Vermont Smoke & Cure, known for its premium meat products, has partnered with WhistlePig Whiskey to introduce a new limited-time offering: Maple Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sticks. This collaboration merges Vermont’s culinary heritage with craft cocktail artistry, inspired by the classic Maple Old Fashioned cocktail.
The Maple Old Fashioned meat sticks are crafted using locally sourced WhistlePig Whiskey, custom chips made from whiskey barrel staves, and WhistlePig’s Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup. The meat sticks are slow-cooked in Vermont Smoke & Cure’s smokehouse, resulting in a snack designed to complement whiskey and enhance the cocktail experience. They are made with pork that is raised without antibiotics or added hormones and contain no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
Michael Schafer, Commercial Business Lead at Vermont Smoke & Cure, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it showcases Vermont craftsmanship and innovation. Meghan Ireland, Chief Blender at WhistlePig Whiskey, noted that this collaboration extends the WhistlePig experience beyond drinking, positioning the meat sticks as an ideal companion to their whiskey and reflecting the maker culture of Vermont.
The concept behind the meat sticks includes presenting them in a manner reminiscent of cigars, capitalizing on the tradition of pairing whiskey with cigars. This innovative approach aims to create a unique snacking experience that highlights Vermont’s flavors.
The Maple Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sticks will be available starting September 23, 2024, coinciding with National Snack Stick Day. They can be purchased through select retailers and online platforms, coming in an 8-count, 1-ounce pouch suitable for sharing or pairing with cocktails.