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Backyard to Bottle: The Story of Wildwood Spirits

A bottle of Rendition Straight Rye Whiskey, aged 5 years, from a renowned craft distillery, surrounded by splashing liquid and grains, with a wooden barrel in the background.
REN Rye Grain
Photo courtesy of Brand Sanity Media

Since its launch in 2014, Wildwood Spirits Co. has embraced the art of crafting exquisite spirits and focusing on quality by using only the finest ingredients. Many of these ingredients are organically grown and lovingly sourced from the heart of the local community, occasionally right from co-founder and master distiller Erik Liedholm’s own backyard. The journey began with Erik’s initial experiments, which involved a small still and apples harvested from his own trees. This simple start ignited a passion that led him on a remarkable journey to elevate the art of spirit-making, resulting in a unique line of products that marries his deep-rooted expertise in wine and spirits with a profound appreciation for local, seasonal treasures.

A clear glass bottle of Ikuer Gin by Wildwood Spirits Co, with a yellow label featuring a juniper branch illustration and a red seal on the neck—an award-winning, farm-to-bottle spirit.
Kur Gin Bottle
Photo courtesy of Brand Sanity Media

Wildwood Spirits Co. was established in collaboration with Erik’s talented business partner, renowned chef John Howie, who shares a commitment to excellence. Together, they have cultivated a distillery that emphasizes craftsmanship in every aspect of the production process. Each step, from the careful fractional distillation of each botanical in the gin to the meticulous aging of whiskey in artisanal, hand-coopered barrels, reflects their dedication to quality and artistry.

A man in a white t-shirt examines a green fruit while standing outdoors among leafy branches in bright sunlight, evoking the fresh ingredients found in PNW spirits crafted by Wildwood Spirits Co.
Erik Ballard Yard
Photo courtesy of Brand Sanity Media

The unique ‘farm to distillery’ philosophy elegantly intertwines the concepts of ‘farm to table’ and ‘vineyard to bottle,’ ensuring every sip is a true reflection of the vibrant Northwest landscape. As the only chef- and sommelier-owned distillery in the world, John and Erik take immense pride in their collaborative efforts with local farmers. They source a diverse array of grains and fruits, culminating in a celebrated collection of award-winning craft spirits. This dedication to local sourcing not only enriches the flavors in the spirits but also supports the community. So, we raise a glass to every devoted spirit enthusiast and the journey we embark on together!

Cheers!

A bottle of gin by Wildwood Spirits Co, a renowned PNW spirits craft distillery, is surrounded by splashing water, orange slices, apple, spices, and botanicals against a blue sky with clouds.
KUR botanical swirl
Photo courtesy of Brand Sanity Media
Restaurant Roundup: Thick Burgers and Local Island Eats

Restaurant Roundup: Thick Burgers and Local Island Eats

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

Have you heard? Wallingford is home to one of the best new restaurants in the country, at least according to a recent ranking from Bon Appétit. The Wayland Mill is known for its yoshoku Americana cuisine—foods like biscuits and gravy or Buffalo chicken prepared with a Japanese influence—and continues to enamor Pacific Northwest diners with…

Opening Night: Sea’d In Tries Something a Little Different With Seafood

Opening Night: Sea’d In Tries Something a Little Different With Seafood

The new Chophouse Row restaurant dry-ages fish and cooks them over an open flame—old-school techniques that feel refreshing.

Seattle is full of seafood restaurants, for good reason—the water’s right there, and the city is home to several marine-focused culinary cultures—but sometimes eating yet another piece of salmon or black cod can feel stale, no matter how fresh the fish is. So why have I been seeing Sea’d In, a new seafood restaurant inside…

Restaurant Roundup: Pizza Pals and Paella on the Patio

Restaurant Roundup: Pizza Pals and Paella on the Patio

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

Tackling a large pepperoni and cheese is always better with a friend. Now imagine that experience, but elevated to a Michelin-star level. That’s what you get from Pizza Pals, a one-night pop-up from Isaiah Ruffin of Pizza by Ruffin and Forrest Brunton of Roma Roma at the latter’s restaurant on Monday, Sept. 21 at 6:30…

House Special: Adana Kebap at Hamdi

House Special: Adana Kebap at Hamdi

The restaurant’s signature kebap demands lamb minced by hand. 

At Hamdi—the Ballard restaurant from Istanbul-born chef Berk Guldal and his partner and co-owner Katrina Guldal—you cannot miss the distinctive tool standing upright on the pass, where finished dishes leave the kitchen: a Turkish zirh, the wide, curved blade used specifically for Hamdi’s signature dish, the Adana kebap. Named after a city in southern Turkey,…