Double Gold for Switchback Spirits

We’ve got some big news to share! Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey just brought home a Double Gold Medal at the 2025 North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition!

That’s right: our pandemic-born, beer-distilled Vermont whiskey stood out in a blind-tasted showdown of the best whiskeys across the U.S. and Canada. The Double Gold honor means every single judge on the panel gave it a gold rating, something only a small handful of spirits achieve.

From Pandemic Pivot to Award Winner

Essential Vermont has come a long way. It started during the early days of the COVID-19 shutdown as a creative collaboration between Switchback and our friends at Split Spirits (formerly Appalachian Gap Distillery). Faced with a surplus of Switchback Ale that couldn’t go to bars or restaurants, we decided to turn it into something new. Something bold, balanced, and uniquely Vermont.

That spark of innovation led to Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey and later, Essential Vermont Hopped Gin, both of which are now available across Vermont and featured at the Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse.

Another Win for Vermont Craft

This isn’t our first time on the podium, either. Essential Vermont has already picked up recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most respected contests in the world. With this latest Double Gold win, we’re proud to keep building on our legacy of award-winning, Vermont-made craft—this time, in whiskey form.

Where to Find It

You can find Essential Vermont Whiskey at 802 Spirits Stores across the state, or come enjoy a glass with us right here in Burlington. We’re pouring it at the Beer Garden & Smokehouse alongside our full lineup of Award winning beers, spirits and food.