Backwater Spirits & More

They have a limited selection of cigars however very good price points and the ones that I got were excellent for the price! It looked like they had a fabulous selection of wine and spirits and definitely specialty items that the owner carries and I'm sure that he can get in certain things for you if requested. I really don't drink anymore but I can tell you that they had an excellent selection of wine, and also bourbons, Scotch whiskeys, and all around very specialty types of spirits. The owner is very friendly and very knowledgeable. I believe he mentioned to me that his background was as a chef at several different locations in the Twin Cities in Minneapolis-Saint Paul and elsewhere. I know that you'll be pleasantly surprised and you will have an excellent experience in purchasing your special select beverages and if you're a cigar smoker I'm sure you'll be able to find something that suits your tastes!

Love this store!! Stephen is awesome! He's always good for a recommendation (which he always nails!) or just a conversation. If you find yourself in Decorah, swing in and support this great local business!

Impeccable selection of fine wine and spirits. Every single thing that's on the shelves is top notch. 10/10 would recommend.

Probably one of the best liquor stores I’ve visited. On a trip from Texas and I needed a good cigar. He’s got an EXCELLENT selection of premium cigars, and he’s knowledgeable about every one of them. He also knows his spirits, and the selection of bourbons and scotches was phenomenal. And he offers tastings!
This will be my first stop every time I come to Decorah.

Cute little liquor store with lots of selections.

The gentleman working was nice and friendly. He helped me find what I was looking for. Will definitely be back for future purchases

The best selection in an area combined with a shop owner who enjoys his spirits and cigars and is extremely knowledgeable about everything in his store. He's always good with recommendations if you want to try something new and he isn't just going to load you up by just pointing to the top shelf. Always a great experience and a great bottle.

My latest winner was a bottle of Hatozaki small batch whiskey, from a Japanese distillery. Japanese whiskeys are delicious and so far removed from the heavy smokiness and peat of scotch or the dark fruity notes from bourbon. The Hatozami whiskey almost has more fruit notes to it like grapefruit but is unmistakably whiskey, with an aftertaste you surprisingly want to savor where so many people often chase their drinks to get the taste out. This is a good one to sip and enjoy, and an excellent recommendation.

I just stopped in to this establishment, and received a fantastic recommendation for a rum that I have never encountered in my life! I’m so excited to hear what the recipient of this gift thinks! I also wanted to note that I couldn’t find my credit card this morning and was on a limited cash-only budget after a trip to the bank and local food co-op. When my order rang up a little bit over the amount that I had, the person who I suspect is the proprietor took what I had and shyly rejected my fawning over how sweet that was! What a guy! I promise you that you will find many fabulous offerings here—by a highly trained staff, and recommend that you shop here often and well. I look forward to my next visit, where I can repay this man’s kindness.

I'm giving them a 5 star because it was such a nice clean place and the fella gave me the information I needed to get what I wanted. I went in there to find Malibu which they did not have but they do have a lot of cigars and a fine liquors. Stop in if you're in the area.

What an awesome treasure in a small town! The owner is so friendly and has a wonderful selection of bourbon as well as many other items. We moved to Iowa from Kentucky(the bourbon state) and we were thrilled to discover this place! It is worth a drive to Decorah to check out. You will not be disappointed!

Cannot recommended this place enough. Great selection, and customer service is outstanding. Can always talk through what I like/don’t in a drink or cigar and Steven points me in the right direction.

A wonderful collection of high quality bourbon and rye whiskey. Stephen, the owner, is very knowledgeable of the spirits and history behind them. Also, he has a great selection for tastings if you want to try before you buy. Support this local business!!

This adorable shop has a carefully curated collection of all great wines. Stephen helped us select a red and white to pair with our dinner and dessert and both were outstanding. Loved this shop!

If you're looking for an incredible selection, you HAVE to stop in here! You'll find the expected and the unexpected options of your favorite liquor. Plus a cigar selection. Not to mention, if you don't know what you want or if you have a question about something on the shelf, you're gonna get some great guidance! Stephan is going to tell you why one liquor is better than the other, why a more expensive option is or isn't necessary (usually he'll say "You know, this middle priced one is just as good. No reason to spend the extra money"). You can't go wrong with his shop!

An absolutely top notch whiskey selection along with other spirits, wine, cigars, and beer.

Amazing an sweet old man, came here from outta state an wanted a good wine to drink an I asked him what rose wine he recommended an I have to say it was amazing, he knows his stuff an his store may be small but nothing but good quality brands

Love this place, best selection in a really big area! The owner is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Always has some good suggestions! Please visit, you won't regret it!

Best place in town. Great recommendations.

Great little store, I found some incredible gems at a fantastic price. Stephen is an amazing repository of knowledge, and I cannot wait to visit again!

The owner was very friendly and you can tell he loves what he does. Very informative on the selections he has there. Absolutely a great place to go to.