Caledonia Spirits, makers of Barr Hill Gin, announced the release of Phyllis Vermont Rye Whiskey — the first year-round core whiskey available in the brand’s Phyllis Whiskey portfolio. 

The portfolio also includes single barrel releases, special blends, and unique secondary barrel agings. This release marks a milestone in the distillery’s decade-plus whiskey journey.

“This has been a journey of patience, education, and connection with Vermont,” Ryan Christiansen, President and Head Distiller, said in a news release. “We’ve been storing away barrels of rye for over 10 years. Now it’s time to share.”

Phyllis Rye Whiskey incorporates whiskey aged, distilled, and bottled at our facility over our 10-plus-year whiskey-making journey. Phyllis Rye Whiskey is made from responsibly grown regional grains that support soil health and local agriculture with a mashbill of 84% winter rye and 16% barley. 

Winter rye is celebrated for its robust, peppery flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice. Able to thrive in the Northeast’s cold climate, winter rye was also selected for its ability to enrich the land by improving water infiltration, reducing erosion, and building soil organic matter. Combined with the distillery’s solar-powered production, this whiskey represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable distilling.

“The status quo is depleting and polluting our lands, while selling generic whiskey that largely comes from the same factories,” Christiansen said. “Phyllis won’t be a part of that. If we plant seeds in the ground, we feed the soil. If we put whiskey in a barrel, we do it with patience. And if you’re going to buy a bottle of Phyllis Rye whiskey, you’re going to know it’s made the right way.”

Phyllis Rye has an SRP of  $55 MSRP and is bottled at 93 proof. It will be available year-round at the Caledonia Spirits Distillery in Montpelier, VT, as well as through select retailers in Vermont, with New Hampshire distribution coming soon. 

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About Phyllis Rye Whiskey

Phyllis Whiskey is the rye whiskey collection from Caledonia Spirits, the award-winning makers of Barr Hill Spirits. Crafted entirely in Vermont with regionally grown grains in its sustainable distillery, Phyllis Rye Whiskey embodies the distillery’s Landcrafted mission: connecting cocktail culture to agriculture through sustainable practices and transparent production. The whiskey is named after both the copper still used to produce it and the grandmother of Head Distiller & President, Ryan Christiansen, honoring family, tradition, and Vermont’s independent spirit. Learn more at https://www.phylliswhiskey.com/.