Our Story
Smugglers’ Notch Distillery has always been about family, craftsmanship, and Vermont pride.
Founded in 2006 by father-and-son team Ron
and Jeremy Elliott, our distillery sits at the foot of Vermont’s most legendary mountain pass — a place once traveled by bootleggers, traders, and adventurous spirits. Here, we handcraft award-winning whiskeys, vodkas, gins, and rums, using pristine Vermont spring water and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
It’s this same passion that inspired the
creation of Smugglers’ Notch Maple Works™, our sister company dedicated to the sweet side of Vermont tradition.
The Sweet Side of Smugglers’
In Vermont, maple syrup isn’t just a topping — it’s a way of life. We partnered with lifelong maple producer Craig Walker of Underhill, VT, to single-source the purest, Vermont maple syrup we could find. Then, we took it to the next level — aging it for 6–12 months in our own award-winning barrels.
During this time, the barrel aged syrup takes on a deep oak and builds character. The result? A Grade A, dark robust syrup that’s more complex, a touch thicker, and bursting with warm caramel and barrel flavors. It’s non-alcoholic, but full of character — perfect for everything from pancakes and waffles to BBQ glazes, cocktails, coffee, or drizzled over ice-cream.
Why Barrel Aging Makes All the Difference
Why Barrel Aging Makes All the Difference
Bourbon barrels are more than just storage vessels — they’re flavor makers. As the syrup rests inside, it draws out the wood’s natural vanilla and caramel notes while leaving behind a gentle echo of the bourbon that once filled the cask. This slow, patient process is what makes Smugglers’ Notch Maple Works™ Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup truly unique.
Good for the Taste buds. Good for You.
Pure Vermont maple syrup is more than delicious — it’s naturally packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, plus antioxidants and nutrients that support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. Our syrup isn’t just a treat — it’s a tradition you can feel good about.
From Our Family to Yours
Every bottle of Smugglers’ Notch Maple Works™ Maple Syrup is filled, sealed, and labeled by hand at our Jeffersonville, VT location — the same place we’ve been crafting world-class spirits for nearly two decades. From the stills to the sugarhouse, it’s all done with care, pride, and a little bit of Vermont magic.