Distiller Erik Liedholm’s Wildwood Spirits Co.’s gin was featured in Wine &Spirits Magazine as one of the top eight gins in the August issue.

Both Kur and Stark Vatten have already received numerous awards from the competitions they’ve been entered in: the American Distilling Institute’s Annual Judging of Craft American Spirits, American Association of Craft Distiller’s Awards, and the Seattle Gin Society’s Ginvitational. The two award-winning spirits can now be found at all John Howie Restaurants, as well as your favorite bottle shop, restaurant and bar.

A blend of “farm to table” and “vineyard to bottle,” Wildwood Spirits Co. results in a distinctive “farm to distillery” concept that embraces a local philosophy, sourcing 90 percent of produce for distilling from Washington state. Kur is made in the English dry gin style. It is produced with Washington heirloom variety red winter wheat that emphasizes a backbone of classic juniper aromas and flavors, with subtle citrus and surprise local ingredients. Stark Vatten is produced using Washington heirloom variety red winter wheat and pure, filtered water. It results in clean, viscous, oily vodka that displays a definitive classic European style.

“It’s great that people are already as enthusiastic about the product as we are,” Liedholm said. “I believe we’ve benefitted from having the resources to develop our dream spirit at Michigan State University. We’ve had the ability to perfect our product before showcasing it to anybody.”

The distilling process took place at Michigan State University, where Liedholm brought along Washington state produce and studied with world-renowned Master Distiller Dr. Kris Burglund. This provided Liedholm the unique experience to create spirits with both a sommelier’s palate and a scientist’s pragmatism. The distilling process will continue at Michigan State University until Wildwood Spirits Co.’s distillery is open in November 2014.

Wildwood Spirits Co.’s distillery is scheduled to open in November 2014 in Bothell. The equipment will be supplied from German still manufacturer, Christian Carl, whose exceptional quality is widely acclaimed. Primary equipment will include one 450-liter alembic pot still, one 150-liter rectification still, and one 20-plate column still. In addition to Kur and Stark Vatten, the distillery will produce bourbon, and varietal and vineyard-specific grappa. For more information, visit Wildwood Spirits Co. online.