Finally, it's Solveig's turn

Move over, Seagram's.

Bob Suel is our only customer who enjoys having a gin and tonic -- and then only in the good old summertime. So Stan's sister Solveig's thoughtful gift of Solveig Gin has perched unopened on the family bar for quite some time now.

Solveig spotted the distinctive bottle on a road trip in Minnesota and was so taken by the label that she bought a fifth for her host, who sadly has but a mere line of carpentry tools with his name on them. Solveig Gin is the first release from Far North Spirits, a craft distillery located on a fourth generation working family farm in northwestern Minnesota.

Although rushing the summer drinking season somewhat, Bob gamely presided over the grand opening of the gift bottle this afternoon, as he settled in for a comprehensive after-work chat and samples of Kathleen's fresh home-baked coffee cake.

Ice, Canada Dry tonic water and Solveig Gin stirred in a tall glass. Bob sipped, swished and gave his immediate blessing -- soon requesting another round. A fresh, clean taste, he said. When asked for more a more in-depth description, Bob paused.

Family friend and Gin Critic Bob Suel

So Stan read: "Offering a nose of citrus, pine cones, and a hint of lavender, Solveig combines a creamy entry with an almost ethereal lightness on the palate. Complex and concentrated in the glass after twenty-four hours of air, the gin shows exceptional balance in the mid-palate, with added flavors of thyme and coriander. The finish is rich, persistent, and almost cool, with lingering notes of black olives and fresh grain."

"Yeah," replied Bob. "What he said!"

So here's to yah, Solveig!