Du Nord Social Spirits is not just a distillery — it’s a story of vision, resilience, and a commitment to community. Founded by Chris and Shanelle Montana in 2013, Du Nord Social Spirits made waves as one of the first Black-owned distilleries in the country. Their journey to success wasn’t an easy one, but it’s a testament to hard work, vision, and a deep connection to the people and culture of the Twin Cities.
From Law to Whiskey: Chris Montana’s Unexpected Path to Distilling
Chris Montana never planned on becoming a distiller. In fact, his career initially took him down a much different path as a lawyer. But when Minnesota passed a law in 2011 that made it easier for small distilleries to operate, Chris was drawn to the idea of distilling. It was a move that turned out to be life-changing.
Chris and Shanelle took the leap and opened Du Nord Social Spirits in 2013, starting with vodka and eventually expanding into coffee liqueurs and whiskey. What began as a small family operation quickly grew as the Montanas expanded their team and presence in the Minnesota distillery scene. Even as industry outsiders, Chris was often the only Black man in the room at trade events, but he wasn’t deterred. He kept pushing forward, with the goal of elevating his craft while making an impact on the community.
A Turning Point: From Tragedy to Action
The journey took a dramatic turn in 2020 when tragedy struck the Minneapolis community. The murder of George Floyd ignited protests across the city, and Du Nord Social Spirits found itself in the center of the unrest. In the chaos that followed, the distillery’s cocktail room was set ablaze. Though the building survived, the damage was significant, and the fire suppression system unleashed 26,000 gallons of water upon the distillery.
This was a pivotal moment for Du Nord, but the Montanas refused to let it define them. They chose to build something better in the ashes of what was. The Du Nord Foundation was born out of the need to address racial inequities in the community and build a foundation for long-term economic justice. In the wake of the pandemic and the unrest, the Foundation has focused on supporting entrepreneurs and business leaders of color in the Twin Cities through direct relief and investments.
As Chris Montana reflects, “From all this we had a choice: go back to business as usual, or build something better in the ashes of what was.”
Du Nord’s Commitment to Change and Community
While Du Nord has always been known for its high-quality spirits, it is now equally recognized for its dedication to social justice. The Du Nord Foundation has made significant strides in providing support to communities of color and has created lasting opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Du Nord’s journey has been one of determination, growth, and adaptation, but through it all, the company has stayed true to its roots in Minnesota. Chris and Shanelle have faced countless challenges, but their focus on community and their willingness to innovate has made Du Nord Social Spirits one of the most respected names in the industry.
The Du Nord Cocktail Room: A Legacy Reimagined
Du Nord Social Spirits was also the pioneer of the first cocktail room in the Twin Cities, opening its doors in 2015. The idea for the cocktail room was sparked by Shanelle, who, while president of the Minnesota Distillers Guild in 2014, successfully lobbied to change state laws that allowed micro-distilleries to sell craft cocktails onsite. It was a game-changing moment for Minnesota’s craft distillery scene, and Du Nord was there from the beginning.
However, as the pandemic shut down businesses in 2020, Du Nord’s original cocktail room had to close its doors. Then, with the unrest in the neighborhood following the murder of George Floyd, Du Nord shifted its focus to the Du Nord Foundation, committed to supporting social justice and economic equity. But Chris and Shanelle always knew that the cocktail room would return.
And now, the Du Nord Cocktail Room is back — and it’s better than ever. The new location, which opened its doors recently, is located in the historic Coliseum Building at the corner of 27th and East Lake Street in Minneapolis. The Montanas are offering not just one, but two bars in the space.
Lagniappe: New Orleans Cuisine Meets Twin Cities
Alongside the Du Nord Cocktail Room, the Montanas have opened Lagniappe, a New Orleans-inspired kitchen and bar. Named after the Cajun term for “a little something extra,” Lagniappe brings the flavors of New Orleans to the Twin Cities, offering dishes like redfish on the half shell, fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade, and crispy fried oysters. The menu is crafted by Chef Brad McGehee, a seasoned New Orleans chef known for his work at the Ritz Carlton and Ye Olde College Inn Kitchen.
Chris and Shanelle’s vision for Lagniappe is to create a welcoming environment where anyone can feel at home — whether you’re coming in for a quick bite or a leisurely night out. The space itself has been thoughtfully designed to be casual yet elegant, with a vibe that suits both date nights and family gatherings.
The Du Nord Cocktail Room: A Place to Relax and Unwind
The Du Nord Cocktail Room, attached through the kitchen but with its own entrance on 27th Street, has returned with a focus on relaxation and community. It features a long bar and cozy seating for around 100 guests. Guests will enjoy craft cocktails made with Du Nord’s signature spirits as well as other craft spirits from around the country. The Montanas’ goal is to maintain the relaxed vibe of the original cocktail room while creating a space where everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re new to Du Nord or long-time fans.
Visit Du Nord Social Spirits and the Cocktail Room
If you’re in Minneapolis, be sure to stop by Du Nord Social Spirits and experience this iconic distillery’s story firsthand. You can visit the Du Nord Cocktail Room and Lagniappe at:
Du Nord Social Spirits Cocktail Room
2700 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Learn more about Du Nord Social Spirits at their official site: Du Nord Social Spirits.
For more on Lagniappe and their delicious New Orleans-inspired menu, check out their site: Lagniappe on Lake.
Whether you’re enjoying a handcrafted cocktail, tasting Du Nord’s finest spirits, or indulging in authentic New Orleans cuisine, Du Nord offers a place to gather, connect, and enjoy the best of craft spirits and community.
