For nearly two years Ballardite John Lundin has been perfecting his organic vodka. This week Lundin is in Silverton, Colorado producing the first small batches of Blue Water Vodka at a distillery which is 9,300’ above sea level.
Lundin says there are three reasons why he chose to distill vodka. “Being Swedish gave me a strong cultural connection to Vodka through its significance in celebrations and the country’s long history of distilling,” he says, “Being a huge enthusiast of the cocktail culture further piqued my interest in the distilling process, which in turn led to an extensive study of the science involved and the business aspects of the industry. And of course, I simply love Vodka.”
“To create Bluewater, I wanted to combine the highest quality ingredients, responsible production, organic content and strong natural imagery,” Lundin says. Lundin and his wife live aboard a sailboat at Shilshole. “Bluewater closely communicates my own ideals of ecological responsibility, business independence, and love for the natural world,” he tells us. The vodka is made from 100% organic wheat and the water comes from high-alpine springs fed by 12,000-foot peaks in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
Bluewater Vodka will be available later this month by special order through the Washington State Liquor Control Board and possibly at local watering holes. “Without even tasting, the product has received a great show of support from places including the Stumbling Goat Bistro, Liberty Bar, Bastille, Anthony’s, Bal-Mar, the Matador, and of course the Swedish Cultural Center!” Lundin exclaims. “With inventory arriving Mid-June, I will be hugely active pouring samples and promoting the spirit locally.”