Du Nord Social Spirits
Du Nord Social Spirits is a Black-owned craft distillery in Minneapolis producing gluten-free vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs, sold via DTC e-commerce, multi-state wholesale to bars and retailers, and a Delta Air Lines placement for Foundation Vodka, with proceeds supporting the Du Nord Foundation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersMinneapolis, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Du Nord Social Spirits does
Du Nord Social Spirits is a Black-owned craft distillery founded in 2013 in Minneapolis by Chris Montana, recognized as the first Black-owned distillery in the United States. The company produces a portfolio of six small-batch, gluten-free spirits — Foundation Vodka, Prominence Gin, Mixed Blood Whiskey, Prominence Barreled Gin, Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur (made with Peace Coffee cold brew), and Pronounced Apple Liqueur — plus three pre-bundled cocktail kits (Espresso Martini, Minnehaha Mule, Apple Old Fashioned) and branded merchandise. Core production is small-batch craft distilling using real, locally sourced ingredients such as Midwest corn, barley, rye, fresh apple cider, and bike-delivered Peace Coffee cold brew, with the original vodka formula requiring 87 trial runs before launch.
The business operates a multi-channel go-to-market: direct-to-consumer e-commerce through shopdunord.com with nationwide shipping, wholesale distribution to restaurants, bars, and liquor retailers across multiple U.S. states, and a channel-partner placement of Foundation Vodka on Delta Air Lines nationally. Pricing is unit-based at $29.99–$46.99 per 750ml bottle and $66.98–$83.98 per cocktail bundle, with no subscription or licensing model disclosed. The 2021 rebrand from Du Nord Craft Spirits to Du Nord Social Spirits, combined with the founding of the Du Nord Foundation (which distributed nearly $500,000 to BIPOC small businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul via its Recovery Fund, partly funded by Foundation Vodka proceeds), repositions the company around a community-impact mission. Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the company is privately held, founder-led, and shows no institutional funding or acquisition activity in the source material.
Du Nord Social Spirits firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Du Nord Social Spirits
- Legal name
- Du Nord Craft Spirits
- Website
- https://dunordsocialspirits.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Du Nord Social Spirits is a Black-owned craft distillery in Minneapolis producing gluten-free vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs, sold via DTC e-commerce, multi-state wholesale to bars and retailers, and a Delta Air Lines placement for Foundation Vodka, with proceeds supporting the Du Nord Foundation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Du Nord Social Spirits industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Craft Spirits
- NAICS
- Distilleries (312140), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320)
- SIC
- Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Spirits Retail & Whiskey Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAD), Spirits/Cocktail Bars Operated by Producers (THAFALAJ), Spirits Distillery Tours & Tastings (Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka) (THAJAGAF)
Keywords
Where Du Nord Social Spirits is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Minneapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Du Nord Social Spirits business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Spirits direct sales: Direct-to-consumer sales of spirits through e-commerce (shopdunord.com) with 750ml bottles of vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs. One-time purchase model with online checkout.
- Wholesale/retail distribution: Wholesale distribution to restaurants, bars, and retail stores across multiple states. Products sold through store finder and in-store locations.
- Foundation Vodka proceeds: A portion of proceeds from Foundation Vodka sales supports the Du Nord Foundation. The vodka is available on Delta Air Lines nationally.
- Cocktail bundles and merchandise: Pre-bundled cocktail kits (Espresso Martini, Minnehaha Mule, Apple Old Fashioned) and branded merchandise (apparel, glassware, accessories).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Foundation Vodka 750ml |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Prominence Gin 750ml |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mixed Blood Whiskey 750ml |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur 750ml |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pronounced Apple Liqueur 750ml |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Espresso Martini Cocktail Bundle |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Apple Old Fashioned Cocktail Bundle |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Apparel and merchandise |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Du Nord Social Spirits product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Du Nord Social Spirits is a craft distillery producing a portfolio of premium, gluten-free spirits including Foundation Vodka, Prominence Gin, Mixed Blood Whiskey, Prominence Barreled Gin, Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur, and Pronounced Apple Liqueur. Products are made in small batches with real, traceable ingredients such as Peace Coffee cold brew, Midwest corn/barley/rye, Italian juniper, and fresh apple cider, and are sold both directly to consumers via shopdunord.com and through wholesale to restaurants, bars, retail stores, and Delta Air Lines.
Product overview
Du Nord Social Spirits is a Black-owned craft spirits company offering a portfolio of six distinctive spirits: Foundation Vodka (a corn-based vodka supporting the Du Nord Foundation), Prominence Gin (a juniper-forward botanical gin), Mixed Blood Whiskey (a rye-forward bourbon blend), Prominence Barreled Gin (a limited-release whiskey barrel-aged gin), Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur (made with Peace Coffee cold brew), and Pronounced Apple Liqueur (made from fresh apple cider). The company also offers three cocktail bundles (Apple Old Fashioned, Minnehaha Mule, and Espresso Martini) that combine multiple spirits for convenient at-home cocktail making. All products are gluten-free and the company rebranded in 2021 from Du Nord Craft Spirits to Du Nord Social Spirits to reflect its social mission.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Foundation Vodka A 40% ABV (80 PROOF) corn-based vodka with a hint of sweetness, crisp and clean taste. Sales support the Du Nord Foundation. Named as part of the 2021 rebrand (previously L'Etoile Vodka).
- Prominence Gin A 45% ABV (90 PROOF) gin with deep juniper character and botanical soul, using Italian juniper combined with citrus and root botanicals. Named as part of the 2021 rebrand (previously Fitzgerald Gin).
- Mixed Blood Whiskey A 40% ABV (80 PROOF) rye-forward blend of straight bourbon whiskeys with high-rye mashbill, featuring notes of honey, brown sugar, caramel, and rye spice.
- Prominence Barreled Gin A limited release gin aged in whiskey casks, featuring deep vanilla oak notes with botanical soul. ABV varies by batch.
- Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur A 26% ABV (52 PROOF) coffee liqueur made with small-batch roasted cold brew from Peace Coffee, featuring vanilla and chocolate notes.
- Pronounced Apple Liqueur A 30% ABV (60 PROOF) apple liqueur made from fresh apple cider each Fall with classic pie spices, featuring crisp apple, caramel, and warm spice notes.
- Apple Old Fashioned Cocktail Bundle A cocktail bundle featuring Mixed Blood Whiskey and Pronounced Apple Liqueur for making Apple Old Fashioned cocktails, making approximately 12-15 drinks. Priced at $83.98 per bundle.
- Minnehaha Mule Cocktail Bundle A cocktail bundle featuring Pronounced Apple Liqueur and Foundation Vodka for making Minnehaha Mule cocktails, making approximately 12-15 drinks.
- Espresso Martini Cocktail Bundle A cocktail bundle featuring Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur and Foundation Vodka for making Espresso Martinis, making approximately 16 drinks. Priced at $66.98 per bundle.
Quantifiable outcome
- Best Vodka 2021 - WSWA
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Du Nord Social Spirits
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Du Nord Social Spirits technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Du Nord Social Spirits partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.
- Du Nord FoundationcoreThe Du Nord Foundation was established in 2020 by the founders of Du Nord Social Spirits following the murder of George Floyd. The first initiative was the Recovery Fund which distributed nearly $500,000 to BIPOC small businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Proceeds from Foundation Vodka sales support the Foundation's work.
- Peace CoffeecoreLocal Minneapolis roaster providing fair trade, organic cold brew beans that are bike-delivered for Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur production.
- Delta Air LineskeyFoundation Vodka is served on Delta Air Lines flights nationally, providing nationwide distribution visibility and brand exposure.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Du Nord Social Spirits competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Hard Truth Distilling: Hard Truth is a craft distillery producing vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum in Indiana with a similar small-batch, multi-SKU model and emphasis on storytelling. It is directly comparable to Du Nord's craft spirits portfolio and Midwest operational profile.
- Tattersall Distilling: Tattersall is a Minneapolis-based craft distillery producing vodka, gin, and liqueurs with a similar multi-channel DTC and on-premise approach. Direct regional peer sharing Du Nord's home market and craft spirits business model.
- Koval Distillery: Koval is a Chicago-based craft distillery producing whiskey, gin, and liqueurs with an emphasis on organic grains and distinctive brand storytelling. Comparable to Du Nord in craft scale, Midwest origin, and certified/specialty product positioning.
- FEW Spirits: FEW is an Evanston, Illinois craft distillery producing whiskey, gin, and bourbon with a strong craft focus and on-premise presence. Comparable to Du Nord as a Midwest craft spirits brand with award-winning products and direct-to-consumer emphasis.
- Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: Uncle Nearest is a premium Tennessee whiskey brand honoring a Black distiller, with strong social mission branding and broad national distribution. It is the most direct comparable to Du Nord as a values-driven, Black-heritage craft spirits brand expanding beyond its niche.
- New Riff Distilling: New Riff is a Kentucky craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, and gin with a strong wholesale and DTC model. Comparable to Du Nord as a craft spirits producer pursuing premium positioning through awards and quality.
- Balcones Distilling: Balcones is a Texas craft distillery producing award-winning whiskey and spirits with strong regional identity and growing national presence. Comparable to Du Nord as a craft spirits producer leveraging awards and origin storytelling.
- Corsair Distillery: Corsair is a craft distillery producing whiskey, gin, and rum with experimental small-batch releases. Comparable to Du Nord in craft distilling scale, multi-SKU portfolio, and innovation-driven product development.
- Smooth Ambler: Smooth Ambler is a West Virginia craft distillery focused on whiskey and bourbon with broad national distribution and award-winning products. Comparable to Du Nord as a craft whiskey brand with growing on-premise presence.
Broad incumbents
- St. George Spirits: St. George is a California-based craft distillery with a broad portfolio including vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs. Comparable to Du Nord as a craft producer with diverse SKUs and brand-led storytelling, though at larger scale.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Du Nord Social Spirits social profiles
Digital presenceDu Nord Social Spirits financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Du Nord Social Spirits leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Du Nord Social Spirits funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Du Nord Social Spirits M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Du Nord Social Spirits
What does Du Nord Social Spirits do?
Du Nord Social Spirits is a craft distillery producing a portfolio of premium, gluten-free spirits including Foundation Vodka, Prominence Gin, Mixed Blood Whiskey, Prominence Barreled Gin, Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur, and Pronounced Apple Liqueur. Products are made in small batches with real, traceable ingredients such as Peace Coffee cold brew, Midwest corn/barley/rye, Italian juniper, and fresh apple cider, and are sold both directly to consumers via shopdunord.com and through wholesale to restaurants, bars, retail stores, and Delta Air Lines.
Is Du Nord Social Spirits a public or private company?
Du Nord Social Spirits is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Du Nord Social Spirits founded?
Du Nord Social Spirits was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Du Nord Social Spirits based?
Du Nord Social Spirits is headquartered in Minneapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Du Nord Social Spirits make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Spirits direct sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale/retail distribution, foundation Vodka proceeds and cocktail bundles and merchandise.
Who are Du Nord Social Spirits's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Hard Truth Distilling, Tattersall Distilling, Koval Distillery, FEW Spirits, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, New Riff Distilling, Balcones Distilling, Corsair Distillery and Smooth Ambler. St. George Spirits is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Du Nord Social Spirits have an API?
No public API is recorded for Du Nord Social Spirits.
What industry is Du Nord Social Spirits in?
Du Nord Social Spirits's product category is Craft Spirits. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRADAIAC, Spirits Distilling & Brands, with a secondary code of CRANAAAD, Spirits Retail & Whiskey Shops (Off-Premise). Its NAICS code is 312140 and its SIC code is 2080.