This winter had created a need for something stronger than beer but lighter than Glögg.

Enter my favorite Boreal Cedar Gin from Vikre Distillery in Duluth.

The award-winning micro-distillery also makes Boreal Juniper Gin, Boreal Spruce Gin, and Øvrevann Aquavit.

Located in Canal Park, adjacent to the aerial lift bridge, it is housed in a warmly lit, two-level tasting room that gets crowded fast.

But don’t let the long line discourage you, it’s worth the wait for the ambiance alone.

I’ve been in love with this place since I first saw the caption on their website.

It reads: “A town still hiding rumrunners tunnels from prohibition. A lake so compelling that people tattoo its outline on their bodies. A Norwegian girl who dreams in flavors. And an American boy who can distill dreams into reality.”

I know, right?!

They have mason jars on the walls, filled with the local grains and ingredients and they even use the clean, cold water of Lake Superior in production.

I’m pretty particular when it comes to alcohol, so I always have to have friends along to try things so that if I don’t like something, they inherit my glass.

Not the case here.

My first love came in the form of Girl From North Country (cedar gin, grenadine, spiced pear liqueur, lemon), one of Vikre’s creative cocktails. They keep up with the chummy namesakes with the Norse Reviver, Gender-Neutral_Hattan and the Aquabeet It.

If you haven’t stopped in yet, add it to your Northwoods bucket list.