A vodka made in Newfoundland has been named one of the best in the world by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.
Wooden Walls Distilling took first prize in the varietal vodka category, beating competitors in North America, Europe and Australia. The judges said its Evening Tide Vodka had a “quirky, distinctive aroma” and a “unique, compelling quality.”
“For it to be recognized on a world stage was really unexpected for us and exciting at the same time,” said Matthew Pribag, who manages the distillery in downtown St. John’s.
The distillery uses a blend of wheat, rye and oats in its Evening Tide Vodka, and co-founder Peter Madden said a long fermentation process helps differentiate the spirit.
The vodka spends about a week fermenting at the St. John’s distillery before being distilled, filtered and bottled.
“We do it at a lower temperature, just to have a process that’s slow, controlled, and extracts those flavors really well,” Madden said.
He said each of the beans comes from farms in Atlantic Canada.
The award is early recognition for the young distillery, which opened its doors in St. John’s in late 2022.
“I think it only takes one sip for people to recognize the quality and craftsmanship of our products,” Pribag said.
Madden said business has been tougher than expected, but he hopes an international award will help the distillery make more inroads in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We are the only distillery and the first distillery in St. John’s,” Madden said.
“First legal distillery, we always say,” he added, laughing.
The business is based on many traditional elements of Newfoundland and Labrador. The name Wooden Walls is a tribute to the large ships that transported men from St. John’s to the seal hunting grounds in the early 20th century.
The tasting room is located in downtown St. John’s, in a building that once housed Templeton’s, a well-known former family-owned paint shop.
Staff have overseen extensive renovations to project a “comforting, speakeasy atmosphere,” Pribag said.
In a province that has particular preferences for alcohol (and some of its favorites) it can be difficult for a new entrant to enter the market.
“It’s very difficult to differentiate,” Madden said. “We want people to know that we’re actually making this downtown.”
“There is a difference. It’s made here. A lot of care is put into each bottle. In that sense, it is different from the other products you see on the shelves.”
Madden’s true love is whiskey, and his staff plans to dedicate more time and energy to that market in the future, but he said Evening Tide vodka will always be the distillery’s signature vodka.
The drink capped off their “Maiden Voyage” vodka series, where the staff created four single-grain vodkas, sent them to customers’ glasses for feedback, and tried to combine the best parts into one drink.
The vodka is available for purchase at liquor stores in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Madden said he hopes to make the liquor available nationwide soon.
“It’s just going to take some time and then we’ll get there.”