In the heart of Burlington, Vermont, a small brewery has been quietly rewriting the rules of craft spirits. Switchback Brewing Co., a name long synonymous with bold, unfiltered ales, has now claimed a prestigious spot in the whiskey world. Their Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey recently clinched a Double Gold Medal at the 2025 North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition (NABWC), a testament to their grit, ingenuity, and commitment to quality. This victory, hot on the heels of a Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, signals that Switchback Spirits is no longer just a brewery—it’s a force in American craft distilling.
The NABWC, established in 2014 by Wine Country Network, is no small stage. It’s a double-blind, style-based showdown where North America’s finest whiskey producers square off. Judged by a panel of industry pros, a Double Gold Medal is the holy grail, awarded only when every judge unanimously gives a spirit top marks. For Switchback’s Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey to earn this honor speaks volumes about its quality and character. “This is a huge honor,” said Bill Cherry, Switchback’s founder and brewmaster. “We set out to make something meaningful with Essential Whiskey, something rooted in creativity, collaboration, and our Vermont craft values. To see it recognized on this level is incredibly rewarding.”
The story of Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey is as compelling as its flavor. Born during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it started as a practical solution to a problem: surplus Switchback Ale that couldn’t be sold due to bar and restaurant closures. Rather than let it go to waste, Switchback teamed up with Split Spirits (formerly Appalachian Gap Distillery) in Middlebury, Vermont, to transform that beer into something extraordinary. They distilled roughly 1,500 kegs—equivalent to 250,000 cans—of their signature ale into a small-batch whiskey, aged for over three years in new American oak barrels. What began as a creative pivot has grown into a full-fledged spirits line that’s turning heads across the country.
This whiskey isn’t just a product; it’s a reflection of Vermont’s rugged, independent spirit. Switchback, founded in 2002, has always marched to its own beat. Their flagship Switchback Ale, unfiltered and naturally conditioned, was crafted as a flavor-first concept, unbound by traditional style guidelines. That same philosophy carries over to their spirits. Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey doesn’t chase trends or mimic big-name bourbons. Instead, it leans on local ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep connection to Vermont’s land and community. The result is a whiskey that’s rich, complex, and distinctly its own—qualities that clearly resonated with the NABWC judges.
The Double Gold win at NABWC isn’t Switchback’s first rodeo. Earlier in 2025, Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious spirits contests globally. These back-to-back accolades highlight Switchback’s ability to compete with the best, not just in Vermont but across North America. Their spirits line, which also includes Essential Vermont Hopped Gin, is now a cornerstone of their offerings, available at 802 Spirits stores throughout Vermont, at Split Spirits, and at Switchback’s own Beer Garden & Smokehouse in Burlington’s South End.
Speaking of the Beer Garden & Smokehouse, it’s a destination worth visiting. Nestled in Burlington’s vibrant South End, this 100% employee-owned brewery welcomes guests with house-smoked BBQ and a full lineup of Switchback beverages. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back with a pint of Switchback Ale, sip their award-winning whiskey, or try their non-alcoholic Switchback N.A., all while soaking in the laid-back Vermont vibe. The Beer Garden isn’t just a tasting room—it’s a celebration of Switchback’s ethos: quality, community, and innovation.
Switchback’s journey from a craft brewery to a celebrated distillery is a story of resilience and reinvention. When the pandemic hit, many businesses struggled to adapt, but Switchback saw opportunity in adversity. Their collaboration with Split Spirits wasn’t just about saving surplus beer; it was about pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to honor their craft. The result is a whiskey that embodies Vermont’s independent streak—a spirit born from necessity but elevated by passion and skill.
For whiskey enthusiasts, Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey offers something rare: a chance to taste a story. Every sip carries the weight of a brewery that refused to stand still, a community that rallied together, and a craft that prioritizes flavor over convention. Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or just someone who appreciates a well-made drink, Switchback’s whiskey is a reminder that the best things often come from unexpected places.
As Switchback Spirits continues to build on its legacy, the future looks bright. Their Double Gold win at NABWC and Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are more than just trophies—they’re proof that Switchback is carving out a unique space in the crowded world of craft spirits. For now, Vermonters can find Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey and Hopped Gin at local 802 Spirits stores or at the brewery’s Beer Garden. For those outside the Green Mountain State, it’s worth keeping an eye on Switchback as they expand their reach. This is a brand that’s not just making whiskey—they’re making history.
