History and Craft of Distilling
Behind the Scenes at Sturgeon Spirits
Step into Sturgeon Spirits Distillery for a truly unique experience—a behind-the-scenes tour led with the passion and expertise of Karl Loewenstein, a former professor who has dedicated his life to teaching and storytelling.
This isn't just a distillery tour. It's a lesson in history, science, and Wisconsin heritage—brought to life through the art of craft distilling.
Karl Loewenstein spent 21 years as a history professor at UW-Oshkosh before turning his passion for spirits into a full-time career. When you join our tour, you're not just learning from a distiller—you're learning from an educator who knows how to make complex subjects fascinating, accessible, and memorable.
Schedule
Every Saturday at 2 PM
Duration: 45 minutes
Pricing
$20 per person
$15 for military and veterans
$15 for designated drivers
21+ only
Group Size
Max 12 guests
Private tours available at additional cost
Where Education meets Craft
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Fermentation
Discover how we transform Wisconsin grains into the foundation of every spirit. Learn about the chemistry of yeast, sugar, and time.
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The Stills
See our beautiful copper stills up close and learn why copper matters, how distillation concentrates alcohol, and what "heads, hearts, and tails" really means.
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Infusions
Explore our infusion wall where we create over 180 unique flavored spirits using real ingredients—from fresh strawberries to jalapeños to Oaks Chocolate.
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Sturgeon Spearing
Why does Sturgeon Spirits have its name? Learn the importance of sturgeon to the history of Lake Winnebago.
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Prohibition
Examine why the laws surround spirits are so complex. Americans have always loved to drink, but feel guilty about it.
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Tasting Experience
Enjoy a sampling of 3 spirits in the production area and a cocktail at the conclusion of the tour.
Saturday Distillery Tour
Every Saturday at 2 PM. See the stills, taste what we are working on, and finish at the bar with the Cocktail of the Week.
45 minutes, Saturdays at 2 PM, 21+ with photo ID, limited to 12 guests per tour
Includes three guided spirit tastes behind the scenes: the Flavor of the Month, a bourbon selected by Karl, and a behind-the-scenes featured spirit.
Finish with a full Cocktail of the Week at the bar, plus 10% off bottles purchased that day.
$20 standard, $15 military/veteran, $15 designated driver
Designated drivers receive the non-alcoholic version of the featured cocktail and no alcoholic tastes. Military/veteran ID is checked at arrival.
Your seats are held
What’s Included
45-Minute guided Tour
Learn every step of the distilling process, from fermentation tanks to copper stills to barrel aging. Founder and former professor Karl will lead you through the process.
Tasting Flight (3 Spirits)
Sample our flavor of the month, the bourbon that we chose, and another unique flavor while touring behind the scenes.
Cocktail of the week
Finish your tour at the bar with this week’s included Cocktail of the Week. Designated drivers receive a non-alcoholic version.
10% Discount on Bottles
All tour guests receive 10% off any bottle purchased the day of the tour.