The Finest Craft Cocktails of the Summer

Jackson House Inn, Woodstock Vermont

From lazy summer afternoons by the pond or in our gorgeous back gardens to exciting summer adventures, Woodstock is the perfect place for an idyllic summer retreat. If you’re the type to elevate those retreats with bright, delicious summery cocktails, add Barr Hill Distillery to your list of “musts” while you’re in town. Caledonia Spirits, a well-known Vermont Distillery, makes the popular Barr Hill line of spirits, including Barr Hill Gin and Barr Hill’s Tom Cat Gin. A visit to the distillery makes a great day trip for cocktail-loving guests visiting our boutique hotel, and it’s also just one more place to indulge in artisan-made goods in a state known for its dedication to supporting local artisans. 

Barr Hill Distillery is about an hour from our Hotel in Woodstock in the capital city of Montpelier. There, you can enjoy a full cocktail bar alongside tours and tastings of their various spirits. It’s also a great place to elevate your home cocktail game, whether by perusing spirits and merchandise in their gift shop or taking one of their hands-on classes. The chance to learn more about these high-end lines of spirits is worth the drive itself, but a trip up north can easily be coupled with other fun adventures both to and from the Barr Hill Distillery, making it an exciting way to spend at least one of your days in the Woodstock area. 

Of course, we know a big part of your escape to Vermont each summer is carving out time to sit back, relax, and forget about the outside world for a while. So, while visits to the Barr Hill Distillery can be fun, we’re just as thrilled to host you at our Woodstock Hotel all day, treating you to delicious house-made cocktails and snacks – including those made with Barr Hill spirits! These cocktails can be enjoyed anywhere on our property, including in our cozy tavern and outside in our expansive back yard. 

Beyond offering afternoon cocktail hours worthy of a trip to Vermont, we’re more than pleased to provide the finest accommodations in this charming Vermont village. With a blend of modern amenities and classic elegance, in addition to a daily gourmet breakfast and attentive hospitality, you’re sure to enjoy precisely the time of summer getaway you’ve been craving. Refined comfort is at your fingertips when you book a room at our top-rated Boutique hotel in Woodstock, Vermont! 

Woodstock VT Hotel & Bed and Breakfast Lodging Options from Jackson House Inn
View Our
Accommodations
Up close view of someone making a drink at Barr Hill distillery

Craft Cocktails at Barr Hill Distillery

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to taste one of Barr Hill Distillery’s fantastic honey-infused spirits, let this summer be the one that puts an end to that! Like so many businesses across the state of Vermont, Barr Hill Distillery takes pride in its commitment to quality and sustainability, going so far as to work with its own bee colonies and family-owned farms across the region to produce the raw northern honey that’s used as a key ingredient in all of its products. In fact, visiting their onsite pollinator garden is one of our favorite reasons to visit this Montpelier distillery. 

Beyond its mindful use of locally sourced ingredients, Barr Hill Distillery has been at the forefront of the distilling industry. It has designed the facility to be carbon-neutral and uses energy from renewable resources. This mindful dedication to process and ingredients has resulted in a product that has garnered widespread acclaim for its smooth, rich, and distinctive profile. 

If you’re looking for unique ways to embrace Vermont’s artisanal spirit, visiting Barr Hill Distillery is a must – particularly during the summer. They have an onsite cocktail that does offer indoor seating, but enjoying your cocktail on their outdoor patio is an elevated experience that’s hard to beat. Their patio sits alongside the Winooski River, offering beautiful scenery while you savor spirits crafted from the very land you’re admiring.

Though they do take walk-ins, trips to this distillery are popular, and reservations are highly recommended. The cocktail list at the bar is extensive, with a healthy range of classics and unique signature drinks. They also offer a healthy range of snacks and small plates to enjoy with your drinks, along with a welcome selection of beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Barr Hill’s spirits and the distillation process, plan to take one of their guided tours. Guided tours of Barr Hill Distillery offer an excellent way for visitors to witness firsthand the journey from raw ingredients to the final product. The tour is educational and engaging, allowing guests to appreciate the skill and dedication required to produce such high-quality spirits. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste raw honey, sip through their lineup of spirits, and dip a bottle into melted beeswax. The tours last approximately 60 minutes. 

You can elevate your visit further by taking one of their hands-on classes. These classes are the perfect way to up your at-home cocktail game. They offer a range of classes, including those for beginners and those more advanced, that build on basic techniques and take your cocktail-related knowledge to a new level. Finally, before heading back to our Woodstock hotel, don’t forget to stock up on your favorite supplies in Barr Hill Distillery’s fantastic gift shop. 

Woodstock VT Hotel & Bed and Breakfast Lodging Options from Jackson House Inn
View Our
Accommodations
Craft Cocktail at our Woodstock Hotel using Gin from Barr Hill Distillery

Enjoy a Drink at our Upscale Hotel in Woodstock

There’s a host of fun things to do in Woodstock, VT, including taking the time to visit our surrounding communities to learn more about the artisans and businesses that are unique to Vermont. You don’t have to go far, either, as there are plenty of great makers and artisans right here in town. Even with so many things to do at your fingertips, we know many of our guests choose to stay with us for the elevated lodging and thoughtfully curated guest experience. 

Having a place to call home away from home for a few days that offers the perfect blend of intimate hideaway and detail-oriented hospitality is a gift—and we excel at it. As delightful as a visit to Barr Hill Distillery can be, you can enjoy their delicious spirits in well-crafted cocktails at our Boutique Hotel in Woodstock, VT. Spread out on our three picturesque acres just outside the village of Woodstock, and enjoy. We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy, in addition to thoughtfully decorated accommodations. 

Our eleven guest rooms are well-appointed and feature a thoughtful array of high-end amenities. A guest favorite amenity is our daily breakfast, served fresh every morning in our sun-drenched dining room. We’ll guide you on a culinary journey using the finest and freshest ingredients, and have no doubt that you’ll get up from your table with a full belly and tastebuds that have been satiated. The guest experience at our Boutique hotel in Woodstock is unparalleled. Book a room today! 

The Best Email Newsletter in Vermont!

Get our newsletter to find out what is happening in Woodstock Vermont each month & at the Jackson House Inn.