Our Story
Big Dog Distillery & Heart River Spirits
A small North Dakota business run by passionate people who love what they do.
Downtown Bismarck
Expertly crafted spirits
Tucked away in a small strip mall on South 3rd Street in downtown Bismarck, Big Dog Distillery is home to Heart River Spirits, a line of spirits dedicated to bringing you the very best of handcrafted rums and moonshine. All HRS products feature natural flavors and colors, and are completely free of added sugars, offering a clean and authentic taste.
Big Dog Distillery is a small business run by passionate people who love what they do, and they bring that same energy into every bottle of rum, moonshine, and cocktail they produce.
Will you rum with the dog or stay on the porch?
Our Origin Story · Est. 2020
A bold bet and a piña colada
Big Dog Distillery began its journey in 2020, founded by Scott and Connie Beierle, a dynamic duo with a history of successful business ventures. After returning to North Dakota, the couple sought their next big adventure. As the story goes, Scott bet Connie he could make a business out of crafting spirits while she was sipping on a piña colada—an iconic moment that led to the creation of the handcrafted rum Big Dog Distillery is known for today.
Scott, the master distiller, brings a unique perspective to the craft. Allergic to alcohol, he relies solely on his refined sense of smell to create Heart River Spirits’ exceptional flavors. Since opening, the distillery has produced six distinctive rums and two moonshines, all with unparalleled quality and character. Big Dog Distillery is more than a business—it’s a testament to innovation, bold bets, and a passion for crafting spirits with care.
Small-Batch Copper Stills
Each bottle is made in a small-batch copper still designed to bring out the smoothest, richest flavor.
Natural Flavors & Colors
Every Heart River product features natural flavors and colors and is free of added sugars.
Finished by Hand
Every label, cap and seal is hand applied, and labels are autographed by a bottling specialist.
Made in North Dakota
Crafted on South 3rd Street in downtown Bismarck, North Dakota.
By Appointment Only
Tour the distillery
See where Heart River Spirits are made. Distillery tours are available by appointment only.
To schedule a tour, please call us at 701-751-8454. Tours are booked by phone only.
Questions & Answers
Good to know
Quick answers about our spirits, the distillery and where to find a bottle.
Who makes Heart River Spirits?
Heart River Spirits are made by Big Dog Distillery on South 3rd Street in downtown Bismarck, North Dakota. The distillery was founded in 2020 by Scott and Connie Beierle.
What spirits do you make?
Painted Canyon Bourbon, six small-batch Heart River rums (Original, Silver, Spiced, Cinnamon, Coconut and Coffee), Big Water Vodka and Big Water Blueberry Vodka, Blueberry and Apple Moonshine, and Big Dog Water, a ready-to-drink cocktail.
Do you use added sugar or artificial flavors?
No. Heart River rums are made with no added sugar or artificial flavors, and our moonshines use all-natural flavors and colors.
How strong is Painted Canyon Bourbon?
Painted Canyon is a straight bourbon whiskey, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) in a 750 ml bottle.
Where can I buy Heart River Spirits?
At liquor stores across North Dakota. Use our store finder to search by city, ZIP code or store name.
Can I tour the distillery?
Yes, by appointment only. Call 701-751-8454 to book. Tours can’t be booked by email or through the website.
Have your spirits won awards?
Yes. Heart River rums have won American Distilling Institute medals, including Silver and Best in Category for Coconut Rum (2023) and Spiced Rum (2021). Spiced Rum was also featured in Forbes. See all awards.
Is your master distiller really allergic to alcohol?
Yes. Scott Beierle, our master distiller, is allergic to alcohol, so he relies on his refined sense of smell to create Heart River Spirits’ flavors.
Where to Buy
Taste it for yourself
Heart River Spirits are sold at retailers across North Dakota. Search by city or ZIP code to find a store near you.