802 Spirits August 2023

HOT PICKS

1800 Cucumber & Jalapeño Tequila

1800 Cucumber & Jalapeño Tequila is 100% blue agave blanco tequila infused with the natural flavors of cucumber and jalapeños.

085611 - 750ML - $31.99

On Sale: $29.99

Delola Spritz L’Orange

Just open the bottle, fill glass with ice, pour and enjoy! Founded by Jennifer Lopez, Delola Spritzes are delicious, gluten free and only 107 calories/serving. An ode to the Italian spritz with notes of bright, delicious fruit perfectly balanced with the bitterness of amaro.

059551 - 750ML - $22.99

Barrell Seagrass

Tropical and orchard fruits lie at the heart of this juicy whiskey, with prominent tones of ripe apricot from brandy casks. The tropical notes are kept in check by an array of spicy rye aromas and complemented by the delicate florals of Martinique rum.

026357 - 750ML - $84.99

Wheatley Vodka

Using a one-of-a-kind micro-still, Wheatley Vodka is distilled a total of 10 times and triple filtered to create an ultra-smooth vodka. Distiller Harlen Wheatley is proud to share that “this is how vodka is supposed to taste.” Whether you sip it over ice or mix it into your favorite cocktail, Wheatley Vodka will take your drink to the next level.

038516 - 750ML - $19.99

On Sale: $16.99

Don Julio Rosado

Finished in Ruby Port wine casks from the Douro region of Northern Portugal, this tequila is deliciously unique with a pink hue and notes of sweet dried red fruit and caramel. A premium tequila, Don Julio Rosado Tequila Reposado is best enjoyed on the rocks or with a splash of club soda and a lemon garnish.

085764 - 750ML - $129.99

Welcome to Hare and the Dog

Middlebury's One-Stop Shop for Vermont Spirits

Scott Hirschberg and Ned Horton had their eyes on the same goal three years ago. They wanted to purchase a popular wine shop. Their decision to become partners and buy the Vergennes Wine Shop together led to creating one of Vermont's newest agency stores: Hare and the Dog in Middlebury.

“It was a chance meeting. An associate of ours introduced us to each other. We both had interest in buying Vergennes Wine, and we put our heads together and we did it,” Hirschberg says.

Horton says it came down to two compatible guys who wanted to do

BY ROBERT COOK

the same thing at the same time. “I was looking to spend more time in Vermont, and he was looking to move there permanently.”

So far, the two business partners say their investment is paying off with happy customers who are thrilled they can buy their favorite Vermont spirits, craft beer and wine in one location.

Their Middlebury store opened in January in a 4,000-square-foot retail space in a shopping plaza alongside of Hannaford Supermarket, TJ Maxx and other stores. The Vergennes Wine Shop will also be rebranded Hare and the Dog Vergennes.

The Middlebury store carries a full line

of Vermont spirits, craft beers and wines, along with plenty of ready-to-drink cocktails and cocktail mixers. As new spirits are released, Hirschberg says they will add them. Customers were excited to have a store where they could buy all their favorite products without traveling to various stores.

Horton explains the Vergennes and Middlebury stores pull in customers within a 15- to 20-minute ride and within a 20-mile radius. Middlebury College also provides a steady stream of activity to go with the annual influx of Vermont visitors. Both store owners were enthusiastically looking forward to their first summer in Middlebury.

Scott Hirschberg, co-owner of Hare and the Dog in Middlebury, says business has been great since he and his business partner, Ned Horton, opened the store in January.

PHOTOS BY DAVID SEAVER

Hirschberg says Hare and the Dog Middlebury is already a Top 20 spirits store in Vermont. He adds that team members Jason LaPlant and Steve Cooley serve their customers’ needs with an emphasis on service and product knowledge.

"We are just always going to be expanding. It's an ever-changing market. As things grow, we will continue to bring those interesting products in," says Hirschberg. "We also take requests, and we will special order anything for anybody."

What makes their partnership even more noteworthy is Horton lives in Nashville, Tenn., and splits his time between his businesses there and Vermont. Ned travels to Vermont twice monthly to see Scott and check on his businesses. Neither Horton nor Hirschberg had ever owned a store in the spirits industry.

Hirschberg says he previously owned a concert venue in New Jersey where he formerly resided. Hirschberg said Vermont is “a really, really beautiful place to live," and that he spent much of his childhood in Waterbury and Stowe. He believes Vermont is also an excellent place for his family. Today he lives in nearby Cornwall with his wife, Caitlyn, and their two children, "and a bunch of dogs and a bunch of chickens." His wife is also a local watercolor artist.

Horton says he started his career in the radio business in Maine before he moved to Tennessee, where he became an entrepreneur in real estate and a digital marketing agency. He also owned coffee shops, restaurants and an events business. Besides the Middlebury and Vergennes stores, Horton owns the Otter Creek Bakery and Otter East Deli in Middlebury.

Horton, a native Vermonter who grew up in Middlebury, also saw the Vergennes Wine Shop as a community mainstay business that could ride out the turmoil and challenges wrought by the pandemic.

“It seemed a little bit COVID-proof and recession-proof,” Horton says. “It’s got some stability around it.”

Horton and Hirschberg initially had several meetings and conversations, and Horton liked Hirschberg's vision and his desire to own a Vermont business. "We just

seemed to connect on the project, and it's funny that one of the names we talked about was Kindred Spirits,” recalls Horton.

They settled on Hare and the Dog. "We wanted something fun. It's a business that should be fun for the customers and the team. Customers are usually in a good mood, picking something up for a weekend at the lake or for fun gatherings they are having,” Horton says.

They also liked the play on words. Hare and the Dog is inspired by the cocktail to help get over a hangover commonly known as the “Hair of the Dog that Bit You.”

When asked if the hare and the dog represent them, Horton says they are just appealing characters that work great for branding and marketing purposes. Their Middlebury store sells its share of T-shirts,

Middlebury community. For instance, the brand has signed up as a business sponsor of the popular Middlebury Film Festival, which is held every summer.

hats and cups with their logo.

Horton says they have done a lot of work inside the store to build up its inventory and product line, and in the near future they are looking to get involved in community events outside their four walls. Horton says they will hold more tastings and seek out ways to connect with the

Horton likes the prospects for the Middlebury and Vergennes stores because of their location, their extensive product line and customer demand. Horton says the area is growing in popularity because the two towns are located in the “very desirable” Addison County, which encompasses the southern tier of Lake Champlain.

"We can be proud of what we and our team have accomplished in our first six months. There is a lot more we want to do, but we know that we have to pace ourselves," adds Horton.

Hare and the Dog • 260 Court St., Suite 3, Middlebury (802) 458-8060 • hare.dog

"We are just always going to be expanding. It's an ever-changing market. As things grow, we will continue to bring those interesting products in."

When Scott Hirschberg and Ned Horton opened Hare and the Dog in January, they installed the flooring, countertops and shelves themselves.

Wet Your Whistle After Conquering These 5 Northeast Kingdom Hikes

Anyone who has ever spent any quality time in the Northeast Kingdom will say there is really nothing else that compares. The region that is made up of Essex, Caledonia and Orleans counties includes quaint villages and towns, Lake Willoughby and has a vibe that runs like a river through it which attracts all manner of outdoor enthusiasts — especially hikers. Here are five Northeast Kingdom hiking trails to explore and some summer spirits to wet your whistle when you make your way back to civilization after completing each one.

BY ROBERT COOK

Burke Mountain Burke

This 6.8-mile out-and-back trail near East Burke is considered a moderately challenging route. It takes four hours and 14 minutes to complete, and there are plenty of great things to experience. The fire tower on the summit provides fantastic views of Willoughby Gap and the rest of the Northeast Kingdom. There are also lean-to shelters for hikers who want to spend the night.

After completing this hiking adventure, a strawberry rum cooler is a great choice.

Strawberry Rum Cooler

STRAWBERRY BASE

2 1/2 cups very ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup water

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

2 tablespoons agave syrup

1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger

COOLERS

1 cup white rum

1 cup dark rum

Orange bitters

Crushed ice

2 cups ginger beer

1 orange, cut into 8 wedges

Kingdom Heritage Trail

Averys Gore, Brighton, Lewis, Norton, Warren Gore

Bring the strawberries, 1 cup water, lime juice, agave syrup and ginger to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until mixture is fragrant and strawberries are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, and cool completely, about 1 hour.

Transfer the strawberry mixture to a blender. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds. For each cooler, combine 1⁄4 cup StrawberryRum Cooler Base, 2 tablespoons white rum, 2 tablespoons dark rum, and 6 dashes of bitters in a mixing glass, and top with ice. Stir mixture until ice dilutes the liquid into a smooth puree. Pour over crushed ice, and top with 1⁄4 cup ginger beer. Garnish with an orange wedge.

For hikers and backpackers who want a real challenge, the Kingdom Heritage Trail spans 20 miles from Island Pond to Lewis Pond Overlook in the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge. Hikers will ascend and descend Bluff, Middle and Gore mountains. When you have conquered this formidable trail, you will want to kick off those hiking boots and enjoy an ice-cold pitcher of Tequila-Watermelon Aguas Frescas with Prosecco.

Tequila-Watermelon Aguas Frescas with Prosecco

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 chilled seedless watermelon (15 pounds), rind discarded and watermelon cubed (20 cups)

3/4 cup tequila blanco

6 limes, thinly sliced

3 mint sprigs, plus mint leaves for garnish

Ice

1 bottle chilled Prosecco

In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Transfer the simple syrup to a heatproof bowl and let cool.

In a food processor or blender, puree the watermelon in batches until smooth. Strain the puree into a large bowl or pitcher. Stir in the simple syrup, tequila, lime slices, 3 mint sprigs and 1/2 cup of water.

To serve, pour the watermelon agua fresca into icefilled glasses, leaving 1 inch at the top. Top off the drinks with Prosecco and garnish with mint leaves.

Owls Head

Peacham

This hiking trail located in the southern part of the Northeast Kingdom is moderate and covers 1.8 miles. But on the summit, hikers will enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Groton, Kettle Pond and the Green Mountains.

A refreshing Paloma cocktail would be a great choice to complete this wonderful trek.

Paloma

Ice

3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice

2 ounces reposado tequila

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite)

1 lime wheel

Dog Mountain

St. Johnsbury

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the grapefruit juice, reposado tequila and lime juice and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass, top with the club soda and Sprite, and garnish with the lime wedge.

Hikers will feel remiss if they do not bring their canine companions to Dog Mountain. Its 150 acres on a private mountain top are filled with trails that can be enjoyed by hikers and dogs of all abilities. There are also dog ponds and plenty of areas to just sit and relax. Dog Mountain also includes the Dog Chapel, a house of worship filled with beautiful stained glass that gives dog owners a place to remember their beloved pets. Hikers can also visit the Stephen Huneck Art Gallery.

A Banana Rum Old-Fashioned may be a great spirit to complement this special place.

Banana Rum Old-Fashioned

1 ounce 100-proof bourbon (such as Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond)

1 ounce light rum (such as Campesino Silver X)

1/2 ounce crème de banane (such as Tempus Fugit Spirits)

1 dash Angostura bitters

1 2x1-inch orange peel strip

Fill a tall mixing glass with ice cubes. Add bourbon, rum, crème de banane, and bitters. Stir for 5 seconds; strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Twist orange peel strip over cocktail to express oils; tuck orange peel into glass, or discard.

Recipe Sources: Northeast Kingdom.com and Food and Wine Magazine

Jay Peak Jay

The Jay Peak trail is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail. It is considered challenging and takes an average of 2 hours and 35 minutes to complete. It yields great views of Quebec, the Northeast Kingdom and the Champlain Valley from the summit. During the summer months, visitors can ride on the aerial tram if they want to experience those great vistas sans hiking.

Few cocktails are as fun and enjoyable to drink as the Mojito. After experiencing Jay Peak, a Strawberry-Lemon Mojito sounds like the perfect thirst quencher.

Strawberry-Lemon Mojito

8 lemon wedges

24 mint leaves, plus 4 mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

4 strawberries, plus 2 halved strawberries, for garnish

Ice cubes, plus crushed ice

8 ounces gold or aged rum

3 ounces fresh lemon juice

2 ounces prepared sugarcane syrup or agave nectar

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon wedges with the whole strawberries and mint leaves. Add ice and the rum, lemon juice and sugarcane syrup; shake well. Strain into crushed ice–filled highball glasses. Garnish with the berry halves and mint sprigs.

Wherever your hiking adventures may lead, be sure to toast your achievements at the end of the trek. Cheers!

Selected recipes from Caledonia Spirits:

Jasmine’s

Slipper

1 ½ ounces Barr Hill Gin

½ ounce Campari

Granite Street Sour

¼ ounce honey syrup

¾ ounce fresh lemon juice

1 ounce Tom Cat Reserve Gin

1 ounce Angostura bitters

½ ounce Cointreau

1 egg white Read

Dry shake all ingredients without ice. Add ice and shake again, then double strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with Angostura bitters on top.

1 ounce pecan orgeat

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

Shake all ingredients with ice, then double strain into a cocktail glass.

Do you know?

The Northeast Kingdom is considered one of Vermont’s most beautiful natural treasures that is beloved by locals and visitors alike. But just how long has this region been called the Northeast Kingdom, and how did it get its name?

See page 12

Source: commons.wikimedia.org

ANSWER:

In 1949, U.S. Senator George Aiken gave a speech at the Darling Inn in Lyndonville where he referred to the regions of Essex, Caledonia and Orleans counties as the Northeast Kingdom. According to a Vermont Public Radio story reported by Charlotte Albright in 2009, Aiken was quoted several years after giving the speech as saying, "It seemed just a natural thing to do, to call it the Northeast Kingdom.”

$19.99

ON SALE IN OUR STORES

VERMONT SALE PRICES IN EFFECT FOR AUGUST 1–31, 2023

Pricing and products are subject to change without notice. 802Spirits is not responsible for typographical errors.

CORDIALS

is an unusual gin created from 11 fine botanicals. The curious, yet marvelous, infusions of rose and cucumber imbue our spirit with its uniquely balanced flavor, resulting in an impeccably smooth distinct gin. Code 065256

FORTIFIED WINES

Please drink responsibly.

GIN

#38516 Wheatley Vodka 750ml $19.99 | Sale $16.99

RUM

blended with over 11 secret spices The rum takes its name from the mythical sea beast which is said to have wreaked havoc with tall ships and rum running vessels throughout

VODKA

in its purest form, made from winter wheat, continuously distilled five times, and blended with natural spring water

is honoring the true, classic and basic Swedish traditions of how to make a

WHISKEY

The original Walker family blend, handcrafted from as many as 40 of the finest Scotch whiskies aged a minimum of 12 years, for a smooth and robust blend Rich smoky malt, peat and sherry fruit character deliver a satisfyingly complex flavor on the long, lingering finish Code 005326

STORE LOCATOR

No matter where you are, a Vermont Liquor Store is nearby. Visit us on the web at 802spirits.com Please call ahead to confirm store hours.

Hinesburg

116 Wine & Spirits 22 Commerce Street #4 (802) 482-4010 9

Island Pond Kingdom Market 12 Railroad Street • (802) 723-5464 7 am - 7 pm, 7 days

Jay Jay Country Store 1077 VT-242 • (802) 988-4040

Jeffersonville Jeffersonville Country Store

21 Mill Street • (802) 644-6300

Johnson Johnson’s Sterling Market 131 Lower Main Street • (802) 635-9001

7 am - 8 pm, 7 days

Killington Cordially Yours Killington Deli and Marketplace 2868 Route 4 • (802) 747-4407 Mon-Sat: 11am-7pm, Sun: 11am-6pm

Londonderry Jelley’s Mobil 2102 Main Street • (802) 824-4556

Ludlow

Brewfest Beverage Co.

199 Main Street • (802) 228-4261

Lyndonville

Lyndonville Redemption

406 Broad Street • (802) 626-8348

7am - 9 pm, 7 days

Orleans Olney’s General Store

72 Main Street • (802) 754-6365 Mon-Thurs:

Orwell Buxton’s’ Store 499 Main Street • (802) 948-2112

Pownal Dwyer’s State Line Beer & Wine

7324 Route 7 • (802) 823-7912

Proctorsville Singleton’s Store 356 Main Street • (802) 226-7666

Randolph M & M Beverage 6 Salisbury Street • (802) 728-9912

7 am - 10 pm, Sun: 8 am - 8 pm

Richford Jolley 308 Main Street • (802) 848-3886

6 am - 9 pm, 7 days

Richmond

Richmond Market & Beverage

56 Railroad Street • (802) 434-4550 Mon - Sat: 7 am - 8 pm, Sun: 7 am -7 pm

Rochester Village Grocery 67 North Main Street • (802) 767-3181

Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm, Sun: 9am-6pm

Rutland City Grand Union

12 North Main Street • (802) 747-4908

Sun: 9am-7pm, Mon-Thurs: 9am-9pm,

Fri-Sat: 9am-10pm

Rutland Town Hannaford’s Food & Pharmacy

318 So. Main Street • (802) 775-0820

Alburgh Jolley Alburgh Bridge 3030 US Route 2 North, Suite 1 (802) 796-3360

8 am-8 pm, 7 days

Arlington Arlington Deli 3713 Route 7A • (802) 375-6427

8 am - 8 pm, Sun: 10 am - 5 pm

Ascutney Fireside Beverage 31 Depot Avenue • (802) 674-2775 10am-7pm, 7 days

Barre Beverage Baron 411 N. Main Street • (802) 479-9227

6 am - 9 pm, Fri: 6 am - 10 pm Sat: 7 am -10 pm, Sun: 7 am - 9 pm

Bellows Falls Stanch’s Place 97 Westminster Street • (802) 463-4020 Mon-Fri: 5:30 am-10pm, Sat: 6am - 10 pm, Sun: 6 am - 8 pm

Bennington Bennington Beverage Outlet 125 Northside Drive • (802) 442-4001

9 am - 8 pm, Fri - Sat: 9 am - 9 pm Sun: 9 am - 5 pm

Berlin Maplewood Vermont Travelers Service Center 159 Paine Turnpike North (802) 229-5291 • 24 hours, 7 days

Bethel McCullough’s Quik Stop 2069 Route 107 • (802) 234 - 9365

6 am - 9 pm

Bomoseen Beverage King Market & Deli 334 VT-4A • (802) 468-8917

8 am - 9 pm, Sun: 9 am - 7 pm

Bradford Hannaford’s 586 Lower Plain • (802) 222-3370

Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun: 10am-8pm

Brandon Brandon Discount Beverage & Tobacco 34 Conant Square • (802) 247-6785 10 am - 7 pm, Fri - Sat: 10 am - 8 pm

Sun: 10 am -4 pm

Brattleboro Hannaford's Supermarket 896 Putney Road • (802) 254-1160

9am-9pm ,7 days

Bristol Bristol Beverage 21 Prince Lane • (802) 453-3990

9am - 7 pm, Sun: 10 am -4 pm

Burlington Burlington Bay Market & Café 125 Battery Street • (802) 864-0110

8 am - 8 pm, 7 days

Manchester Manchester Discount Beverage 380 Depot Street • (802) 362-4075 8 am - 9 pm, Sun: 8 am - 7 pm

Middlebury Hare and the Dog 260 Court Street, Suite 3 (802) 388-2102 9 am - 6 pm, Fri - Sat :

Milton Raj Liquor & Beverage 69 Middle Road • (802) 891-9888

Montgomery Center

Sylvester’s Market 20 Main Street • (802) 326-4561

Montpelier Yankee Wine & Spirits 126 Main Street • (802) 223-2331

Morrisville

Tomlinson’s Store, Inc.

81 Bridge Street • (802) 888-3120 6 am - 9 pm, Sun: 7 am - 7 pm

Newport Vista Foods 21 Waterfront Plaza • (802) 334-8661

7 am - 8 pm, 7 days

Northfield Convenience Plus Redemption & Deli 438 North Main Street • (802) 485-6300

Sun-Thurs: 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 9am-9pm St. Albans City Beverage Mart 211 Lake Street • (802) 527-7437

6:30 am - 10 pm, 7 days

St. Albans Town Colonial Mart 191 Swanton Road • (802) 527-7179

St. Johnsbury Price Chopper 857 Memorial Drive • (802) 748-1109 9 am - 8 pm, Fri - Sat: 9 am - 9 pm, Sun: 9 am - 6 pm

Sharon Sharon Trading Post 5038 Route 14 • (802) 763-7404 6 am - 10 pm, 7 days

Shelburne Route 7 Liquor & Deli 2659 Shelburne Road • (802) 985-3246

South Burlington Gracey’s

Hinesburg Rd., Unit 1 • (802) 862-1253

Simon’s Store 974