Crooked Water Spirits is more than a distillery; it’s a love story between passion, community, and craft. Founded by Heather Manley, a self-described serial entrepreneur, Crooked Water was born from her drive to innovate and connect. “Spirits clicked for me after tasting a craft spirit in 2012 that completely changed my perspective on what the experience could be,” Manley shared. “That one sip inspired me to create something extraordinary in an industry I felt was stagnant.”
Fast-forward to today, Crooked Water Spirits boasts over 60 awards and a product lineup that spans bourbons, gins, and ready-to-pour cocktails—all crafted with care and innovation. The name, inspired by Manley’s Minnetrista roots, is a nod to Minnesota's history. “‘Minne’ means water and ‘trista’ means crooked in Dakota language. It felt like the perfect fit for a brand that celebrates authenticity and character,” she explained.
Heather’s journey with Sun Country Airlines began with a bold move—a cold call. “I reached out to ask if local products had ever been featured on flights,” she said. The response was enthusiastic, and a partnership was born. While there was a brief pause during Sun Country’s restructuring, fate (and a chance meeting) brought Crooked Water back onboard with Manley’s Old Fashioned becoming a signature in-flight offering. “Seeing our cocktail on Sun Country flights makes all the hard work worth it,” Manley added. “Travelers often reach out to say they discovered us mid-flight, and it’s the best feeling.”
For those experiencing Manley’s Old Fashioned for the first time, Heather offers simple advice: “It’s all about balance. We proof it high so it holds up beautifully over ice, and I recommend enjoying it with just a twist of orange zest if you have one.” (And yes, you can bring an orange through TSA security.) She calls it a “conversation cocktail”—timeless, approachable, and crafted to bring people together.
As a Minnesota-based small business, the partnership with Sun Country Airlines feels personal. “It’s not just about selling spirits; it’s about celebrating local pride and connecting with our community,” Heather said. Crooked Water’s journey has been shaped by this kind of connection, with community support propelling the brand forward. “Small Business Saturday is especially meaningful to us. It’s a reminder of the champions who share our story and help us grow.”
Beyond flights, Crooked Water Spirits can be found at over 400 liquor stores across Minnesota, including local favorites like France 44 Liquors, South Lyndale Liquors, and Trader Joe’s. Each bottle reflects Crooked Water’s dedication to exceptional flavor and quality, from bourbons aged in rare, single-use casks to ready-to-pour cocktails crafted with custom ingredients designed for their unique recipes.
This holiday season, Heather is excited to see Crooked Water become part of family traditions. “Knowing our spirits are on someone’s table during the holidays is an honor,” she said. For Heather, the holidays are also a time to embrace the cozy magic of Minnesota—from pop-up markets to festive, over-the-top holiday bars. “It’s my favorite time of year!” she exclaimed.
Heather’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Stay authentic and lead with passion. “We reinvest 100% of our earnings back into the business to keep pushing boundaries,” she said. It’s this focus on craftsmanship and community that keeps Crooked Water Spirits thriving in a competitive industry.
So next time you’re on a Sun Country flight, raise your glass of Manley’s Old Fashioned. You’re not just sipping a cocktail; you’re experiencing the heart of Minnesota in every drop.
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