Spirits
Vermont
WOOD SPECIES: SUGAR MAPLE (Acer saccharum)
MASH BILL: 45% BARLEY, 30% CORN, 25% RYE
TASTING NOTES: BANANA BREAD, PANCAKES, BROWNED BUTTER, COOKIE BATTER
Vermont is a rugged place full of deep valleys, wooded slopes and rocky ridges.
People have worked hard over generations to survive amidst cold winters, rocky soil and plenty of rain. Native Americans discovered a way to make sugar by tapping hard maple during the spring when daytime temperatures were above freezing but nights were still bitter cold. Despite its tough climate, Vermont is one of the most stunning landscapes, especially when the leaves of this emblematic tree turn fiery shades of red and orange and light up hillsides from the Taconic Mountains in the south to Lake Champlain and Memphremagog (of whiskey running fame ;) in the north.
Maple Mint Julep
1.5 oz Split VT Sugar Maple
0.75 oz Lemon
0.25 oz Blackberry Brandy
0.5 oz Blueberry and Mint Shrub
Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into Julep mug or Old Fashioned glass over crushed ice. Top with a barspoon of Blackberry Brandy and garnish with a mint sprig.
VT Old Fashioned
2 oz Split VT Sugar Maple
2 dashes Angostura bitters
0.25 oz Vermont Maple Syrup
Stir and strain into rocks glass. Garnish with orange twist and Luxardo cherry.
The Melvin
(makes 2 cocktails)
4 oz Split VT Sugar Maple
Juice from:
1 lime
1 lemon
1 orange
1 grapefruit
Combine ingredients in small pitcher, add ice, and stir. Pour into two highball glasses and garnish with citrus peel of your choice.
The Old Timer
1.5 oz Split VT Sugar Maple
2 dashes Angostura bitters
0.5 oz Applejack
0.25 oz Vermont Maple Syrup
Stir and strain into rocks glass. Garnish with lemon twist and serve with the sharpest Vermont cheddar.
Hot Toddy
1.5 oz Split VT Sugar Maple
0.75 oz Lemon
0.5 oz Allspice Dram
0.75 Honey
Combine ingredients in a tin, shake, then add hot water. Strain into Toddy glass or mug. Garnish with a Lemon wheel and Cloves.
Maple Perc
1.75 oz Split VT Sugar Maple
1 dash Angostura bitters
0.25 oz Maple Syrup
4 oz Vermont Coffee Roaster Medium Roast
Top with App Gap Espresso Liqueur Cream (2 oz Cream, .75 oz Liqueur)
Combine ingredients in a Geogrian/Coffee Mug and stir. Garnish with Star Anise.
Migration Pattern
0.75 oz Split VT Sugar Maple
0.75 oz Cocchi di Torino
0.75 oz Bruto Americano
0.75 oz Avua Amburana
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a chilled rocks glass with one large ice cube. Express a grapefruit peel, and garnish with a twist.
The Cure All
1 oz Split VT Sugar Maple
⅛ tsp Salt
0.75 oz Honey Syrup
1 oz Cynar
Combine ingredients in a tin, shake and double strain in a coupe, up. Garnish with grapefruit zest.