Traveling through the enchanted landscape of Vermont? Or perhaps you live in Vermont, and you’re looking for something unique and interesting to do. If you are a liquor aficionado, you don’t want to miss these seven incredible spirits from three distilleries you can sample in the Vermont distillery scene. You’ll find numerous distilleries in Vermont, and here we feature a few, along with some of their showcase spirits.

Vermont Spirits in Quechee, Vermont

Start your distillery scene tour here with Vermont’s oldest craft distillery. The owners of Vermont Spirits rely on Vermont for that “special touch.” They are true craftspeople and have a dedication to share the “Spirit of Vermont” with everyone they can. 

A small batch distiller, they develop all of their spirits for the liquor connoisseur. Here are some of their amazing spirits you can sample: 

#1: No 14 Bourbon 

They named this bourbon after Vermont, which is the 14th state. They unite two American classics by combining bourbon whiskey and pure Vermont maple. You’ll be intrigued by the hint of sweetness and the smooth, warm, and lasting finish. 

This 90-proof spirit has amazing tasting notes:

• Rich amber color
• Semi sweetness
• Light-bodied and silky 
• Balanced with notes of cherry vanilla, honeyed oaky spice, and clove

You can enjoy this whiskey on its own (neat or with a single cube) or in a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Whiskey Sour.

#2: Vermont Gold Vodka 

An award-winning vodka, they make this one from the sap of maple trees, making it very eco-friendly. They capture the sap and concentrate it and then ferment it to preserve the sugars. Then, they take the maple mash and distill it in their one-of-a-kind glass column still. 

Finally, they blend it with pure Vermont distilled water.

You’ll appreciate the crystal clear color of this 80-proof vodka that is gluten-free and grain free. Enjoy the tasting notes:

• White pepper and toasted wood
• Aromas of maple sweetness and caramel
• A light taste with the richness of butterscotch balanced by the alcohol
• A bright, clean, delicate maple sugar finish

Enjoy this vodka neat or with a single cube, chilled with a twist, with soda or tonic, or in a Vermontini (vodka, sweet vermouth, a lime twist, and ice cubes) 

#3: Coppers Gin

This gin is made with handpicked wild northern Vermont juniper berries. Double barrel-aged in their used bourbon barrels, it’s an exotic, contemporary gin for the sophisticated palate. 

You’ll appreciate this 85-proof gin made from local botanicals and these tasting notes:

• Coriander and licorice root
• Orange peel and cardamom pods
• Juniper led and spice citrus

You can enjoy this vodka neat or with a single cube (this is their favorite) or as an upgrade in any gin cocktail. 

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Mad River Distillers in Waitsfield, Vermont

This award-winning craft distillery is located in the picturesque Mad River Valley, where they ferment, distill, and bottle bourbon, apple brandy, rye, and rum.

As you sample the Vermont distillery scene, you’ll enjoy this one as they make all their spirits from local and fair trade ingredients. Their specialty is apple brandy, whiskey, and whiskey drinkers’ rums. Let’s look at a few of their incredible spirits. 

#4: Revolution Rye Whiskey

This is their most award-winning whiskey. Ten years ago, you might not have found rye whiskey, but today, Mad River is carefully fermenting their rye whiskey from local and organic rye and distilling it in a German still. 

Its tasting notes include:

• Earthy and peppery
• Hints of walnut, berry, and tropical spice.
• They use chocolate malted rye, an all-rye mash bill, and part toasted rye with notes of chocolate and mocha.

Enjoy it neat or in mixed cocktails for incredible flavor. 

#5: Mad Apple Brandy

This is a European-style dry apple brandy that is distilled using 100% Vermont apples. You’ll enjoy the fresh apple notes as well as the oak spice and vanilla taste. You can enjoy it on its own or in classic brandy cocktails. 

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#6: Burnt Rock Bourbon

This is true Vermont distillery spirit, and it’s named after a popular hiking trail. The irony is that this bourbon was created from an accidental experiment when their head distiller smoked barley over maple wood and added it to a bourbon mash. 

This unique 92-proof whiskey has loads of flavor and spice with a hint of smoke.  

Appalachian Gap Distillery in Middlebury, Vermont

Surrounded by lush forests, fertile farmland, and towering mountains, this craft Vermont distillery is dedicated to sustainability and the environment. In fact, in April 2021, they became America’s first Climate Neutral certified distillery!

Their local spirits are not only unique but gentle on the environment. They include some of the following:  

#7: Papilio Agave Maple VTquila

They paired Vermont dark maple syrup with the smokiness of agave spirits – think tequila! They ferment the agave syrup and maple syrup together to create their Vtquila! You won’t taste anything like this anywhere else. 

The tasting notes include echoes of tequila, gentle maple, and a touch of fruit. At 88 proof, you’ll love the clean finish. 

#8: Ridgeline Vermont Whiskey

This whiskey brings to mind bourbon and Irish whiskies, but it stands on its own. It’s made from a mash of local barley, rye, and corn and is double distilled in new American oak barrels and then finished in port wine barrels for a unique taste.

The tasting notes of this whiskey include cedar, dried fruit, mint, and notes of vanilla. You will notice autumn fruit notes that are spicy and warm with other tones of leather and tobacco, finished with sweet spice, nutty notes, and a clean burn.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Vermont Distillery Experience

What alcohol is the Vermont distillery scene and state known for the most?

Spirits are thriving in Vermont today. They produce a wide variety, including vodka, rye whiskey, gin, rum, brandy, and maple liqueurs. Many distilleries have won international awards. 

What is the signature drink of Vermont?

Vermont is known for its maple syrup, so the Old Vermont is the signature drink. It’s a mix of gin, orange juice, bitters, and maple syrup.

Can you drink in public in Vermont?

While there is no state law, you cannot drink in public in most districts, including parks. 

Full of History of Vermont Distillery Adventures, Ripe With Amazing Spirits

Vermont is rich in American history and full of beautiful landscapes. It’s the perfect place to visit and a wonderful place to live. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, boating, or enjoying the rich culture in museums or historical sites, you want to make sure you also sample the spirits in Vermont’s distillery scene. 

If you want more information about the best craft distillery experiences in Vermont, please visit Distillerynearby.com. It’s your ultimate online source for whiskey, bourbon, vodka, gin, and other spirits.