BRANDON THORTON OF FLYING DUTCHMAN SPIRITS: MODERN MICRO DISTILLERIES - MAKING BOOZE A BUSINESS
The Partners of Flying Dutchman Spirits are all pilots. After many years of international travel, Flying Dutchman Spirits founders wanted to share the unique tastes of spirits obtained from far corners of the globe. Much like the legendary ghost ship of the same name, Flying Dutchman Spirits eternally searches to find these new tastes and flavors. They have four primary products including Gin, Rum, Vodka and Blue Agave.
The Partners of Flying Dutchman Spirits are all pilots. After many years of international travel, Flying Dutchman Spirits founders wanted to share the unique tastes of spirits obtained from far corners of the globe. Much like the legendary ghost ship of the same name, Flying Dutchman Spirits eternally searches to find these new tastes and flavors. They have four primary products including Gin, Rum, Vodka and Blue Agave.Brandon talked about the differences between starting a distillery versus a craft brewery. Whereas larger distillers are introducing numerous brands, the larger brewing companies are buying market share through acquisition of smaller craft brewers. Also, home brewing is simple compared to distilling spirits which involves boiling a flammable liquid which poses a safety/zoning issue.
In startup, they threw away a hundred batches before selling the finished product. A brewery can be started for $50,000 but a distillery will require $330,000. They currently produce 3 batches (55 bottles) per week. The distillery is located at 6801 Flying Cloud Drive in Eden Prairie. See https://www.flyingdutchmanspirits.com for Company information including hours and tours.
OUR CLUB WAS PROUD TO DISPLAY OUR NEW AMERICAN FLAG WITH THE HELP OF MEMBER GEORGE ESBENSEN
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- 2-5 to 2-9 Meals on Wheels
- 2-8 Swallowship at Old Chicago
- 2-23 Out of the Shadows event spotlighting human trafficking
- 2-27 Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen (don’t come to Bearpath)
- Rotary New Generation college student from North Korea will be visiting this summer. Stay tuned for more information.
SPOTLIGHT ON SUZANNE KUTINA
Suzanne was born in Oak Park Heights, Illinois. Grew up loving sports. Graduated University of Illinois with engineering degree. Her first job was selling computer equipment in New York City where she met her husband Bill. They have been married for 30 years. After New York she took a great job with a voice mail company in Chicago. Suzanne and Bill enjoyed DJ-ing at friend’s weddings. They moved to Minnesota for Bill’s job and Suzanne went back to the University of Minnesota, getting a Masters in Education and became a middle school teacher. Bill and Suzanne have a daughter Beth. They enjoy hosting visitors and exchange students. Suzanne is an active volunteer in women’s rights causes, involved with Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools and other organizations.
Suzanne was born in Oak Park Heights, Illinois. Grew up loving sports. Graduated University of Illinois with engineering degree. Her first job was selling computer equipment in New York City where she met her husband Bill. They have been married for 30 years. After New York she took a great job with a voice mail company in Chicago. Suzanne and Bill enjoyed DJ-ing at friend’s weddings. They moved to Minnesota for Bill’s job and Suzanne went back to the University of Minnesota, getting a Masters in Education and became a middle school teacher. Bill and Suzanne have a daughter Beth. They enjoy hosting visitors and exchange students. Suzanne is an active volunteer in women’s rights causes, involved with Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools and other organizations.HAPPY BUCKS
- Irene Kelly – Great trip to San Diego two weeks ago for District Governor training.
- Dan O’Brien – Beth Kreusch is our latest Paul Harris Fellow.
- Josh Swanson– Marching band performing at Super Bowl Live 1/31
- Jan Eian – Great cross country ski outing with daughter Nicole and Trini
VISITORS
Bill Kutina - Guest of Suzanne Kutina
Jack Kuehn - Burnsville Rotarian
Rekha Claus and Morgan Blixrud - Student Interns
Trina Santillan Oertel - Exchange Student