Vermont Spirits Distilling Co.
About the Distillery
Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. is located in Quechee Gorge Village and presents itself as Vermont's oldest craft distillery. The site produces a range of craft spirits — including No 14 Bourbon, Vermont Gold Vodka and several varieties of Coppers Gin — with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients such as distilled maple sap, water from Vermont and hand-picked wild juniper berries. The distillery is open daily to visitors and offers tastings, guided tours and a cocktail lounge adjacent to the product shop.
History
Decades ago, the company started with the ambition to utilize Vermont's resources for small-batch spirits production. Since then, the distillery has built an identity as a regional pioneer in the craft segment and highlights its role as Vermont's oldest craft distillery. The management is described as a combination of a practical, passionate craftsman and an experienced business leader, united around the idea of making spirits with character. Over time, collaborations with local farmers and a consistent use of locally sourced ingredients have become central elements in the company's development. As growth and recognition have occurred, the distillery has also expanded the visitor experience with Harry’s Cocktail Lounge and The Meeting House, where guests can participate in guided tours and barrel tastings by reservation.
Raw Materials and Production
The production's driving force is small-batch distillation and the use of local ingredients. Vermont Gold Vodka is made with distilled maple sap and pure Vermont water as the only stated base ingredients, while Coppers American Gin is distilled with hand-picked wild Vermont juniper berries and a simple, curated blend of botanicals including coriander, licorice root, orange zest, and cardamom. The distillery's approach is to develop clear, recognizable profiles through selected ingredients and their own small-batch techniques rather than mass production. They also offer tastings and barrel tastings as part of their guest activities.
Maturation and Barrel Types
The information does not describe detailed barrel types or aging times, but No 14 Bourbon is highlighted as a central, mature edition in the range, and the distillery hosts barrel tastings, indicating active use of its own stock. Some gins are described as finished with optional elements such as a light maple touch in certain Sugarwood editions.
Core Range
The core range includes No 14 Bourbon, Vermont Gold Vodka and several Coppers gin variants. Coppers American Gin is marketed in 750 mL and 375 mL bottles and has won awards; Vermont Gold Vodka is highlighted by its unique combination of distilled maple sap and Vermont water. The distillery also sells exclusive editions in the local shop and features signature cocktails through Harry’s Cocktail Lounge and their blog, which provides inspiration for using the products.
| Whiskey | Type / Series | Alcohol | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coppers American Gin | Gin | 42.5 % | A contemporary American gin distilled with hand-picked wild Vermont juniper berries and a simple, curated blend of botanicals (coriander, licorice root, orange zest, cardamom). Available in 750 mL and 375 mL bottles and designed for both classic and upgraded cocktails.; Nose: Fragrant herbal aroma, rich in spicy citrus and juniper notes with a distinct cardamom note.; Taste: Spicy profile with continued notes of black pepper and orange zest on the mid-palate.; Finish: Juniper-led, medium-long finish. | Current; Core range |
| Vermont Gold Vodka | Vodka | Vermont Gold Vodka is produced with only two ingredients: distilled maple sap and pure Vermont water. The product is highlighted as an example of the distillery's work with local ingredients. | Current; Core range | |
| No 14 Bourbon | Bourbon | No 14 Bourbon is presented as a round and rich bourbon with roots in the state of Vermont—the name references Vermont's status as the 14th state. The product is part of the distillery's core selection and is also used in signature cocktails. | Current; Core range | |
| Coppers Sugarwood Gin | Gin | A variant in the Coppers family, described as sweeter with enhanced botanical notes and with a maple finish in certain editions. |
The Whiskies’ Style and Flavor Profile
Coppers gins are clearly juniper-led with a spicy citrus note; the product text mentions cardamom as a prominent spice and black pepper tones in the mid-palate, as well as orange zest as the citrus component. Vermont Gold Vodka draws its distinctiveness from the use of distilled maple sap, bringing a maple element into the expression. Several gin variants are described as sweeter or with extra botanical fullness in special editions, which complements the spicy, juniper-centered foundation.
Visit the Distillery
The distillery is located in Quechee Gorge Village on Route 4, about half a mile from the Quechee Gorge Visitor Center, and is open daily. Opening hours are Mon–Wed 10:00–18:00, Thu 10:00–20:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–21:00 and Sun 10:00–19:00. The Meeting House offers guided tours and barrel tastings by reservation, and Harry’s Cocktail Lounge serves as the site’s lounge and tasting venue with flights and live events. The first tasting is free, and tours require booking.
The stated opening hours are Mon–Wed 10:00–18:00, Thu 10:00–20:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–21:00, Sun 10:00–19:00.
Philosophy and Craft
The company prioritizes craftsmanship and land stewardship; it works closely with local farming suppliers and strives for consistent quality in small batches. An explicit goal is to become a carbon-negative operation, and this environmental focus is part of the company’s core values.
Sustainability
The company is pursuing a path to becoming carbon-negative and highlights land stewardship as part of its responsibility.
Awards and Recognitions
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Double Gold Medal (Double Gold, Coppers American Gin)
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Gold (2017, Gold, 94 points, Coppers American Gin)