History

Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. is Vermont’s oldest craft distillery, handmade in Quechee, and offers “Vermont In A Bottle.” The company describes its history as a progression from the riches of nature to forest-to-bottle spirits, where local ingredients and collaborations with the community are central. According to the website, their products reflect forest-to-bottle, and they have won numerous awards and recognitions for the high quality and character of their spirits. They promise that every sip should be an experience, and the brand is strongly tied to Vermont and the local community.

Production / Manufacturing

The company operates five specially built distillation apparatuses, including a glass-column still – the only one of its kind in the world. Their copper pot stills were previously used as a chocolate kettle in Burlington, and their aging methods use used oak barrels. The stripping-still’s front pan is a converted rhinsvaffel from a recycled maple-syrup chimney. They focus on sustainability and rural craftsmanship, describing their approach as “forest-to-bottle” with local ingredients and Vermont partners. Their production includes No 14 Bourbon, Vermont Gold Vodka and Copper Gins, all presented as small-batch distillations with a focus on character and flavor.

Products / Whisky Series

• Vermont Gold Vodka – made from two ingredients: distilled maple sap and pure Vermont water; forest-to-bottle concept and a gluten- and grain-free finish.
• No 14 Bourbon – Vermont bottled, a handmade, small-batch bourbon with maple sweetness and a long finish; 90 proof.
• Coppers Gins – three varieties: American Gin (classic gin with northern Vermont botanicals and wild juniper), Barrel Gin (double-aged in used bourbon casks) and Sugarwood Gin (maple-syrup finish).
• Distillery Exclusives (Meeting House in Quechee): Esprit de Pomme (Calvados-style apple brandy), Creme de Cassis de Vermont (blackberry liqueur from Vermont), 15 Hands Bourbon and 1791 Oak Barrel Cocktail.
• Drink concepts range from No 14 Manhattan and No 14 Old Fashioned to specific cocktails such as Bourbon Renewal and Maple Magic 14, which often highlight vodka, gin and bourbon in various combinations.

Visit / Experiences

Visit the Meeting House in Quechee Gorge Village, Route 4. The café/Meeting House is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and offers free tastings of Vermont’s range – No 14 Bourbon, Vermont Gold Vodka and Coppers Gins – as well as distillery exclusives. Private tours and special events are available by reservation. The distillery’s operations can be seen from the Meeting House, and the location is situated on Route 4 near Quechee Gorge. Dogs are welcome.

Philosophy

Vermont Spirits emphasizes the forest-to-bottle philosophy and 100% Vermont spirit in their products. They prioritize land stewardship and sustainability and aim to become a carbon-negative operation. They place emphasis on local ingredients and partnerships with the community and agriculture, and describe themselves as part of a longer tradition of craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. They highlight small-batch production and strive to deliver spirits with real character and flavor, with the first taste offered free at the Meeting House.