Vermont Spirits
Vermont Spirits Distilling Co is Vermont's oldest craft distillery (founded 1999), producing small-batch bourbon, maple-sap vodka, and gin for DTC consumers, U.S. retail/hospitality accounts, and on-premise tasting/tour visitors at its Quechee, VT Meeting House.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersQuechee, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Vermont Spirits does
Vermont Spirits Distilling Co, founded in 1999 in Quechee, Vermont, is Vermont's oldest craft distillery. It produces a portfolio of small-batch, handcrafted spirits across three core lines: No 14 Bourbon (90 proof bourbon finished with Vermont maple), Vermont Gold Vodka (80 proof vodka distilled from maple sap, gluten- and grain-free), and three expressions of Coppers Gin (American, Sugarwood, and Barrel-aged, 85–90 proof). It also offers distillery-exclusive SKUs — Esprit de Pomme (Calvados-style apple brandy), Creme de Cassis de Vermont, 15 Hands Bourbon, and the 1791 Oak Barrel Cocktail — sold only at its on-site Meeting House and Harry's Cocktail Lounge.
Production is built around five custom-built stills, including a one-of-a-kind glass column still and repurposed equipment (a chocolate-kettle copper pot still and a maple-syrup-arch stripping still), with sensory-based cutting by Master Distiller Harry Gorman. The 'forest-to-bottle' vertical integration is anchored by Richardson Family Farm as primary maple supplier, with sustainability initiatives pursued in partnership with Dartmouth College's Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship toward a carbon-negative goal.
The business operates a hybrid go-to-market model: direct-to-consumer sales through the company e-commerce site and Barcart, on-premise retail and tasting/tour experiences at the Meeting House in Quechee Gorge Village, and wholesale distribution through libdib (CA, CT, FL, NJ, NY with CO, IL, MD announced) and broader U.S. retail, restaurant, bar, and hotel accounts. Pricing is unit-based per 750mL/375mL bottle with complimentary shipping over $125 and a $100 Brand Associate tasting event fee. The company has won multiple Gold medals, Double Gold medals, and 90+ point ratings at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, Bartender Spirits Awards, and Wine Enthusiast, and was a 2024 USA Today Best Craft Vodka 2nd Runner Up. It is privately held, self-funded (no external investment rounds disclosed), and operates with 1–10 employees.
Vermont Spirits firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Vermont Spirits
- Legal name
- Vermont Spirits Distilling Co
- Website
- https://vermontspirits.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Vermont Spirits Distilling Co is Vermont's oldest craft distillery (founded 1999), producing small-batch bourbon, maple-sap vodka, and gin for DTC consumers, U.S. retail/hospitality accounts, and on-premise tasting/tour visitors at its Quechee, VT Meeting House.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Vermont Spirits industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Craft Distilled Spirits
- NAICS
- Distilleries (312140), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (42482), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320)
- SIC
- Beverages (2080)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Distilled Spirits Production & Distilling (AFAFAAAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC), Spirits Distillery Tours & Tastings (Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka) (THAJAGAF), Spirits/Cocktail Bars Operated by Producers (THAFALAJ), Spirits Retail & Whiskey Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAD)
Keywords
Where Vermont Spirits is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Quechee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Vermont Spirits business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct Spirit Sales: Revenue from selling bottled spirits directly to consumers through the company website and at the Meeting House distillery location. Products include No 14 Bourbon, Vermont Gold Vodka, and Coppers Gins (American, Sugarwood, Barrel).
- Wholesale Distribution: Revenue from selling products in bulk to retailers, restaurants, bars, and hotels across most U.S. states through distribution partners.
- Distillery Experiences: Revenue from 90-minute immersive Tour & Tasting experiences at the Meeting House, including guided tastings and barrel samples. Tastings at Harry's Cocktail Lounge also generate revenue.
- Gift Cards: Digital gift cards sold for use at the Meeting House for spirits or merchandise purchases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Bottle Pricing |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Brand Associate Tasting Events |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Retailer Ordering |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels11 records
Vermont Spirits product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Vermont Spirits is a craft distillery producing small-batch, handcrafted spirits from locally-sourced Vermont ingredients, including bourbon (No 14 Bourbon), vodka (Vermont Gold Vodka made from maple sap), and three expressions of gin (Coppers American, Sugarwood, and Barrel). The company operates a forest-to-bottle production model, using custom-built stills and a flagship retail location (The Meeting House) in Quechee, Vermont, supplemented by direct-to-consumer e-commerce and wholesale distribution across most U.S. states.
Product overview
Vermont Spirits Distilling Co is Vermont's oldest craft distillery (founded 1999) producing a portfolio of small-batch, handcrafted spirits. The core product lineup includes No 14 Bourbon (90 proof bourbon finished with Vermont maple), Vermont Gold Vodka (80 proof, distilled from maple sap, gluten/grain-free), and three varieties of Coppers Gin (American, Sugarwood, and Barrel varieties ranging from 85-90 proof). The company operates on a 'forest-to-bottle' philosophy, emphasizing local maple and botanicals. Additionally, the distillery offers exclusive products only available at the Meeting House in Quechee, Vermont, including Esprit de Pomme (apple brandy), Creme de Cassis de Vermont (blackcurrant liqueur), 15 Hands Bourbon, and the 1791 Oak Barrel Cocktail.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- No 14 Bourbon: Bourbon whiskey named in honor of Vermont, the 14th state. 90 proof. Blended and finished with a touch of pure Vermont maple.
- Vermont Gold Vodka
- Coppers American Gin
- Coppers Sugarwood Gin
- Coppers Barrel Gin
- Esprit de Pomme
- Creme de Cassis de Vermont
- 15 Hands Bourbon
- 1791 Oak Barrel Cocktail
Products and services
- No 14 Bourbon
Quantifiable outcome
- Multiple Gold medals and 90+ point ratings from prestigious competitions (Wine Enthusiast, San Francisco World Spirit Competition, Bartender Spirits Awards)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Vermont Spirits
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Vermont Spirits technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Vermont Spirits partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Richardson Family FarmcorePrimary maple supplier partner. Provides pure Grade A Vermont maple for Vermont Gold Vodka production and collaboration on Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup. Located on Hartland Hill, built in 1907. The maple is used for the maple mash (distilled vodka) and various maple-based products and cocktails.
- Dartmouth College Magnuson Center for EntrepreneurshipminorCollaborates with Vermont Spirits on sustainability initiatives. Students work with the company to explore creative ways to lower emissions and work toward zero carbon footprint goal.
- Billings Farm & MuseumminorHost for events including Music, Film & Food Soiree and TEDxHartlandHill. Vermont Spirits serves craft cocktails at these events.
- Eden CidersminorProvider of Orleans Herbal cider used in the 1791 Oak Barrel Cocktail. Eden Ice Cider also featured in Golden Apple and other cocktail recipes.
- Woodstock InnminorFeatures Woodstock Maple Drop cocktail made with Vermont Gold Vodka. Located in Woodstock, VT.
- USModernistminorCollaboration on Modernism Week events in Palm Springs. Vermont Spirits serves signature cocktails at iconic modernist venues including The Sheats-Goldstein House in LA and the Kirk and Anne Douglas House.
- Quechee Garden ClubminorLocal community organization that Vermont Spirits collaborates with as part of environmental stewardship initiatives.
- Pollinator Pathway ProjectminorEnvironmental initiative Vermont Spirits supports as part of sustainability and land stewardship commitment.
- Blake HillminorPreserves maker that provides botanical shrubs for cocktails, including Blueberry-Basil shrub used in the Blueberry Basil American Gin Spritzer.
- Abracadabra CoffeeminorLocal coffee roaster providing cold brew coffee for Maple Magic 14 cocktail. Single origin, high quality product from neighbors.
- Simon Pearce RestaurantminorUpscale restaurant featuring No 14 Manhattan cocktail made with No 14 Bourbon.
- Boston Harbor Hotel's Rowes Wharf BarminorFeatures signature No 14 Bourbon cocktails including Vermont Ginger and Blackberry Smash. Hosts barrel select events with CEO Randy Carlson.
- Vermont Soapstone CominorLocal Vermont company making soapstone whiskey stones sold at the Meeting House alongside Vermont Spirits products.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Vermont Spirits competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Brown-Forman: Brown-Forman is one of the largest US spirits companies (Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve). It represents the broad incumbent competitive set that Vermont Spirits competes against for shelf space, on-premise placements, and craft-credibility brand storytelling.
Direct peers
- FEW Spirits: FEW Spirits is a Chicago-based craft distillery producing award-winning gin, whiskey, and bourbon in small batches. It is a comparable small-batch craft distiller competing for the same national craft-spirits consumer, distribution channels, and on-premise placements as Vermont Spirits.
- WhistlePig: WhistlePig is a Vermont-based craft distillery producing premium rye whiskey. It is one of Vermont's most prominent craft spirits producers and the closest geographic and category peer to Vermont Spirits, competing for the same on-premise accounts and craft-spirits consumer base in the state.
- Caledonia Spirits (Barr Hill): Caledonia Spirits is a Vermont craft distillery best known for Barr Hill gin and vodka, with a strong farm-to-bottle narrative and pollinator advocacy. It overlaps directly with Vermont Spirits on craft gin positioning, Vermont terroir storytelling, and agricultural sourcing.
- St. George Spirits: St. George Spirits is a California-based craft producer of gin, vodka, whiskey, and liqueurs known for botanical and terroir-driven expressions. It is a comparable craft distillery pushing category boundaries (e.g., unusual botanicals, alternative bases) similar to Vermont Spirits' maple-vodka approach.
- Tuthilltown Spirits: Tuthilltown is a New York craft distillery (Hudson Whiskey line) producing small-batch bourbon, rye, and gin. It is a similar-sized craft distillery competing in the same regional on-premise accounts and craft-spirits retail segment.
- Corsair Distillery: Corsair is a Nashville-based craft distillery producing experimental gin, whiskey, and vodka with a focus on novel grains and ingredient sourcing. Its willingness to push ingredients and methods beyond the mainstream parallels Vermont Spirits' differentiated maple-sap vodka approach.
- Koval Distillery: Koval is a Chicago-based craft distillery producing organic whiskey, gin, and specialty spirits from millet and other non-traditional grains. Its alternative-base, ingredient-forward positioning closely parallels Vermont Spirits' single-ingredient maple-sap vodka story.
- Kings County Distillery: Kings County is a Brooklyn-based craft distillery producing bourbon, whiskey, and gin in small batches with a strong on-site tasting room and tour business. Its model of premium product + tourist/distillery-experience revenue mirrors Vermont Spirits' Meeting House and Tour & Tasting operation.
- Mad River Distillers: Mad River Distillers is another Vermont-based craft producer of bourbon, rye, vodka, and maple spirits. It is a direct in-state peer with overlapping product categories (especially maple-based spirits) and competes in the same New England craft distribution network.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Vermont Spirits social profiles
Digital presenceVermont Spirits financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Vermont Spirits leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Vermont Spirits funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Vermont Spirits M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Vermont Spirits
What does Vermont Spirits do?
Vermont Spirits is a craft distillery producing small-batch, handcrafted spirits from locally-sourced Vermont ingredients, including bourbon (No 14 Bourbon), vodka (Vermont Gold Vodka made from maple sap), and three expressions of gin (Coppers American, Sugarwood, and Barrel). The company operates a forest-to-bottle production model, using custom-built stills and a flagship retail location (The Meeting House) in Quechee, Vermont, supplemented by direct-to-consumer e-commerce and wholesale distribution across most U.S. states.
Is Vermont Spirits a public or private company?
Vermont Spirits is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Vermont Spirits founded?
Vermont Spirits was founded in 1999. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Vermont Spirits based?
Vermont Spirits is headquartered in Quechee, United States, in the North America region.
How does Vermont Spirits make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Direct Spirit Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale Distribution, distillery Experiences and gift Cards.
Who are Vermont Spirits's main competitors?
Brown-Forman is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are FEW Spirits, WhistlePig, Caledonia Spirits (Barr Hill), St. George Spirits, Tuthilltown Spirits, Corsair Distillery, Koval Distillery, Kings County Distillery and Mad River Distillers.
Does Vermont Spirits have an API?
No public API is recorded for Vermont Spirits.
What industry is Vermont Spirits in?
Vermont Spirits's product category is Craft Distilled Spirits. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAFAAAC, Distilled Spirits Production & Distilling, with a secondary code of CRADAIAC, Spirits Distilling & Brands. Its NAICS code is 312140 and its SIC code is 2080.