Whistlepig Tasting Room, Quechee, Vermont

You should really only go here if you are prepared to spend a fair amount of cash to taste a small amount of whiskey. It is located in the Parker House, which has a long history. It had until recently been an inn and restaurant located adjacent to Simon Pearce — the Vermont glassware and pottery maker and restaurateur in Quechee, Vermont. Simon Pearce recently bought the property and the acquisition brings together under common ownership two historic properties in the heart of the village: the former textile mill operated by 19th-century manufacturer and Vermont lawmaker J.C. Parker and Parker’s adjacent brick residence, which was built in 1857. What they intend to do in the future remains to be seen--Pearce has been buying up Quechee property over time and this is their sixth. In the meantime, the Whistlepig Tasting Room has taken up residence on the second floor, offering modest tastings at relatively high prices. It is an opportunity to try some of the products that can only be bought throught he tasting room, or in Vermont, and that is enough of a draw to bring in a crowd. The afternoon we were there the place was packed, and yes, we left with a bottle ourselves.