Switchback Brewing Expands Spirits Line with New Vermont-Crafted Vodka, Gin, and Ready-to-Drink Cocktail

Burlington, Vermont — Switchback Brewing Company announces the expansion of its Switchback Spirits program with three new releases: Switchback Spirits Vodka, Switchback Spirits Gin, and a Watermelon Mint Vodka Craft Cocktail. Each addition reflects Switchback’s Vermont-crafted approach and its core values of quality, creativity, and balance.

Building on the success of Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey, a multi-award winner including Double Gold at the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition and Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, alongside the innovative Essential Vermont Hopped Gin, these new releases mark a natural evolution of the employee-owned brewery’s growing spirits portfolio.

“Switchback Spirits exists to showcase what our brewery has always stood for, which is uncompromising quality, creative craft, and true balance,” said Craig Wilkinson, who leads the spirits program at Switchback. “From recipe design to filtration and finishing, we apply the same disciplined curiosity that defines our beer.”

Craig brings a deep technical foundation and long-standing Switchback perspective to the distilling program. He holds a post-graduate diploma in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, one of the world’s most respected fermentation science programs. Craig has been part of Switchback for over 14 years, working across the brewery in roles ranging from brewing to production manager before stepping into spirits development. That mix of academic training, hands-on experience, and commitment to the brewery’s core values shapes his approach to crafting spirits with the same precision, curiosity, and balance that define Switchback beer.

Switchback Spirits Vodka
Seven times distilled, charcoal filtered, and exceptionally clean. Whether sipped neat or mixed into your favorite cocktail, this vodka is designed for those who appreciate smoothness without distraction.

Switchback Spirits Gin
Built around Earl Grey tea botanicals, this gin balances herbal depth and bright citrus. Juniper, coriander, Spanish orange peel, clove, lemon peel, and orris root harmonize for a crisp, aromatic finish.

Watermelon Mint Vodka Cocktail (RTD)
A Vermont-crafted vodka cocktail featuring watermelon and mint in a bright, balanced profile that complements any season. Easy to enjoy straight from the can or over ice.

“All three releases reflect the same creative spirit and commitment to balance that have defined Switchback since the beginning,” said Brewery Founder, Bill Cherry. “Craig’s work in our distilling program builds on that foundation. These spirits are refined, thoughtful, and unmistakably Switchback.”

Availability
Switchback Spirits Vodka, Switchback Spirits Gin, and Watermelon Mint Vodka Craft Cocktail are available at the Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse in Burlington, VT, and at select retailers across the state.
Founded in 2002, Switchback Brewing Co. began with the creation of Switchback Ale. The iconic Vermont ale was developed as a flavor concept — not adhering to any style guidelines — left unfiltered and naturally conditioned. In addition to craft beer, the brewery’s offerings have grown to include Switchback N.A., a non-alcoholic version of its flagship ale, and a line of spirits under the Switchback Spirits label, including the award-winning Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey. The 100% employee-owned brewery’s home is located in the South End of Burlington, VT, where visitors can enjoy the Beer Garden & Smokehouse with house-smoked BBQ and the full range of Switchback beverages.