Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Proof Artisan Distillers is North Dakota’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, headquartered in Fargo and operated under the leadership of founder Joel Kath. The distillery has established itself as a premium producer of craft spirits that emphasize regional grain sourcing, traditional distilling techniques, and cultural storytelling. Proof Artisan Distillers combines Midwest heritage with innovative spirit design to deliver award-winning whiskey, vodka, gin, and specialty collaborations.

Core Business

Proof Artisan Distillers operates a full-scale grain-to-glass distillery with an emphasis on regional terroir, small-batch production, and authentic craft processes. The business model is rooted in full vertical integration—from locally sourced grains to in-house fermentation, distillation, barreling, and bottling. The company distributes both through direct-to-consumer tasting room sales and regional and national retail distribution networks.

Product and Service Offerings

Whiskeys

• Glen Fargo American Malt Whiskey: Made from 100% North Dakota malted barley; aged in charred American oak.
• Crooked Furrow Bourbon: A straight bourbon whiskey with a high corn content and bold grain-forward flavor.
• Harvest Blend Bourbon: Seasonal small batch that blends multiple aged barrels for complexity.

Gin

• Minions Gin: A juniper-forward craft gin infused with hand-selected botanicals.
• Minions Barrel Reserve Gin: Aged version of Minions, rested in used whiskey barrels for added depth.

Vodka

• 2 Docks Vodka: Distilled from corn; clean, gluten-free, and charcoal-filtered for smoothness.

Specialty Spirits

• Motörhead Ace of Spades Bourbon: An exclusive collaboration with the legendary rock band, offering bold spice and barrel-aged intensity.

All spirits are handcrafted in micro-batches, and several have received regional and national accolades for quality.

Specialization and USP

Proof Artisan Distillers sets itself apart through:

• Grain-to-Glass Operations: All base alcohols are distilled in-house using North Dakota grains.
• Local Sourcing: Partners with North Dakota farmers to use high-quality barley, corn, and rye.
• Aging Program: In-house barrel aging in American oak under controlled climate conditions.
• Innovation Collaborations: The Motörhead-branded bourbon exemplifies its creative partnerships.

The distillery’s USP lies in authentically produced, terroir-reflective spirits with bold branding and deep flavor profiles.

Financial Insights

Though privately held, available indicators suggest strong regional growth:

• Estimated production capacity: 50,000+ proof gallons per year
• Distribution through 20+ U.S. states and multiple retail chains
• Average retail pricing: $35–$60 per bottle, positioning products in the premium tier
• Tasting room and distillery tours add a key revenue stream and brand engagement platform

Craft spirit market trends continue to support growth in premium domestic producers, particularly with provenance-focused positioning.

Shipment and Market Reach

Proof Artisan Distillers products are distributed through:

• Retail liquor outlets across multiple U.S. states
• On-premise accounts, including bars, restaurants, and hotels
• Direct-to-consumer sales at its Fargo-based tasting room
• Limited international exports in select markets with U.S. whiskey interest

The company maintains strategic distribution partnerships and showcases at national spirit expos and competitions.

Target Market

Key customer segments include:

• Craft whiskey and bourbon enthusiasts
• Gin and cocktail connoisseurs
• Midwestern and regional pride buyers
• Music and lifestyle audiences via Motörhead product line

Hospitality and retail buyers value the grain-forward uniqueness and small-batch production ethics of Proof Artisan spirits.

Capabilities

• 100% in-house distillation with custom-built stills
• Climate-controlled barrel storage
• Custom labeling, private barrel selections, and limited editions
• Tasting room with retail and tour experiences
• Co-branding and celebrity spirit development capacity

Certifications and Compliance

• All spirits labeled under TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) regulations
• State compliance for wholesale and retail distribution
• Facility licensed and registered with North Dakota State Alcohol Enforcement

Customer Testimonials

Customer feedback reflects widespread brand appreciation:

• “The Glen Fargo malt whiskey is world-class. Bold and complex.”
• “Minions Gin is our go-to for craft cocktails—unique yet approachable.”
• “Motörhead Bourbon doesn’t just look good—it’s deliciously bold.”

These testimonials reflect the brand's reputation for both flavor integrity and creative edge.

Major Achievements

• Named one of the Top 50 Craft Distilleries in the Midwest by regional media
• Exclusive collaboration with Motörhead—a first-of-its-kind music-spirit crossover in the region
• Released North Dakota’s first American malt whiskey, gaining national attention
• Developed a robust tasting room and regional event series that draws tourists and enthusiasts
• Featured in major spirit expos including American Craft Spirits Association events and WhiskeyFest Midwest

Proof Artisan Distillers continues to shape the future of American craft distilling by combining regional pride, bold innovation, and meticulous craftsmanship—producing spirits that resonate with quality, heritage, and authenticity.