プルーフアーティザンディスティラーズProof Artisan Distillers

Proof Artisan Distillers is North Dakota's first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition, founded in 2014 by Joel Kath in downtown Fargo. The distillery operates inside a historic building at 414 4th Avenue North and is known for sourcing all its grain—corn, barley, and wheat—from North Dakota farms, earning it a true grain-to-glass identity rooted in the northern plains.

Joel Kath, an engineer by trade, brought a technical precision to the craft spirits movement in a state that had long lacked a legal distillery. The project began as a passion for local agriculture and quality spirits, and quickly evolved into a nationally recognized operation. Proof has won over 50 awards at national competitions for its range of spirits including vodka, gin, aquavit, and whiskey.

The whiskey lineup is anchored by two flagship expressions. Glen Fargo American Malt Whiskey holds the distinction of being North Dakota's first single malt whiskey since Prohibition. Made from malted barley grown in the state, it is double-barreled—initially aged in new American oak, then finished in used bourbon barrels—yielding notes of caramel and vanilla with a mild finish at 46% ABV. Crooked Furrow is the distillery's straight bourbon, made from North Dakota corn and barley, also double-barreled through new American oak and then conditioned in used bourbon and malt whiskey barrels for additional complexity. It is bold, full-bodied, and never chill-filtered, bottled at 46% ABV.

Proof's tasting room within the historic Fargo courthouse offers guided tastings, distillery tours, and a cocktail menu. The distillery has expanded distribution nationwide and continues to champion North Dakota agriculture as a foundation for premium American whiskey.