Discover Vermont's incredible craft beer scene! Our guide highlights 12 breweries offering everything from IPAs to stouts. Explore unique flavors and scenic taprooms, perfect for a Vermont brewery tour. Find the best local brews and plan your ultimate beer tasting experience with our curated list of must-visit Vermont breweries. Cheers to craft beer!
Vermont, the Green Mountain State, isn't just known for its stunning landscapes and maple syrup; it's also a haven for craft beer lovers. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, Vermont breweries offer a diverse and innovative selection of beers that are sure to please any palate. With so many options to choose from, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a list of the 12 best breweries in Vermont, ensuring your next beer adventure is unforgettable.
A Guide to Vermont's Top Craft Breweries
This curated list encompasses breweries known for their exceptional beer quality, unique ambiance, and commitment to the craft. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of craft brewing, these Vermont breweries are sure to impress.
Here's a quick overview of the breweries we'll be covering:
Brewery Name |
Location |
Known For |
---|
The Alchemist |
Stowe |
Heady Topper (Double IPA) |
Hill Farmstead Brewery |
Greensboro Bend |
Farmhouse Ales, Saisons, IPAs |
Lawson's Finest Liquids |
Waitsfield |
Sip of Sunshine (IPA), Scrag Mountain Pils |
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery |
Burlington |
Conehead IPA, Mad River Coffee Stout |
Fiddlehead Brewing Company |
Shelburne |
Fiddlehead IPA |
Lost Nation Brewing |
Morrisville |
Gose, Petit Ardennais |
von Trapp Brewing |
Stowe |
Austrian-style Lagers |
Switchback Brewing Company |
Burlington |
Switchback Ale (Unfiltered Red Ale) |
Burlington Beer Company |
Williston |
Experimental IPAs, Sours |
Long Trail Brewing Company |
Bridgewater Corners |
Long Trail Ale |
Pro Pig Brewing |
Waterbury |
BBQ, Wide variety of beer styles |
Idletyme Brewing Company |
Stowe |
Bavarian-style Beers, Seasonal Brews |
Now, let's delve into the details of each of these amazing Vermont breweries:
Detailed Brewery Profiles
1. The Alchemist (Stowe)
Perhaps the most iconic brewery in Vermont, The Alchemist is home to the legendary Heady Topper, a double IPA that revolutionized the craft beer scene. While getting your hands on this sought-after brew can still be a bit of a challenge, the experience is well worth it. The brewery also offers other exceptional beers and a vibrant atmosphere.
2. Hill Farmstead Brewery (Greensboro Bend)
Consistently ranked among the world's best breweries, Hill Farmstead Brewery is known for its farmhouse ales, saisons, and IPAs. Located on a working farm, this Vermont brewery offers a truly unique and authentic experience. Their beers are brewed with locally sourced ingredients and a deep respect for tradition.
3. Lawson's Finest Liquids (Waitsfield)
Lawson's Finest Liquids is another Vermont brewery that has gained national recognition. Their Sip of Sunshine IPA is a fan favorite, and their Scrag Mountain Pils is a refreshing and well-balanced option. The brewery also features a beautiful taproom and outdoor space, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing afternoon.
4. Zero Gravity Craft Brewery (Burlington)
Located in the heart of Burlington, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery offers a wide range of beers to suit every taste. Their Conehead IPA is a hoppy delight, and their Mad River Coffee Stout is a rich and flavorful choice. With a lively atmosphere and delicious food, Zero Gravity is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
5. Fiddlehead Brewing Company (Shelburne)
Fiddlehead Brewing Company is best known for its Fiddlehead IPA, a well-balanced and approachable IPA that has become a staple in Vermont. The brewery also offers a variety of other beers and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
6. Lost Nation Brewing (Morrisville)
Lost Nation Brewing specializes in European-style beers, particularly gose and petit Ardennais. These tart and refreshing beers are perfect for warm weather, and the brewery's focus on tradition and quality is evident in every sip.
7. von Trapp Brewing (Stowe)
Owned and operated by the von Trapp family of "The Sound of Music" fame, von Trapp Brewing offers a taste of Austria in the heart of Vermont. Their Austrian-style lagers are brewed with traditional methods and ingredients, resulting in crisp, clean, and incredibly drinkable beers.
8. Switchback Brewing Company (Burlington)
Switchback Brewing Company is known for its Switchback Ale, an unfiltered red ale that has become a Vermont classic. The brewery is committed to sustainable practices and producing high-quality, easy-drinking beers.
9. Burlington Beer Company (Williston)
Burlington Beer Company is known for its experimental IPAs and sours. This brewery is not afraid to push boundaries and create unique and innovative beers that are sure to challenge your palate.
10. Long Trail Brewing Company (Bridgewater Corners)
Long Trail Brewing Company is one of Vermont's oldest and most established breweries. Their Long Trail Ale is a classic amber ale that has been enjoyed by Vermonters for decades. The brewery also offers a variety of other beers and a beautiful riverside location.
11. Pro Pig Brewing (Waterbury)
Pro Pig Brewing combines excellent BBQ with a wide selection of craft beers. From IPAs to stouts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The brewery is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with friends.
12. Idletyme Brewing Company (Stowe)
Idletyme Brewing Company focuses on Bavarian-style beers and seasonal brews. Located in a charming historic building, the brewery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their beers are brewed with traditional methods and a focus on quality ingredients.
Whether you're looking for a hoppy IPA, a refreshing lager, or a tart sour, Vermont's craft beer scene has something to offer everyone. So, grab a pint and explore the Green Mountain State's amazing breweries!