Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits Distillery

My son and I recently took a road trip from Boston to Barr Hill/Caledonia Spirits in Montpelier as a slightly belated birthday present for him. The cocktail bar wasn't taking reservations because there was a private event scheduled, but Patrick (Barr Hill hospitality) recommended that we arrive a bit earlier so we could be accommodated. The whole experience was excellent! Many thanks to Patrick, to Dylan and the bar staff for the delicious cocktails (Peepin' Ain't Easy, Penicillin, and Ermagourd pictured) and food (pumpkin hummus with pita), and the retail staff (apologies for not getting your name, Cool Dude with the Nice Glasses and Gauges) for their patience. As always, Barr Hill's gin never disappoints, and I highly recommend their line of rye whiskey. Thanks again!

Bar Hill is the best! First and foremost cocktails dank. Every single one, 0 misses. Secondly it was my girlfriend’s birthday. The host there very lovely women helped me by setting up our table with flowers that I brought in before hand. Everyone was invested and kind. Great staff definitely a homie vibe. 10/10

Great distillery. We were told by a fellow diner of local Stow joint to stop in. Glad we did. I tried their tom cat barrel aged manhattan. Different for me as I love the seeeter ends of bourbon, but nice balance. Bartender worked with confidence, always nice to see, and the staff couldn’t have been nicer. Bought a bottle and did a tasting. Walked around the distillery a bit. Cool place.

Amazing spot with excellent cocktails. Extremely friendly staff. Be sure to take the tour. Ample seating inside and out with free parking. Loved our visit and will definitely be back again.

A must if touring the area or if you're looking for well made spirits & cocktails. Welcoming & fun staff happy to make your visit pleasurable. Merchandise, spirits, non-alcoholic & food available. Highly recommend.

Visiting from Florida and so glad we came! We did the distillery tour with family and it was one of the best distillery tour experiences I’ve had. The host, Roger, was excellent. We sampled several different spirits and learned a lot about the process and history of distilling in the Vermont region. After the tour our group of 6 had snacks and cocktails outside. The food and drinks were great and we enjoyed the view. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone visiting the Montpelier area.

Great cocktails and food, but the management needs to make more of an effort to accommodate families. There are NO HIGHCHAIRS but clearly families are a large part of their clientele. I went on a Saturday and every other table was had family with a young child. Beware that if you go, your baby will be on your lap the whole time. The decision to not have highchairs makes me wonder if they value the business that families bring in.

We stumbled upon Barr Hill completely by chance—and honestly, I couldn’t have planned a better discovery if I tried. Even before stepping inside, we were blown away by Barr Hill’s commitment to sustainability and their deep respect for nature’s generosity. The gardens, the grounds, and the innovative efforts toward self-sufficiency were nothing short of inspiring. And then we walked in. The space is a beautiful tribute to pollinators—the unsung heroes of our ecosystem. Every detail, from the décor to the menu, reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world. We started with the whipped feta topped with fresh herbs, and words can’t do justice to how delicious it was. Followed by the sweet corn chowder and the pork belly. All outstanding. Then came the drinks. The Tom Cat was a perfect blend of gin with subtle bourbon notes from the aging process—a creative, complex flavor that danced on the palate. The Bees Knees was so good I seriously considered licking the coupe... but I settled for ordering another round instead. We were so impressed, we didn’t leave empty-handed—we ordered both the Tom Cat and Barr Hill Gin, online, to be shipped back home to Minnesota. If you’re anywhere near Barr Hill, do yourself a favor and stop in. You’ll be glad you did. The staff, the chef, the drinks, the grounds, the entire experience were BEE-autiful! 🐝🌼

We have been here 3 times over the 12 months and enjoy the drinks and food whenever we are here. Barr Hill has a great space with tables outside, inside in the bar / dining area, as well as lounge like seating. We like to come and try the cocktails and food first and then go to the shop and get something to go. We always find something new in the shop that we end up purchasing Our favorite cocktails are: - The Bee's Knees Cocktail (We loved this so much, we got all the ingredients to make at home. The recipe is also on their website too). - Cat's Pajamas (using the barrel- aged tom Cat reserve gin with Bee's Knees recipe). This would be my all around favorite... - Landcrafted originals: Twist of Vermont (for those who have a sweet tooth) and Path of Purpality. While one may notice the price of the cocktails, in my view, the price is justified with the quality and taste of their cocktails. After having their tasty cocktails, head on over to the shop for a tasting of their gin and vodkas. previously, I was not a gin fan but coming here has given me a better appreciation for how they make their gin and vodka. The person who was pouring the tasting shared so much knowledge with on us and was patient with us with our many questions. It was more of an experience during the tasting. There is an area in the back where they are pictures which you can walk through that give you a bit more history of the owners, how Barr Hill came to be, the process as well.

We are still in our first year of living in Vermont and this discovery is going to become a habit! Wow! What a great experience. The service was beyond expectations and the bartenders are clearly more than just draft beer slingers. These guys are artists! For the ladies, please treat yourself to the Bees Knees cocktail. It's ridiculously good! The merch section has all of their spirits for sale as well as the specialty items like honey syrup made for cocktail shakers. They support a great cause while serving up quality experiences. Can't wait for summer to enjoy the outdoor seating. We went for my birthday and they treated us to a complimentary sample of their gin mixed with Prosecco and a dash of vanilla. Not on the menu but it should be! Delicious! Do yourself a favor and visit Barr Hill.

My friend said they got a tax break to move into the town and they gave back so much. Great addition to the town and it kept giving back. Drink is awesome. We always get gin and their tonic when we visit. Gin I would definitely go for the reserve. Their new vodka is a little disappointed and just stay with Gin imo. Here for their tropical event and it was fun.

We were visiting Vermont and we love their gin, so had to do the distillery tour. This tour was awesome! Our guide, Roger, was very informative and entertaining. The tour was supposed to be one hour but it turned into a two hour tour. Honestly, there is no way to do the tour justice in one hour. We tasted honey from two barrels. Both were created from the same area, but they were so different. Of course, there are tastes of all their spirits. We finished our evening in their bar with unique and delicious drinks and food.

Eclectic food and beverages. Unique dishes. Waitstaff was great. We sat outside which was nice.

Walking up the path from the parking lot, we passed through a pollinator Haven. There were flowers and some signs explaining things. Inside we passed a tasting area for the brewery's gin, vodka, and honey. In the bar, wood and light, feeling like we were half outside. We were seated at a high top and given water in cool metal cups with a bottle left on the table. The menu is mostly cocktails, beer, wine and spirits with some wonderful snacks (small plates). The waiter, Steve, was so friendly and talked with us about the choices. He then asked Chef Brandon to come chat with us because he was the best one to answer questions. We were so happy at the care and mastery with which the food was created and delivered. The Black Manhattan was rich and delicious. The summer beer on tap was good, light and served with a lime, with stronger choices available. Amazing is not too strong a word. Favorite place in forever.

Barr Hill offers up amazing food and drinks in a laid back setting. My favorite dish was the diced potatoes, which reminded me of the "patatas bravas" served in Spain but amazingly enough, it was even better! I highly recommend giving it a go and sampling one of their delicious cocktails and some of their fare. You won't be disappointed!

Love that there is outdoor seating, especially on a beautiful day. I had a few appetizers and the Hedonist drink (pictured). Very good. The spicy peppers were my favorite app. The vodka is good but the gin is great. Love this place.

So amazing. An adult must. Every drink and food item was perfection. We sat outside and enjoyed the garden. Service was quick and wonderful.

Pretty and modern facility and tasting room just outside the main downtown area. Their hooch is amazing, especially the Tom Cat which is more a sipping drink. Definitely a must on your visit to Montpelier.

This place is just as amazing as their gun. We even picked up two limited releases and their vodka! Such a great atmosphere and friendly service

The food is quite nice but could use more pizzazz. The service is good but could be polished up. The ambiance is great, farm-y with barrels and rope and picnic tables on grass has been kinda beautiful to spend warm summer evenings in. The bar is modern and massive and I've always had a good time. It can get busy but that's the fun of it. The extra room in the back is a great space as well. The little museum touch in the walkway and the shop are thoughtful additions that add to Barr Hill as a destination. In that area they've had couch seating as well for lounging. They make a terrific product. Happy to support them and hopeful for their future.

Our friends raved about this place so after a long day we were excited to order To-Go cocktails. The service was brutal from the start. Not that everyone wasn't pleasant but their communication was awful. The ticket never got delivered to the kitchen so then the double order of polenta bites were sitting bc the cocktails were never received at the bar. Once we finally got home after waiting 27 mins the polenta was wayyyy over cooked. Thankfully the cocktails were good

Nice tapas to savor with variety of gin drinks. Classics & some innovative options. Clean place. Love the bee pollinators theme & commitment

I haven't been there but Katie is tops for customer service . She couldn't have been any more responsive and accommodating The company is lucky to have her

Great experience! Three of us split the cheese plate which came with spiced nuts, three cheeses, bread slices, jam, and honey. Two of us got Bee's Knees and one got a honey lemonade. All drinks were great. Our server was wonderful and attentive. Plenty of parking.

Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits takes their cocktail game seriously, and you can tell by the intricacies of their drinks, and by how detail oriented their mixologists are. Most importantly, during COVID they have TO-GO DRINKS! Yes, you heard it right: to-go drinks. Drive up, order the delicious cocktail you're craving, and drive home. Better yet, it comes in an adorable reusable bear glass with a lid! Try any of their cocktails, or the lemonade: You won't be disappointed, I promise! I really wish the indoor seating area was open because it looks stunning from the outside, but I appreciate their current pandemic business model. I hope to return and try more of their cocktails soon!

What an incredible experience, I am so beyond pleased! My friend and I were visiting town and figured we'd check out Barr Hill. Upon entry, we were greeted by extremely friendly staff, and when we told them it was our first time, they gave us a complimentary tasting of their gins and vodka, and the story behind each of them. We then did a self-guided tour which was very interesting, and sat down for drinks and an appetizer. The drinks and spirits are amazing, I could not recommend them enough. The whole place just felt very friendly, clean, and inviting. If I'm ever back in town, I will not hesitate coming back!

Without a doubt one of the best experiences I've had in a while. Incredible and creative gin cocktails - and their menu is labeled with allergens!!!! A gluten free heaven. This is a MUST GO in Montpelier area.

Finally got to visit this place in Montpelier. The old location was just too far for us. I'm a huge fan of Tom Cat gin, so this was like visiting Disney World and meeting Mickey. The location is gorgeous with ample parking and so many places to enjoy a drink. They have outdoor space and indoor to relax. The menu is endless and the bar is well curated. All the drinks (except the two frozen ones) are made to order, so be patient while your masterpiece is being created. They had food stations setup behind us, but all were meat options. The retail space had a tasting setup of their flagship gins. Can't wait to come back and try more cocktails.

Fantastic! We had tried their gin at a restaurant in Boston and knew we'd need to visit the distillery if in VT. We went to Burlington for the weekend and made the 45 min drive. Based on the crowd I'd say a reservation is a must. We arrived early but they were booked so we had to come back, not a big deal. We thought it was outside only and got nervous as it was raining, but they just opened up for indoor seating which worked well for us. Our server, Laura, was great. Super friendly, knowledgeable and had great recommendations. She started us off with a sample of the Tom cat gin which was great. We each tried 3 different cocktails, all were amazing. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. I think my favorite was the land of milk and honey. Can't wait to go back!

I touch of urban chic in rural Vermont. Unique and tasty drink menu along with tried and true drinks using some of the best gin to be found. Staff are incredibly helpful and professional. The space includes indoor and outdoor seating with two full bars. Bar food menu is creative and tasty and there are often food truck offerings. Great place to meet friends and hang out

Stopped in over the summer for delicious cocktails and some muchies! The building and grounds are beautiful, so even if you have to wait to be seated--there is plenty to keep you entertained. There are tastings, a great merchandise shop, and the building itself provides a self guided tour through their productions. When it's time, there is plenty of indoor/outdoor options for seating (seasonal). When we were there, in addition to their food menu, they had delicious oysters (not my style but other party members ordered). Always a good time at Barr Hill!

My favorite bar - and distillery - has made an impossible situation magical. Even before Covid, Barr Hill's arrival on the scene in Central Vermont was ground-breaking. An impossibly cool space, staffed by impossibly cool people, mixing up the best cocktails on the planet was a recipe for success. Add a large and industrial-hip space, gift shop with samples, and a rotating selection of pop-up cuisines and chefs (via a food truck outside in the warmer weather, and a pop-up stand inside during the cold) make this THE spot to go relax with colleagues after work, meet up with friends to catch up, go with a romantic partner and cozy up at the bar, and perch on a stool solo. It's quite the place. During Covid, Barr Hill has created a pop up shop and bar right outside their front doors and are mixing an extensive -and delicious - menu of cocktails to go. Bottled with panache, every cocktail comes with a little brown bag full of their spicy nut mix. Imbibers are free to chose a secret spot along the river or take their drinks home. With Barr Hill spirits, everything is elevated. Eat, drink, and be merry to the max!

It seems bigger isn't always better and the bottles and advertisements describe how their products embody a place that I call home, the Northeast Kingdom. Well I'm here to write that I finally got a chance to check out their "new" place and I'm here to tell you that they have lost their way. It's no longer the wholesome locally run establishment that was situated in a garage next to a log yard in Hardwick. Never have I ever felt so unwelcome as I felt today going there, we didn't stay long. Their product is one I have purchased and recommended for several years. I won't be doing that anymore I'll spent my money somewhere else. I can see why Todd left the company seems like he could see the writing on the wall.

The moment you walk into Bar Hill by Caledonia Spirits you are in the best hands. Nothing is better than meeting people who understand the customer experience with spirits 100%. The family at Caledonia Spirits has a mastery of their craft. I was very impressed from the moment I arrived to the moment I left. Any questions I had were answered and the staff educated me on what makes them different from the honey added at the end of the distillation to craft cocktails that were works of art. I ended buying numerous products including honey and a limited release spirit made from burdock root. One should come to Bar Hill with an open mind and an open heart. Things are done differently here from the way the stay educates you through how their products are different to the finest quality tasting ingredients and customer experience. The staff engages you by allowing you to sample Ultra-Premium spirits made and born in Vermont. The expertise is there from the bees who craft a perfect balance of harmony and synergy. Taking you to new heights as high as the Vermont Mountains tell a story with all Vermont has to offer. The Bartenders there show you the marvels gin and honey can do, erasing any preconceived notions or unpleasant experiences with inferior spirits by wiping the slate clean and showing you a new path to greatness in craft cocktails. The key that makes Bar Hill the most pleasant experience is because they have the best quality ingredients, the best staff and the best planning and execution to make you have "Freedom and Unity" Guaranteed. All in all, Bar Hill gives you the freedom to enjoy the best spirits for the world and make you feel united as one family from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Caledonia Spirits distillery is in Montpelier, Vermont, and open for tastings and tours seven days a week.

The premier cocktail experience on the Winooski river. Friendly staff and plenty o' Bruce Springsteen on the radio. Dog friendly patio. Free parking. Much recommend! 6/5 stars

This is a nice bar and distillery. I was surprised on how good the old fashion was since they use their Tom cat gin instead of a whiskey. The bartenders were nice and very knowledgeable. When you walk in you are able to get samples of the different products that they make. They serve some bar food as well. They have tours you can go on for the distillery or you can walk around if the tours aren't going on. I ended up buy a few things from the gift shop as well Tom cat gin, R.a.w. honey, glencairn glass ware that are engraved, and a Beanie.

Good drinks and decent appetizers. Very gluten free friendly. Fun atmosphere and friendly staff.

I really enjoyed myself the first time I went to Barr Hill. They have amazing non-alcoholic drinks. I had the lemonade (Honey Lemonade?). It was an amazing honey sweetened, sparkling lemonade. The drink was also served with a metal straw, which I can say I very much support. I guess on certain days they'll have people (local companies etc.), come and serve food. I definitely want to go when they have something available to eat because it's such a great atmosphere. I love the museum section of the building. Looks amazing. Someone special in my life is turning 21 and I'm hoping to bring them here or at least buy them some of their alcohol. Such a great addition to Montpelier, and Vermont as a whole. There's so many good things I could write about this company. Also, they do sell amazing honey. Highly, highly recommend!

Bees and booze, what's not to love? The place is contemporary cool. The bar, legit and the bartender simply wonderful. She concocted great cocktails. My Bees Knees with Vodka was sublime.

Great place to hang out with our baby on a Sunday on couches in a beautiful distillery by the Winooski River, eat delicious food from Woodbelly Pizza, and drink incredible cocktails made with gin distilled with local honey. Recommended!!!

AMAZING bar & bartenders. AMAZING philosophy and culture of giving back to the community. I'm in love with Barr Hill and the innovative and intentional crew that IS Barr Hill by Caledonia on Gin Lane. I can't wait to return for a swirled freeze cocktail!

Cool place got a tour of the distillery. People and the tour guide were very friendly people. Got to taste different types of Gin. Got to learn the history of the company. Cool experience. Purchased some Gin got it for cheaper. they were having a deal since i was buying it at the factory.

Fantastic! I enjoyed both the bees knees (with Tomcat) and the pollenita. The attention to detail is superb (watch as they smoke the rosemary before your very eyes!). The drinks were incredible and the space is beautiful. All the staff were incredible and clearly proud to work there. We're looking forward to our next visit.

Utterly awesome! Such attention to detail and quality! It might take a few minutes for your cocktail if it's busy (as a bee) but well worth the wait!

Great addition to the area. Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon and was really impressed. The building is very large and honesty has more of a museum feel than a distillery. Great bar setup with ample seating, both inside and out. Nice retail area with free tastings, and there were two tours offered in the afternoon. It didn't hurt that Woodbelly Pizza was set up in the yard. We had a pizza from them, along with a Moscow Mule and Gin and Tonic, both of which were very well made and tasty. We'll be back for sure.

Barr Hill is truly one of the best things about Montpelier! We are so very lucky to have them here!! Their spirits are exquisite and their 'to-go' cocktails are simply amazing! If you have not stopped by recently it is a 'pandemic survival' must-do! They are wonderful and so creative! We have even done their virtual cocktails class and had a blast, learned a ton too! Definitely worth stopping by!!!

My favorite bar in town - the best cocktails I've had in my life! The food trucks are great and the atmosphere is awesome - the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and friendly too.

Central Vermont is ridiculously lucky to have Barr Hill! So much love goes into devising each cocktail -- the difference from normal drinks is absolutely night and day. Blows my mind every time. My wife is obsessed with hunting the perfect cocktail, and Barr Hill has been a total life-changer for her! Prices are very reasonable for what you're getting. 6 stars.

We visited family last week in E. Calais and decided to take a drive to Caledonia. There were 8 of us total, from my 85 year old mother in law to my 35 year old daughter. It was a beautiful sunny fall day, all were in great spirits to be hanging with family. We partook in the tastings and self guided tour and were excited to try the many varieties of cocktails offered and sit outside to enjoy each other's company. The list of cocktails was overwhelming and I asked the bartender what was a popular drink for girls, since I know my own husband would enjoy something stronger and on the rocks as opposed to myself that would enjoy something lighter. Never intending to insult any person or gender choice chosen! Ever! The bartender informed me, in front of other patrons, in a demeaning tone, that the establishment does not gender identify and with that being said, most people order the Bees Knees cocktail. That's cool with me but I don't particularly like to be corrected and embarrassed, not to mention just feel like I did something wrong, while we're all there to have a nice family time. I have to say it did allow for an interesting conversation amongst us during cocktails and into dinner later that night but I still felt bad and embarrassed which I feel isn't how a customer should feel visiting any establishment anywhere! Just my opinion...