Joe Heron

My favorite things

Photo by Todd Buchanan

Founder, Nutrisoda and Crispin Cider Company; crispincider.com

Joe Heron knows how to pick his poison. The South Africa–born, Minnesota transplant invented Nutrisoda—which he promptly sold to PepsiCo—and Crispin, an all-natural hard cider. Below, the beverage king spills his secrets.

Place to have a drink: Brit’s Pub, The Local, Happy Gnome—actually, I like to have a drink almost anywhere. Beer: Crispin Cider (although I am also partial to Grain Belt Premium and very dry pilsners). Business icons: Eddie and Dean Phillips, Steve Jobs, Bill Bernbach, my dad. Creative inspiration: I get my best ideas when drinking. Morning ritual: The newspaper and a cup of Nespresso in bed. Grooming aid: Toothbrush. Uniform: Gray Gap T-shirt and Seven blue jeans. But I’m also partial to a French maid’s outfit. Book: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a work of art. Mode of transportation: A Range Rover and a Trek bike for navigating down Hell’s Avenue—otherwise known as Hennepin Avenue. Instrument: I play the iPod like no other. Invention: Skype. Gift: The Green Egg grill. South Africans make the best barbecue in the world! Hobby: Starting new businesses and obsessing about rugby. Sports team: Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team. But I’m also loyal to Leeds United. Vacation destination: Road trips across the United States. My wife and I just took one to Idaho. Band: Wilco and My Morning Jacket.