The Mad River Distillers Team
John Egan, Founder
Maura Connolly, Co-Founder & National Sales Director
Mimi Buttenheim, President
Mimi joined Mad River Distillers in May of 2015.Her career in food, wine and spirits spans 15 years and multiple coasts. After graduating from Brown University with a degree in Classics, she earned a Certificate of Baking and Pastry Arts from the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, California. Mimi moved to Vermont in 2010 and made the transition from the wine world to craft spirits. A competitive equestrian and avid cook, she is the only Mad River Distillers member who does not ski or snowboard. She enjoys the après-ski drinks and her favorite cocktail is the Boulevardier.
Alex Hilton, General Manager & Chief Distiller
Alex Hilton grew up in Mad River Distillers backyard in Warren, Vermont. As a child he learned to enjoy everything VT has to offer from skiing to hiking and everything in between. Before joining Mad River Distillers Alex worked in the trades as a carpenter for nearly 10 years building homes all around the area. He performed all of the renovations on the old horse barn that is now the distillery. Alex now lives in Fayston, VT with his wife and their children. His favorite cocktail is a Rye Old Fashioned.John Carroll, Distiller
John is the newest addition to our team, having previously worked in the boating industry managing a custom sailboat company. His love of spirits led him to take the distilling course at Vermont Technical College, and he joins us in full time production at our Warren distillery.
Josh Wilcox, Bar Manager
Josh grew up in Montpelier, Vermont and he is a member of the Green Mountain Chapter of the US Bartenders Guild. He was 2019 runner up of the Vermont Bartender of the Year competition!
Taylor Sacco, Vermont Sales and Marketing
Taylor grew up in Hinesburg, VT, where he spent as much time exploring the woods behind his house as possible. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy and then a master’s in English at the University of Vermont. After a brief time working in the classroom he entered the craft spirits world after many years as a fan. He then worked in sales, marketing, events and as a distiller for nearly three and a half years before joining the Mad River team. He lives in Shelburne with his wife and son. His favorite cocktail is a classic daiquiri.
Isabelle Federico, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Isabelle grew up on the island of South Hero, VT and attended the University of Vermont where she received her B.S in Environmental Studies. She started as an intern for our distillery and has since become a full time Bartender, manages our social media and coordinates events for our Burlington Tasting Room. Her main passion and focus is increasing the sustainability practices for Mad River Distillers. Her favorite cocktail is an Old Cuban.
