Craft Distilleries Starting To Simmer In Minnesota

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota is beginning to catch up on the national craft spirits boom as a new distillery prepares to open on the site of the old Hamm's Brewery in St. Paul

One reason is a 2011 change in state law that drastically lowered the cost of starting a small distillery in Minnesota.

The 11 Wells distillery is going into the Hamm's site. Co-owner Lee Egbert says Minnesota grows great grain and corn, and is known for its water. So he says it only makes sense that Minnesota will become a significant whiskey producer.

Leah Hutchinson, spokeswoman for the American Craft Distillers Association, says the craft spirits boom stems from the trend of consumers who prefer to eat and drink locally made products.