News & Events

Find us at the 37th annual Mayfest Arts and Crafts Festival on Main Street in Downtown Bennington on Saturday, May 25th from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EDT).

This event brings together over 95 vendors offering a wide variety of juried crafts and specialty foods/drinks, and live performances throughout the day on four separate stages.  There are children’s attractions and live demonstrations as well. Many downtown businesses and restaurants will be offering activities, deals, and festive specialties.

We’ll be there offering tastings and bottle sales, so be sure to stop by our booth! More information can be found on the Better Bennington website at Events | Better Bennington Corporation | Downtown Bennington.

Solar Eclipse Sips & Eats

Join us at our Burlington Tasting Room for Solar Eclipse Sips & Eats! We'll have a variety of drinks and snacks on-hand to see you through totality.
We'll have extended hours through the week, and will be open between 11am-8pm on Sunday and Monday:
On Sunday, April 7th - Only Cannoli will be in our shop, with special (and incredibly delicious) cannoli's available for purchase. We'll have special eclipse cocktails available, including a drink collaboration with VT Juice Co!
On Monday, April 8th - we'll have a cocktail collaboration again with VT Juice Co, a cocktail flight special, tasting flights, and to-go snack boxes! Plus, our retail section will be open for any beverages or supplies you want to take home.
We look forward to celebrating this rare solar event with all of you!

Solar Eclipse Sips & Eats

Join us at our Burlington Tasting Room for Solar Eclipse Sips & Eats! We'll have a variety of drinks and snacks on-hand to see you through totality.
We'll have extended hours through the week, and will be open between 11am-8pm on Sunday and Monday:
On Sunday, April 7th - Only Cannoli will be in our shop, with special (and incredibly delicious) cannoli's available for purchase. We'll have special eclipse cocktails available, including a drink collaboration with VT Juice Co!
On Monday, April 8th - we'll have a cocktail collaboration again with VT Juice Co, a cocktail flight special, tasting flights, and to-go snack boxes! Plus, our retail section will be open for any beverages or supplies you want to take home.
We look forward to celebrating this rare solar event with all of you!

World Wide Whisk(e)y Fest @ Provisions Mill District in Amherst, MA

Join Mad River Distillers on Saturday, October 19th at the World Wide Whisk(e)y Fest @ the Provisions Mill District in Amherst, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at Crazy Andy's Liquors in Springfield, MA

Join Mad River Distillers on Saturday, May 4th at Crazy Andy's Liquors in Springfield, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

By in Cocktails, RUM 44 Comments Off on Strawberry Smash

Strawberry Smash

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Strawberry Smash

  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
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Description

A bright and aromatic cocktail combining our Rum 44 with strawberries, basil and Runamok Maple Grenadine.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 ripe and rinsed strawberries, leafy ends removed, chopped
  • 4 fresh basil leaves
  • 1.5 oz. of Rum 44
  • 1 oz. of fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz. or a barspoon of Runamok Maple Grenadine
  • Club soda

Instructions

  1. In a shaker, combine all ingredients except for the club soda.
  2. Muddle the ingredients together.
  3. Add fresh ice to a shaker, and shake well.
  4. Double strain into a stemless glass over fresh ice.
  5. Top with club soda, and garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil.

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By in Cocktails, Revolution Rye Comments Off on Cynara

Cynara

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Cynara

  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Build this cocktail right in your rocks glass over an Angostura ice cube, using our Revolution Rye, Linchpin Aperitivo (or Aperol), and Cynar Amaro. As the ice melts, the Angostura bitters are released, adding more flavor with each sip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz. of Revolution Rye
  • 1/2 oz. of Cynar Amaro
  • 1/2 oz. of Linchpin Aperitivo (or Aperol)
  • Angostura ice cube

Instructions

  1. Add an Angostura ice cube to a large rocks glass.*
  2. Build this cocktail right in the glass. Pour the Revolution Rye over the ice cube, followed by Cynar Amaro, and Linchpin Aperitivo.
  3. Twist an orange peel over the top of the glass, then add as a garnish.

Notes

*To make an Angostura ice cube, add 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters to water, and freeze in a large ice cube mold. Note that adding more bitters may prevent freezing.

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MRD Tasting at Reveler Beverage Company in Needham

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, May 3rd at Reveler Beverage Company in Needham, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm- 6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at Inman Square Wine & Spirits in Cambridge, MA

Join Mad River Distillers on Thursday, March 28th at Inman Square Wine & Spirits in Cambridge, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 5:00pm- 7:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

By in Blog Comments Off on Rum Drinks to Sip This Spring

Rum Drinks to Sip This Spring

Spring is finally here, along with the happy sounds of birds chirping and glasses clinking… outside! While winter is wonderful in its own right, we’re super excited to be social outdoors again, with lively conversations and delicious beverages in hand. All of our spirits make great seasonal cocktails, but rum is the one spirit that is always top-of-mind when the temperatures go up. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of rum drinks you can sip on this spring.

STRAWBERRY SMASH
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Rum 44
- 5 ripe strawberries, leafy ends removed
- 5 fresh basil leaves 
- juice from 1 medium lemon
- bar spoon of Runamok Maple Grenadine
- club soda

Directions: 
Muddle strawberries and basil in a mixing glass. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and add a bar spoon of Runamok Maple Grenadine. Add in the Rum 44 and stir all ingredients to incorporate. Add to a stemless wine glass over ice. Top with club soda, and garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil.

Host With The Most cocktail on the bar at Mad River Distillers

HOST WITH THE MOST
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. of First Run Rum
- 1 oz. of pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz. of Fernet Branca
- 3/4 oz. of simple syrup
- 3/4 oz. of lime juice
- 2 dashes of Vena's Island Bitters

Directions: 
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into a collins glass filled with pebbled ice. Top with soda water, then garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.

PURPLE SKIES
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. of Rum 44
- 1 oz. of lime juice
- 1/2 oz. of Creme de Violette
- 1/2 oz. of Orange Curacao (or Cointreau)
- 1/2 oz. of simple syrup
- 2 dashes of Orange Bitters
- 2 droppers of B'lure Flower Extract

Directions: 
Add all ingredients except the Flower Extract to a shaker with ice. Shake hard, then strain into a stemless wine glass over pebbled ice. Top with the Flower Extract, and garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel.

SPRING SHOWERS
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Rum 44
- 1/2 oz Amaro Montenegro
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon
- 2 Dashes Peychaud's Bitters

Directions: 
Muddle 3 blackberries with simple syrup. Dry shake and strain the contents over crushed ice. Add a blackberry & lemon peel for garnish.

PINEAPPLE DAIQUIRI
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rum 44
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- 3/4 oz Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain contents into a Coupe glass. Add a pineapple & lime peel for garnish.

LAVENDER LEMONADE
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rum 44
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 4 Dashes Lavender Bitters

Directions: 
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain contents into a Collins glass with ice. Add a lavender sprig for garnish.

GRAPEFRUIT MOJITO
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rum 44
- 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 3/4 oz Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
- 8-10 mint leaves

Directions:
Muddle Mint with simple syrup in a shaker. Add remaining ingredients, then shake with ice. Strain contents into a Collins glass, and top with club soda. Add a mint sprig & grapefruit for garnish.

RUM 44 MULE
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rum 44
- 1/2 oz Lime Juice
- Ginger Beer
- 4 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Directions:
Add rum, lime and ginger beer to a highball glass with ice, and stir. Add a lime wheel & bitters for garnish.

VERMONT SPRITZ
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Rum 44
- 3/4 oz St. Elder
- 3/4 oz Lemon Juice

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain contents into a flute. Top with sparkling wine. Add a lemon peel for garnish.

AIR MAIL
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Rum 44
- 3/4 oz Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz Honey Syrup
- 2 Dashes Angostura
- Sparkling wine

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain contents into a flute. Top with sparkling wine, and add a lemon peel for garnish.

MAI TAI
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Rum 44
- 1 oz First Run Rum
- 3/4 oz Curacao
- 3/4 oz Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz Orgeat

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Dry shake, then strain contents over crushed ice. Add a mint sprig for garnish.

TRICKSTER
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz First Run Rum
- 3/4 oz Lemon Juice
- 3/4 oz Honey Ginger Syrup
- 3/4 oz Curacao
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain contents over a large ice cube. Garnish with candied ginger.

CAFE SWIZZLE
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Vanilla Rum
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1.5 oz Coconut cream

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain contents over crushed ice. Garnish with grated nutmeg and espresso beans.

Now that you have some delicious new spring drink recipes up your sleeve, we hope your spring social calendar fills up with good drinks, good times, and really good people. As always, you can find bottles of our rum at our Tasting Rooms. At our Burlington Tasting Room, you can find a variety of bitters, orgeat, simple syrups and more in order to make the recipes above. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Originally published by Brianne Lucas on March 27, 2022 and updated on March 18, 2024.

Some recipe content provided by Maeghan Phillips for Mad River Distillers. Cocktail photos with the brick background provided by Brandon Phillips.

MRD Tasting at Hare and the Dog in Middlebury, VT

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, March 29th at Hare and the Dog in Middlebury, VT. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at 802 bws in Burlington

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, March 22nd at 802bws in Burlington, VT. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:30pm - 6:30pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at Granby Liquor Store in Granby, MA

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, April 19th at the Granby Liquor Store in Granby, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at Route 110 Liquors in Amesbury, MA

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, May 10th at Route 110 Liquors in Amesbury, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm-6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

By in Blog Comments Off on Mad River Distillers Welcomes Moira Horan as On-Premise Sales Manager for Massachusetts

Mad River Distillers Welcomes Moira Horan as On-Premise Sales Manager for Massachusetts

Warren, VT – March 4, 2024 – Mad River Distillers, a leader in the craft distilling industry known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Moira Horan as On-Premise Sales Manager for Massachusetts and Connecticut. Horan, who previously worked with Mad River Distillers in 2017, returns to the team in a pivotal management role after gaining valuable experience and insights at Fever Tree and Tanteo Tequila.

Moira Horan is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success in the beverage industry. During her time at Fever Tree and Tanteo Tequila, she developed a deep understanding of the market dynamics and established herself as a key player in driving growth and brand recognition. Her expertise in sales strategy, customer relations, and market penetration will be invaluable to Mad River Distillers as the company seeks to expand its presence and influence in the Massachusetts and Connecticut markets.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Moira back to the Mad River Distillers family," said Maura Connolly, Co-founder of Mad River Distillers. "Her energy, expertise, and passion for the spirits industry are exactly what we need as we look to strengthen our position in the on-premise marketplace. Moira's unique ability to connect with customers and drive sales will be instrumental in achieving our growth objectives in these key regions."

In her new role, Horan will be responsible for leading sales initiatives, cultivating relationships with key accounts, and developing valuable partnerships that will enhance Mad River Distillers' visibility and market share. Her appointment marks a significant step forward in the company's strategic expansion efforts and underscores its commitment to bringing high-quality, artisanal spirits to a wider audience.

“I’m excited to return to the Mad River Distillers team which is a brand based on authenticity and sense of place,” said Moira Horan. “I look forward to being a part of the brand building in the on-premise in Massachusetts and Connecticut."

Mad River Distillers is confident that Horan's return and her leadership in the Massachusetts and Connecticut markets will usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the company.

About Mad River Distillers: Mad River Distillers is a craft distillery based in Warren, Vermont, dedicated to producing high-quality, small-batch spirits with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Founded in 2011, the distillery has garnered acclaim for its diverse portfolio of award-winning products, including whiskey, rum, and brandy. Committed to the craft and community, Mad River Distillers continues to push the boundaries of traditional distilling while honoring the rich heritage of Vermont's distilling legacy.

For further information, contact Mad River Distillers at info@madriverdistillers.com

MRD Tasting at Maximum Beverage in Farmington, CT

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, May 10th at the Maximum Beverage in Farmington, CT. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm-7:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at Village Cork & Keg in Granby, CT

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, April 26th at the Village Cork & Keg in Granby, CT. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:30pm-7:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

By in Cocktails, Vanilla Rum Comments Off on Thin Mint

Thin Mint

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Thin Mint

  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Print Recipe

Description

A chocolate and mint flavored cocktail made with Vanilla Rum that would make an ideal St. Patrick’s Day treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz. of Vanilla Rum
  • 1.5 oz. of Creme de Cacao
  • 3/4 oz. of Green Creme de Menthe
  • 1 splash of Irish Cream
  • 3 oz. of half of half

Instructions

  1. In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients.
  2. Add ice, then shake well.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass, then grate chocolate over the top. You can also add a thin mint cookie as garnish.

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