HINESBURG, VT. – Billed as “The best Vermont combo since flannel and jam bands,” Vermont Smoke & Cure announced a new cocktail-inspired product that stems from its partnership with WhistlePig Whiskey, another artisan-style company in Vermont.

The limited-time offering, Maple Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sticks, are made by Vermont Smoke & Cure, a subsidiary of Johnsonville LLC, Sheboygan, Wis., using WhistlePig’s Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup and incorporating smoke flavoring by smoking the all-pork product using wood chips repurposed from barrels formerly used to age WhistlePig’s whiskey.

Michael Schafer, commercial business lead of Vermont Smoke & Cure, said marrying the two company’s flavors and their respective artisanal approaches ensured a positive partnership.

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

The launch of the new product coincided with National Snack Stick Day, which was Sept. 23. The product is sold in eight, 1-oz pouches and is available at select retailers and websites.

“We recognized the longstanding tradition of pairing whiskey with cigars and saw an opportunity to echo that in our unique smoking process,” said Catherine Weiner, senior brand manager at Vermont Smoke & Cure. “This playful concept bridges the gap between traditional pairings and innovative snacking, offering a new way to savor the flavors of Vermont craftsmanship.”