Meet the SILO Team: Mary Shappell

You might have met her behind the bar at SILO, or at a local event, or you might not know her at all. In that case, meet Mary - she’s wonderful! 

What’s your role at SILO and how long have you been a part of the team?

I've proudly been with SILO since November 2014.  Peter and Anne Marie (the owners) were frequent guests at the Barnard Inn where I was bar tending (and serving up lots of yummy SILO cocktails.) They asked me to come to SILO at just the right time in my life.

SILO hosts many events for the community including Music and Marys, Paint and Sips, as well as private events. What has been the most fun event to host, so far?

I have done so many of our events over the years, it's hard to pick one.  I would say the one that is the most fun for me is “Taste of Woodstock” each summer.  I get to see so many locals, business owners, friends, and of course visitors.  The reaction of people seeing SILO there for their tasting pleasure is always fun. I have always enjoyed the VT Bartender of the Year competition too.  We have so many incredibly talented mixologists here in Vermont. 

Say you've got the day off, what are you doing? 

In the winter I might go for a snowshoe, come home and get the woodstove going and grab a book! If I plan a Saturday off, you'll find me with my four grandchildren either playing at my house or out for an adventure.  Our latest was to the Fairbank's Museum and Planetarium.  What a wonderful time we had.

When folks comes to the distillery, what is the most ordered cocktail?

I think it's a toss up between our SILO Citrus with our cucumber vodka, or the Fall in Vermont with our maple whiskey.

The "Fall in Vermont" with our SILO Maple Whiskey made with 100% Organic maple syrup from Sugar Moon Hill Farm in Woodstock, VT. 

What is your favorite SILO cocktail to whip up?

My favorite SILO cocktail to whip up is a SILO Lavender Cosmo.... aptly named the "SILO Spring".  The reaction of those enjoying the cocktail is always one of pure delight, and most of the time they go home with a bottle of SILO Lavender Vodka to make their own cosmos at home.