Mad River Distillers sits inside 5th Quarter Butcher & Provisions on Mad River Green in Waitsfield, Vermont, creating one of the most unique distillery experiences you’ll find anywhere. Founded by John Egan in 2013, this operation combines craft spirits production with a full-service butcher shop and provisions store in the heart of the Mad River Valley. The distillery occupies part of a renovated building that houses both the copper still and aging barrels alongside locally sourced meats, artisanal foods, and Vermont-made products. Egan, who has deep Vermont roots, wanted to create something that reflected the agricultural heritage of the Mad River Valley while producing high-quality spirits using local ingredients wherever possible. The distillery focuses on small-batch production, with a custom copper still that allows for precise control over each run. What started as a vision to bring distilling back to this historic Vermont farming community has evolved into a destination that celebrates both craft spirits and local food culture under one roof. Visitors get to experience something you won’t find at traditional distilleries – the intersection of spirits production with artisanal food preparation. You can watch the distillation process, taste spirits, and browse locally sourced meats and provisions all in the same visit. The atmosphere feels authentically Vermont – unpretentious but serious about quality, with a focus on connecting visitors to the agricultural traditions that make this valley special.