Review: The Walter Collective Vodka
The Walter Collective Vodka was introduced the summer of 2016 joining their previously released gin. It is made from spelt, an ancient wheat grain, and triticale, a wheat-rye hybrid developed in Scotland in the late 1800’s. Matt Melaik, founder of The Walter Collective was inspired by his grandfather Walter J Bade to pursue the art and craft of creating spirits. Walter was a former World War II veteran who worked for the Chicago Water Department by day, and at night enjoyed drinking martini’s, listening to music, and painting. It is Walters image that adorns each bottle. Matt Melaik does not have his own distillery, instead he relies on a collective effort to create the finest spirits. The Walter Collective Vodka is crafted by Master Distiller Ryan Hembree at Skip Rock Distillers in Snohomish Washington. The spirit is twice distilled in small batches in a Kothe still, and minimally filtered to retain the flavor of the grain. The vodka is hand bottled on site. The aroma has floral notes of evergreen with lime, vanilla, banana, and cinnamon. The sweet vanilla entry is joined by apple and banana flavor. Citrus arrives at the midpoint backed with cinnamon. It fades with evergreen and spicy rye. The smooth finish is semi-dry leaving mineral, almond, and banana taste.
Dueling Walters
1 Oz. Walter Collective Gin
1 Oz. Walter Collective Vodka
1 Oz. Lillet Blanc
Stir in a Mixing Glass
Strain Into a Martini Glass
Garnish With Expressed Lemon Peel
Made in Snohomish Washington
40% Alcohol
Score: 92
Award: Gold Medal