Competing against distilleries from all over the world, Winlaw-based Kootenay Country Craft Distillery has won a gold medal from the Beverage Tasting Institute of Chicago. The award honors Valhalla Vodka, the distillery’s original handcrafted, small-batch distilled spirit.
Following an independent, professional blind tasting, the Beverage Tasting Institute gave Valhalla Vodka a rating of 93 points (Exceptional), and described the artisan spirit as:
“Clear in color. Bold aromas of toasty raisin bran and apricot granola with a soft, dry-yet-fruity medium-to full body and a honeyed melon, cream, and delicate pepper finish. Lots of fruit character that will make for flavor-packed cocktails.”
Kootenay Country Craft Distillery handcrafts Valhalla Vodka from pure spring water and organic heirloom wheat grown in the farming community of Canyon, near Creston.
Kootenay Country Craft Distillery, which opened in March, also produces gin and a variety of fruit and herb-infused vodkas.
The Beverage Tasting Institute (tastings.com) was founded in 1981 with the objective of producing fair and impartial wine, beer and spirits reviews for consumers.
Over the years, BTI buying guides have appeared in the Wine Enthusiast, Restaurant Hospitality, The New Yorker Magazine, Wine & Spirits, International Wine Review, and many other publications.
Kootenay Country Craft Distillery is located at 7263 Gustafson Road, off Highway 6 approximately 10 kilometers north of Winlaw.
