Imagine Vermont’s lush green hills, where tall maple trees stretch into the sky, their sap awaiting its transformation into the state’s renowned syrup. That sugary, earthy quality is what inspired Christian Stromberg, the owner of Saxtons River Distillery, to infuse his Lithuanian heritage where creating bold, full flavored liqueurs is an art passed from generation to generation into something special. He envisioned Vermont’s maple as the core of a new style of spirit, one that embodies the soul of the land. The outcome? The Sapling line, a series of maple and honey infused spirits that taste like a love letter to Vermont. With products such as maple liqueur, maple bourbon, honey bourbon, double barrel maple bourbon, and maple rye, every bottle is made with 100% locally sourced Grade A maple syrup or golden Vermont honey. Aside from Sapling, the distillery produces Snowdrop Gin, a bright, clean spirit, and Perc, an intense coffee liqueur, both of which have barrel aged iterations that provide layers of complexity. A vodka awaits, but that’s to be overshadowed by the Sapling lineup, a blend of tradition and innovation. Let us proceed with the four Sapling releases and conclude with a tasting of sipping whiskey, discussing what sets these whiskeys apart and where they stand in the world of premium whiskey.
1. Sapling Honey Bourbon
At 40% ABV and $30 to $60, Sapling Honey Bourbon starts with a solid look: clear, golden honey color. It’s almost too handsome for drinking almost. Take a sniff, and the honey moves forward, not blaring but speaking softly with a gentle charm. It’s accompanied by warm vanilla and a burst of orange zest, and the bouquet that results tastes like a Vermont morning sunrise.
Upon drinking, the bourbon envelops your tongue in rich, silky smoothness. The honey is sweet and natural, never cloying or sticky, similar to a perfectly drizzled spoonful on good bread. That vanilla and orange linger from the aroma, bringing everything together in a smooth, friendly package. It’s a party pleaser, with a good 3 out of 5 for balance and versatility. Whether you’re sipping it neat or mixing it into a cocktail with a splash of citrus, this bourbon brings a touch of Vermont’s sweetness to every glass.
2. Sapling Double Barrel Maple Bourbon
Priced at $45 $60 with a robust 45% ABV, the Double Barrel Maple Bourbon looks like liquid amber in the glass, hinting at its rich, layered character. The additional oak barrel time adds depth you can perceive even before you take a sip. On the nose, maple syrup is front and center, robust and undeniable, reminiscent of a sugarhouse operating at full tilt. But it is not alone prune, sassafras, and just a hint of spice enter in, evoking crisp autumn afternoons and fire crackles.
That first taste is an epiphany. It’s rich and silky, flowing across your tongue with ease. The maple is in the spotlight, but it gets along well with the oaky vanilla and hint of spice from the bourbon, creating a harmony that doesn’t feel forced. The finish lasts just long enough to leave behind warm impressions of maple and vanilla. With a score of 4 out of 5, this is the crown jewel of the Sapling line for sipping, with complexity that beckons you to slow down and taste.
3. Sapling Maple Bourbon
This 35% ABV, $45 $60 one welcomes you with a light brown color, the consistency of maple syrup thinned to the point where the whiskey shows through. It’s less robust than the double barrel but no less appealing. The scent relies on vanilla heavily, with maple in close second place and a background peppery spice injecting a flash of excitement. It’s like smelling pancakes on the griddle with a whiff of something more sinister.
In the mouth, it’s all about the maple such as when a rich dollop of syrup is added to a shot of whiskey. It’s bold sweetness nearly overwhelms the bourbon’s more subtle hints, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s wholly maple driven, ideal for those seeking that Vermont taste. Scoring 3.5 out of 5, it’s a sweet, fun spirit that glows in autumn cocktails, such as a hot toddy with a kick, but can stand on its own for sipping if you enjoy huge, bold flavors.
4. Sapling Maple Rye
Also 35% ABV and $45 $60, the Maple Rye is a colorful reddish gold, reminiscent of autumn leaves bathed in sunlight. Aromas are an interesting blend of maple’s dark, sugary richness and rye’s earthy caraway and malt flavors. It smells like a warm pumpernickel loaf generously smeared with maple butter a pairing you never knew you wanted until now.
The flavor serves up that same maple depth, sweet and warm, but rye character breaks through more than in the Maple Bourbon. There’s dried grass and peppery spiciness, cutting the sweetness with a spicy counterpoint. It’s an active play, deserving a 3.5 out of 5 for its success at allowing both maple and rye to take center stage. This one’s a rye aficionado’s dream to have a hint of sweetness, and it’s a great foundation for innovative cocktails with a Vermont flair.
5. The Joy of Sipping Whiskey
The Sapling series is a celebration of Vermont flavors, but let’s take a step back and look at the broader world of sipping whiskey whiskies made for savoring slowly and mindfully. Whereas the Sapling line’s cocktail friendly sweetness, it’s not about but rather depth and subtlety, whiskeys to be enjoyed straight or with a dash of water. They’re smooth, balanced, and easy going, with no spikes of bitterness to shock you out of the experience. Magic tends to happen with time in barrels usually 8 to 12 years, but younger or older can still impress where the spirit acquires rich, advanced flavors.
Price also tells part of the tale. A $15 bottle can leave your tongue spinning if you drink it neat, but beginning around $40, you’ll find good sippers. The top ones, with advanced layers and extended aging, tend to reach over $100. It’s not just about cost, though it’s about finding what speaks to you. Love sweet and fruity? Irish or Scotch whiskeys might be your jam, with notes of caramel or apple. Crave smoke or spice? Bourbon, Japanese whisky, or rye could be your match, offering everything from charred oak to peppery zest.
Bourbon, aged in new charred oak, brings vanilla and caramel warmth, perfect with a twist of orange. Rye, which has a minimum of 51% rye mash, provides spicy punch use 90% + rye for a bold trip. Scotch, single malt or blended, pairs sweetness with richness, while Irish whiskey tips toward smooth and fruity. Japanese whisky provides dry, smoky sophistication, and Canadian whisky provides warm comfort. Standouts are Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon (toffee and fruit), Aberlour A’bunadh Scotch (sherry and caramel), Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye (ginger and pepper), Green Spot Irish Whiskey (apple and spice), and Hakushu 12 Year Japanese Whisky (mint and smoke).
These gems are available at local establishments, fine dining restaurants, or online stores such as Speakeasy. Sapling line, with its genuine Vermont maple and honey, is ideal for playful, seasonal drinks, but the Double Barrel Maple Bourbon is exceptional to sip due to its harmony of depth. Sipping whiskey, however, is a different sort of ritual a one where it invites you to be slower, take in the smells, and allow the flavors to do their telling. Whether you’re toasting with a Sapling creation or a classic bourbon, each glass is a chance to connect with the craft and the place it came from.”
