÅLANDER AFTER DARK

AARON ALBEE, BRAND AMBASSADOR

Aaron is Far North’s brand ambassador in Minneapolis-St. Paul. He interned with Far North in 2014 and brings his knowledge of production and distilling with him to every metro-area tasting.

He is passionate about craft spirits and experimenting with cocktails, often enlisting wife Meghan to distinguish subtle flavor differences among his original cocktail creations. Their furry brood rivals Mike and Cheri’s both in volume and demands.

You can find him on weekends pouring Far North Spirits and spinning a tale or two.

FAVORITE COCKTAIL: The Last Word