Bottle of Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey with black label on a shelf

INTRODUCING ESSENTIAL SPIRITS

In March 2020, due to the pandemic shutdown, the flow of Switchback Ale abruptly stopped across hundreds of draft systems. Bars and restaurants returned numerous full kegs, while warehouses were stocked with even more awaiting shipment.

Essential emerged as the creative solution to repurpose this surplus beer, by distilling Switchback Ale at Appalachian Gap Distillery.

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Label of Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey bottle, 46% alcohol by volume, 92 proof, distilled by Appalachian Gap Distillery, Switchback Brewing Co, Middlebury, VT, with whiskey barrels and still illustration, 750ml.

Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey is made from Switchback Ale that was stranded at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. This unique whiskey has a floral, citrusy aroma reminiscent of the hops used to make Switchback Ale. This aroma floats on top of notes of butterscotch, caramel and toasted marshmallow derived from 3+ years aging in white oak barrels. Classic whiskey flavors are first on the pallet with malty and vanilla flavors giving way to herbaceous, citrusy and floral notes on the finish. Enjoy Essential over ice, in a Boulevardier (with sweet vermouth and amaro) or alongside a frosty Switchback Ale!

Label of a gin bottle by Switchback Brewing Co and Appalachian Gap Distillery, featuring the words "Essential Vermont Hopped," with hops illustrations. The gin is 44% alcohol by volume, 88 proof, and contains natural flavor. Bottled in Middlebury, VT, 750mL.

Essential Vermont Hopped gin was distilled from Switchback Ale at the beginning of COVID. This unique gin evokes notes of fresh flowers, herbs, citrus and evergreen. The hop character from the distillation as well as the Saaz, Cascade and Mandarina hops in the maceration blend seamlessly with the juniper, angelica root, coriander and lemon peel in this gin. A crisp and bright aroma melds with warm spice and evergreen reminiscent of the Green Mountains. Essential Vermont Hopped gin is perfect in a citrusy gimlet or combined with tonic and a twist of lemon. More adventurous cocktail connoisseurs may want to add a topper of Switchback Ale to their favorite gin cocktail as a nod to the spirit's origin.