Vermont’s WhistlePig And Runamok Maple Team On Barrel-Aged Products

by Hannah Kanik
May 24, 2021

Two Vermont-based producers, Runamok Maple and WhistlePig, recently joined forces to launch a pair of handcrafted barrel-aged products this spring: WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup and WhistlePig Barrel-Aged Maple Bitters.

Runamok has been barrel-aging its pure, organic Vermont maple syrup for several years. But for its partnership with WhistlePig, the maple syrup was aged in the same Vermont oak barrels that the distillery uses for its classic rye whiskey.

“The only thing more fitting than pairing maple with whiskey is pairing the Runamok Maple brand with the WhistlePig brand,” said Curt Alpeter, President and Partner at Runamok Maple, in a prepared statement. “We couldn’t be more thrilled about this partnership, and we think these two products are going to be a big hit among foodies and cocktail drinkers alike. We’re excited about the prospect of expanding our brand into restaurants and hospitality while helping WhistlePig enter the retail grocery market.”

The WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup is said to have notes of toffee and rye spice and can be used for cocktail sweetener, desserts and breakfast foods.

The WhistlePig Barrel-Aged Maple Bitters are made with a base of the 15-year-aged Estate Oak Rye and Runamok Maple’s organic maple syrup, with a unique blend of herbs and spices added to the base.

“The use of maple syrup in cocktails continues to grow at a strong pace, and we’ve been working to find a nationally recognized brand partner that was equally obsessive about the quality of its products and could supply countrywide.” said Jeff Kozak, CEO of WhistlePig Rye Whiskey. “We found both of those attributes in Runamok Maple, and we’re thrilled with the first two products that have been released as part of this partnership.”

The maple syrup will be available for general consumer purchase, while the bitters will be used by WhistlePig for promotional purposes.

WhistlePig is the top distiller in the ultra-premium and luxury rye whiskey category in North America. Runamok Maple is based in Fairfax, Vermont and owned by husband and wife Eric and Laura Sorkin. It is known for its growing collection of pure infused barrel-aged and smoked maple syrups.