Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen And Jeff Lees.
Hi Karen and Jeff, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A Dream Carved from Barnwood & Hard Cider
Karen grew up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, while Jeff lived in Colorado—but it was the charm of Minnesota’s lakes country that brought them together. After many summer visits that deepened their love for the region, they eventually made it home.
With their two children grown and out on their own, Karen and Jeff took a bold leap: they sold their successful optical business and found a perfect lot on Lake Ethel. On that property once stood an old dairy barn, with the number 1910 painted on its loft door. Though the barn had become too dilapidated to salvage, they preserved the door—and its reclaimed wood now forms the heartbeat of their cidery, which they fittingly named 1910 Sip House
They built their tasting room from scratch—literally—erecting a towering grain bin (36 feet wide, 20 feet tall) and finishing the space themselves. Inside, the 1910 barndoor door takes pride of place. A Dream Carved from Barnwood & Hard Cider
At the heart of their offering is Ethel’s Dry Cider, named for the lake on which their cidery stands. Made from locally sourced apples—and other Minnesota-grown fruit—it serves as the base for a rotating menu of about a dozen gluten‑free, small‑batch ciders.
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Jeff and Karen envisioned more than a bold cider brand—they envisioned a gathering spot. Their cozy tasting room has a laid‑back, coffee-shop vibe (but with hard cider instead of lattes), complete with patio seating, picnic tables beneath an oak tree, fire pits, live music, and food trucks during the summer.
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Jeff can often be heard explaining hard cider to curious first‑timers—today, roughly 50 % of their customers had never tried it before. But most leave converted, thanks to the Lees’ warm hospitality and expertly crafted flavors .
Since opening in October 2020, the 1910 Sip House has earned praise for its friendly atmosphere, creative ciders, and story‑rich space built from old wood and fresh ideas. It’s become a beloved destination in Battle Lake—not just for local cider lovers, but for anyone seeking a unique lakes‑country experience. The 1910 Sip House was just awarded the 2nd best Cidery in the state for 2025 thanks to readers of the Star Tribune.
A beautiful blend of lakeside dreams, reclaimed history, and handcrafted cider—Jeff and Karen’s journey is as rich and inviting as the drinks they pour.
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I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The struggles have been keeping up with the demand. In mid-summer, we have to cease bottling to keep the stock for serving on the taps.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
we are known for keeping a good garden, serving delicious cider, attracting very talented musical artists that love to play their original music at the Sip House
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Putting a smile on someone’s face! Landscaping and planting and maintaining flower and vegetable gardens
Pricing:
- $7-$9
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.1910siphouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1910siphouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lovielees
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/1910+Sip+House/@46.3628742,-95.6221845,618m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x52c9ebdc5168a505:0x22d05613fd3575c9!8m2!3d46.3628742!4d-95.6196096!16s%2Fg%2F11qm0mgx6j?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
