Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Manley. Them and their team share their story with us below:
In 2013, Heather founded Crooked Water Spirits. This award-winning national spirits line produces unique craft spirits, including bourbons, gins, vodkas, brandy, and ready-to-pour Old Fashioned, Boulevardier & Negroni. As a certified Whiskey Sommelier, all recipes are made in-house by Heather. These “Spirits of the North” are found in 7 states and over 500+ liquor stores, restaurants, and airlines gathering over 70 awards nationally. Focused on innovation, quality, and the experience, CWS looks to scale with integrity and high value while remaining 100% owned and self-funded by Heather. CWS continues to grow over <20% per year with strategic partnerships and has been WBENC certified as a woman-owned since 2014.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Never smooth but it’s all perspective and how you choose to process it and move forward. Distribution continues to be challenging as smaller brands don’t have the budget to compete with the bigger brands. Investment can expedite the growth but it can also greatly affect brand integrity. I have chosen slower growth to ensure integrity is maintained.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
– Our Distinctions:
- First spirits company in the US to become certified as WBENC women-owned
– On Sun Country Airlines
– Heather Manley – Whisky Sommelier Certified, Level 2
– Recognized as an Innovator in Spirits in Minnesota via Mpls/St. Paul Magazine
– 2019 Top 10 Women Pioneering within the Spirits Industry via Rachel Ray Magazine
– 2019 rated and highlighted via the Whiskey Advocate for our bourbons and Old Fashioned
– 2021 Rackhouse Roundtable Series
– Expanded to MN, CA, WI, MO, NY, NV
– Multi Award-Winning Portfolio across the country – over 70 Double Gold/Gold/Silver Awards from San Fran to New York
– 100% owned and financed by Founder, Heather Manley
– Rotarian Commitment: Responsible for over $150k raised, with 100% of those funds going to local charities through our experience-based donations at Heather’s home
– All profits to date since 2014 have been reinvested back into CWS to grow the brand
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Every Saturday, from 8yrs old until through high school, running errands with my dad for hours. This time allowed for so many discussions on life and values which shaped me into who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crookedwaterspirits.com
- Instagram: crookedwaterspirts
- Facebook: crookedwaterspirts
- Twitter: crookedwater
