Vermont HCR 187: House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2024 Mt. Anthony Union High School Patriots wrestling team on winning the school’s 35th consecutive State championship

Bill Text

R-228 Page 1 of 1
2026

VT LEG #387495 v.1
No. R-228. House concurrent resolution congratulating Village Garage Distillery of
Bennington on winning a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits
Competition for Bonfire, its debut spirit, a smoked maple bourbon.
(H.C.R.187)
Offered by Representatives Greer of Bennington, Morrissey of Bennington, Cooper of
Pownal, Corcoran of Bennington, Durfee of Shaftsbury, and Nigro of Bennington
Offered by Senators Bongartz and Plunkett
Whereas, in 2021, Matt Cushman and Glen Sauer, native Vermonters of
multigenerational descent, established the Village Garage Distillery in Bennington in
order to create spirit beverages consisting of high-quality locally sourced ingredients, and
Whereas, Village Garage Distillery’s signature product is Bonfire smoked maple
bourbon, “a small batch spirit crafted in southern Vermont” that draws upon “Vermont
grains and crisp Vermont water,” and is invigorated with “a kiss of Vermont smoked
maple syrup,” and
Whereas, this tantalizing and unique bourbon evokes the special ambience of family
and friends gathered around a roaring campfire, and
Whereas, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is renowned for its vigorous
blind-tasting process that has earned this event a coveted ranking among spirits-judging
competitions across the globe, and
Whereas, on July 15, 2025, the staff of Village Garage Distillery was ecstatic and
honored when the San Franciso World Spirits Competition awarded the small and
relatively new distillery a prestigious silver medal in recognition of Bonfire’s outstanding
composition and taste, instantaneously bestowing esteemed international regard on the
distillery’s first product, and
Whereas, now associated with an extraordinary imprimatur, Bonfire smoked maple
bourbon has inspired the Village Garage Distillery to work even harder in its creation of
outstanding locally sourced spirits, which may be enjoyed at Pearl’s at the Garage
restaurant, at regional retailers, and nationally via the distillery’s online store, now
therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly congratulates the Village Garage Distillery of Bennington
on winning a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for
Bonfire, its debut spirit, a smoked maple bourbon, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
Village Garage Distillery in Bennington.