Caledonia Spirits Names Industry Veteran John Oliver VP of Sales as Brand Hits 18% Northeast Growth

Industry Veteran Brings Over 20 Years of Beverage Experience to a New Phase of Growth for the Vermont-based Independent Craft Distillery

Montpelier, Vermont – June 30, 2026 – Caledonia Spirits, riding 18% growth in its Northeast home markets, has named John Oliver as Vice President of Sales to lead its national expansion. Oliver, who spent years championing the Caledonia Spirits portfolio as National Trade Marketing Director at Breakthru Beverage Group, will now direct the sales strategy for the company's full super-premium portfolio: Barr Hill Gin, Barr Hill Vodka, Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin, Phyllis Rye Whiskey, and the newly launched Barr Hill Picnic ready-to-drink cocktails.

“We're excited to welcome John Oliver to Caledonia Spirits,” says President and Head Distiller Ryan Christiansen. “His experience building brands and understanding the distributor landscape gives him a unique perspective as we enter our next chapter of growth. It will help us build on the success of Barr Hill, introduce more consumers to Phyllis Vermont Rye, and continue growing our portfolio of distinctive spirits.”

Oliver joins Caledonia Spirits with over 20 years of experience in the alcohol beverage industry, predominantly in the distribution tier with Breakthru Beverage Group. During his time at Breakthru, John was an integral part of Trident, the company’s emerging spirits strategy team. John’s role as National Trade Marketing Director on the Trident team helped to identify, incubate, and grow various emerging spirit brands such as Barr Hill.

Having already worked to expand the brand’s presence across Breakthru’s 14 markets, Oliver has long been an advocate for the Caledonia Spirits portfolio and believes the company is well-positioned for continued growth due to its authenticity and transparency. “Barr Hill answers the call for brands that exemplify a true sense of place,” he says. “By using our Northeast wildflower honey in every bottle of Barr Hill Gin and Barr Hill Vodka, we are capturing the terroir of Vermont and providing a point of difference both in flavor and story for our customers and consumers. It’s no wonder that Barr Hill is the most awarded gin in the country.”

In the first half of 2026, Caledonia Spirits has experienced strong growth in its home region. “We are seeing tremendous growth in the Northeast markets and will be doubling down on that strategy over the next two years,” Oliver says. “Nationally, the focus is on a targeted approach working with restaurateurs, bartenders, and retailers that connect with our brand pillars of sustainability, supporting bee culture, and featuring brands that bring something different to the table.”

About Caledonia Spirits

Co-founded in 2011 by President and Head Distiller Ryan Christiansen, Caledonia Spirits is an independent, distiller-owned craft producer headquartered at its sustainable distillery in Montpelier, Vermont. Deeply rooted in an agricultural mission, the company strives to reconnect cocktail culture with regenerative agriculture by partnering with local farms to transform regional, raw ingredients into high-quality spirits. The distillery's flagship Barr Hill® line features premium spirits crafted with raw honey to support pollinators and responsible beekeepers, including Barr Hill Gin, the most awarded American gin, Barr Hill Vodka made from 100% raw honey, the barrel-aged Tom Cat Gin, and low-ABV Barr Hill Picnic ready-to-drink cocktails. Committed to authentic production, Caledonia Spirits also mills, ferments, distills, and ages its own 100% Vermont-grown grain whiskey in-house for its Phyllis Vermont Rye Whiskey. Barr Hill spirits are available nationwide in more than 30 markets.