About Carleton’s Prize Distilling

Carleton’s Prize Distilling is a small-batch rum distillery in Vermont, inspired by a Revolutionary War episode on Lake Champlain. When British ships mistakenly fired on a fog-shrouded island—thinking it was an American vessel—they unknowingly etched a legend into local lore. That island became known as Carleton’s Prize, and it now lends its name to our distillery.

We craft rum with intention and historical spirit, using only high-quality molasses and traditional distillation methods. Our focus is on unaged blended rum and limited aged releases matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Every bottle is hand-crafted on-site by a one-person operation, dedicated to honoring Vermont’s maritime past and rugged independence.

With a nod to naval history and a commitment to authenticity, Carleton’s Prize Distilling invites you to explore a New England approach to rum—rooted in story, shaped by the landscape, and distilled with care.

Who We Are

Founder and distiller of Carleton’s Prize Distilling, Chris Melnyk brings a lifelong passion for rum and history to every bottle. With a personal collection of over 200 rums and years of hands-on research into distillation and naval heritage, Chris set out to create Vermont’s own voice in the rum world. As a one-person operation, he oversees every step of the process—from fermentation to bottling—crafting small-batch spirits with precision and purpose. Grounded in tradition but driven by curiosity, Chris is building a distillery that reflects the character, independence, and storytelling spirit of Vermont.

The Bad, and the Good of Rum

Rum’s history is deeply intertwined with the rise of global trade, colonialism, and slavery. First distilled in the Caribbean during the 17th century, rum emerged as a byproduct of sugarcane production. Enslaved Africans, forced to work brutal conditions on plantations, were essential to the cultivation of sugar and the distillation of rum. The spirit quickly became a key commodity in the transatlantic slave trade, often exchanged for human lives and used as currency in the triangular trade connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Despite its troubled past, rum also became a defining element of seafaring culture, particularly among navies, privateers, and merchants. Over time, rum spread beyond the Caribbean to New England, Latin America, and beyond—each region adding its own identity to the spirit.

Today, while rum’s origins are rooted in exploitation, it plays a vital and legitimate role in the economies of many Caribbean nations. It supports local agriculture, craftsmanship, tourism, and global trade. Modern rum producers continue to navigate this legacy with increasing awareness and care, crafting spirits that reflect regional pride, cultural depth, and a renewed commitment to equity and sustainability.

Rum's history is complex, but its future is one of celebration, resilience, and community.

New England Rum

New England rum has deep roots in early American history. In the 17th and 18th centuries, coastal towns like Boston, Newport, and Medford became rum-producing powerhouses. Using molasses imported from the Caribbean, New England distillers created a distinct style of rum that fueled regional economies and helped finance ships, trade, and even revolution. Rum was a cornerstone of the infamous triangular trade, which tragically included the enslavement of African people. Despite this painful legacy, New England rum developed a lasting identity—bold, dry, and robust. Today, a new generation of distillers is reviving this heritage with care and craftsmanship.