Tucked into a historic brick building on Elliot Street in downtown Brattleboro, Saxtons River Distillery operates their tasting room and mercantile just blocks from the Connecticut River. Founded by Christian Stromberg, a former software engineer who traded coding for copper stills, the distillery launched in 2013 with a mission to create authentic Vermont spirits using local ingredients. The operation started small in nearby Saxtons River before expanding to this Brattleboro location to accommodate growing demand and provide a proper visitor experience. Stromberg’s background in technology brought a methodical approach to distilling, but his passion for Vermont’s agricultural heritage drives the spirit selection. The distillery produces bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and seasonal spirits, all crafted in small batches with an emphasis on local grain sourcing when possible. The tasting room occupies the ground floor of a renovated 19th-century commercial building, maintaining original brick walls and hardwood floors while housing modern tasting equipment and retail displays. You’ll find locally-made products beyond spirits, including Vermont-made foods and crafts that complement the distillery’s commitment to showcasing regional artisans. The space feels more like a well-curated general store than a typical distillery tasting room, reflecting the ‘mercantile’ part of their name.