Vermont brands team up to create cocktail-inspired meat stick

Vermont Smoke & Cure and WhistlePig Whiskey unveil Maple Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sticks

Vermont Smoke & Cure, a rural smokehouse maker of premium meat products, and WhistlePig Whiskey, acclaimed for its exceptional rye whiskey, on Monday, Sept. 23, announced a groundbreaking collaboration: Maple Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sticks. This innovative product marks a creative partnership in the premium meat sticks category, combining Vermont’s rich culinary traditions with the artistry of craft cocktails.

Inspired by the classic Maple Old Fashioned cocktail, the unique meat sticks are slow-cooked in Vermont Smoke & Cure’s smokehouse using locally-sourced WhistlePig Whiskey, custom made chips from whiskey barrel staves and WhistlePig’s Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup. The result is a sophisticated snack that pairs perfectly with whiskey and elevates the cocktail experience.

Made with pork raised without antibiotics or added hormones, these sticks contain no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, staying true to both brands’ commitment to quality.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WhistlePig to create something truly special for snack enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike,” said Michael Schafer, commercial business lead of Vermont Smoke & Cure. “This collaboration represents the best of Vermont craftsmanship and innovation.”

Meghan Ireland, chief blender at WhistlePig Whiskey, added, “Our partnership with Vermont Smoke & Cure allows us to extend the WhistlePig experience beyond the glass. These meat sticks are the perfect complement to our whiskey and embody the spirit of Vermont’s maker culture.”

“The idea to present these meat sticks as a cigar-like experience came naturally to our team,” said Catherine Weiner, senior brand manager at Vermont Smoke & Cure. “We recognized the longstanding tradition of pairing whiskey with cigars and saw an opportunity to echo that in our unique smoking process. This playful concept bridges the gap between traditional pairings and innovative snacking, offering a new way to savor the flavors of Vermont craftsmanship.

The Maple Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sticks will be available for purchase starting Sept. 23, 2024, National Snack Stick Day, through select retailers and online platforms.

The product comes in an 8-count, 1-oz pouch, perfect for sharing, savoring solo, and garnishing your favorite cocktail.

“The best Vermont combo since flannel and jam bands,” states the VtSmokeWhistlePig.com collaborative website.

For more information about the product and where to purchase, visit VtSmokeWhistlePig.com.