Metcalfe’s Vermont Maple Bourbon Review

By Douglas Fraser

Grade: B+

Vermont Distillers is a family-owned and -operated distillery in the town of Marlboro, Vermont. The proprietor, Edward Metcalfe, has been distilling for over 20 years, and Ed and his sons operate and conduct all business for the craft distillery. For the most part, they have been producing fruit and maple liqueurs, but the distillery is also responsible for Catamount Vodka. The Maple Bourbon is a newer edition to their line of products. The majority of their products are found within the New England area, however, and some spirits are exclusive to Vermont.

The Bourbon
Vermont Distiller’s Maple Bourbon is a blending of straight bourbon and 100% pure VT maple syrup. The whiskey is incredibly smooth, with some maple sweetness and subtle hints of spice. The heavy presence of maple causes the bourbon to be somewhat thick on the tongue. When opening the bottle, the cork was even a little sticky. This maple bourbon is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), which is why it’s not counted a liqueur.

Color: Bronze gold. Good maple coloring.

Nose: Maple, maple sugar candy, cinnamon roll, oak, caramel, and a slight hint of coffee.

Palate: Maple, somewhat thick and syrupy, french toast, cinnamon, caramel, subtle spice, and slight hint of coffee.

Finish: Medium, smooth, maple, and oak.

The Price
Vermont Distiller’s Maple Bourbon can be found only in Vermont for $45 USD.