Brother Justus Whiskey Company, a Minneapolis-based craft distillery, has just dropped the third edition of its highly praised Founder’s Reserve series, and it’s a bottle that demands attention. This cask-strength American single malt, clocking in at a bold 125 proof and priced at $129.99, is more than just a whiskey—it’s a taste of Minnesota’s rugged landscapes and innovative spirit. With only a limited number of bottles available, this release is already creating a buzz among whiskey lovers who crave something unique.
A Blend That Tells a Story
The third Founder’s Reserve is a masterful blend of whiskeys aged to perfection. Two-thirds of the mix comes from whiskey aged for three years and 100 days in new, medium-char 30-gallon casks, while the other third is drawn from younger whiskey aged one year and 150 days in smaller, medium-char five-gallon casks. This combination creates a complex flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced, showcasing the distillery’s skill in crafting something truly special.
What sets this whiskey apart is its deep connection to Minnesota. Brother Justus uses only local ingredients, from the barley grown in the state’s fertile prairies to the water pulled from the limestone-filtered headwaters of the Mississippi River. Even the barrels are made from Minnesota white oak, grown in the cold climate that gives the wood a tight grain and unique flavor. This commitment to local sourcing isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a deliberate choice to capture the essence of the land in every sip.
A Flavor Journey Like No Other
Pour a glass of Founder’s Reserve 3, and you’re greeted with an inviting aroma of fresh orange and candied cherry, laced with a subtle hint of caramel. Take a sip, and the palate explodes with rich notes of candied orange peel, cherry vanilla cream, and a touch of lemon drizzle cake. The finish lingers with toasted hazelnut and a faint, almost ghostly wisp of campfire smoke that adds depth without overpowering the fruit-forward profile.
At 62.5% ABV, this whiskey doesn’t pull punches. It’s bold and intense, yet surprisingly smooth for its strength. The distillery’s seven-day fermentation process and high-proof distillation strip away heavier, oilier flavors, leaving behind a clean, vibrant spirit that highlights bright caramel and fruity hard candy notes. It’s a whiskey that’s equally at home sipped neat by a fire or mixed into a cocktail that needs a little extra muscle.
The Vision Behind the Bottle
Phil Steger, the founder and CEO of Brother Justus, is the driving force behind this release. His goal was to create a whiskey that goes beyond the ordinary, exploring the full range of flavors that Minnesota’s natural resources can offer. “Our Founder’s Reserve series allows us to explore the broad horizons of flavor that simple Minnesota water, malt, and oak can produce together, beyond the profiles of our core products,” Steger explains. This isn’t just about making whiskey—it’s about crafting a liquid love letter to the state he calls home.
Steger’s approach is rooted in innovation. The distillery’s careful distillation techniques and use of smaller casks for part of the blend allow for faster flavor extraction, giving the whiskey a depth that belies its relatively short aging time. The result is a spirit that feels mature and refined, yet fresh and forward-thinking.
A Rising Star in American Whiskey
The Founder’s Reserve series has already made waves in the whiskey world. The 2024 edition (Founder’s Reserve 2) scored an impressive 98 points and was a finalist for best-in-class at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, proving that Brother Justus is a serious player in the growing American single malt category. This third release builds on that success, pushing the boundaries of what a craft whiskey can be.
Unlike traditional Scotch or bourbon, American single malt is still a relatively new category, giving distilleries like Brother Justus the freedom to experiment and innovate. By focusing on 100% Minnesota pale ale malted barley and local oak, they’ve created a whiskey that’s distinctly American while still nodding to the single malt tradition. It’s a perfect example of how craft distilleries are redefining whiskey in the U.S., one bottle at a time.
Where to Get It
If you’re itching to try Founder’s Reserve 3, you’ve got a few options. The whiskey is available for purchase online with shipping to most states, though you’ll want to act fast—previous releases have sold out quickly. You can also pick up a bottle at Brother Justus’s distillery and cocktail room in Northeast Minneapolis, where you can soak in the atmosphere and maybe even try a pour before you buy. For those in Minnesota, the whiskey will soon be hitting shelves at local liquor stores, so keep an eye out.
If you’re hoping to snag a bottle of the 2024 Founder’s Reserve 2, you’d better hurry—only a few remain. The inaugural 2023 release is long gone, a testament to the distillery’s growing fanbase and the quality of its craft.
Why It Matters
Brother Justus isn’t just making whiskey; they’re telling a story of place and passion. Every element of Founder’s Reserve 3, from the barley to the barrels, is a celebration of Minnesota’s natural bounty. For whiskey drinkers who value authenticity and bold flavors, this release is a must-try. It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience, one that captures the spirit of a state and the vision of a distillery that’s doing things its own way.
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey collector or just someone who enjoys a good pour after a long day, Brother Justus Founder’s Reserve 3 offers something special. Its vibrant fruit notes, subtle smokiness, and cask-strength intensity make it a versatile addition to any bar. So grab a bottle, pour a glass, and taste what happens when Minnesota’s land and a distiller’s ambition come together.
