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Craft Beer In Vermont: In Pursuit Of Hoppiness
What comes to mind when you think of Vermont? Green rolling hills and red barns? Fire-hued foliage and white-capped ski resorts? Covered bridges and rushing rivers? Vermont cheese and maple syrup? Ben & Jerry’s ice cream maybe? Ask some locals and they would probably say “craft beer!” Despite being the second-least populated U.S. state, Vermont has maintained its spot as the state with the greatest number of breweries per capita. Vermonters LOVE their craft beer and, even then, that may be an understatement. A categorical distinction, “Vermont Beer” stands in a class of its own with many of its products ranking at the top of beer rating sites and critics’ polls — not just nationally but internationally as well. Some of the best beer in the world is brewed in the Green Mountain State, with the innovative breweries and brewmasters responsible for these concoctions residing in or in close proximity to popular Stowe and Burlington (or should I say “Beerlington”). Given its many beer meccas, the Northern Vermont region serves as a beer pilgrimage destination for beer and hops lovers who would likely deem everything else Vermont has to offer as secondary.
The Not-So-Secret Secret To Vermont Breweries
So, what’s the secret? Is it the water? Is it the air? Surely the natural environment must play a part in enhancing the flavor. But the truth is there are several factors as well as a fascinating history of craft brewing pioneers and local experts that led to the state’s craft beer movement finding success in an already crowded market. In spite of all this, for the sake of simplicity and in the interest of time, let’s just say that the concept of quality over quantity has always acted as a North Star for Vermont brewers. As with any small-batch brewery that does not rely on volume, the main goal has been and continues to be all about maintaining the consistency of high-quality batches brewed. According to the Vermont Brewers Association,
“Vermonters have a deep respect for what’s genuine, and an aversion to anything that falls short.”
A nonprofit membership organization, the Vermont Brewers Association was founded to promote and strengthen the culture of craft brewing across the state. From its “brewery passport challenge” and designated “beer trails” to hosting the annual Vermont Brewers Festival, the association lays down the path for the discovery of local breweries, local brewers, and their different beers. Check out their nifty brewery map for location markers and a deeper dive into each brewery across the state.
Vermont Brewers: Everything They Brew, They Brew It For You
An art and a craft, microbrewing is ultimately about creative expression. Craft brewers revere brewing history with one foot in the past and look to innovate with the other foot in the future. Whether you’re looking for superior taste, greater variety, finer ingredients, uncommon combinations, or richer conversations, the meaning of each brew comes down to you. Below is a list of the great breweries in and within reach of Stowe, each with its own unique story to tell and experiences to share. Before we embark on this tour, make room in your fridges and pack your coolers! No doubt you’ll want to bring some of this quality beer back with you after a great time.
The Best Breweries In Stowe, Vermont
The Alchemist (Stowe, VT)
The Alchemist is not just one of the best craft breweries in Stowe or Vermont but arguably one of the best craft breweries period. Their headliner and claim to fame was the renowned Heady Topper — an unpasteurized and unfiltered American double IPA that put New England IPA beer on the map and was awarded numerous awards and honors (including “The Best Beer in the World” by Beer Advocate and Rate Beer). To this day, the hazy IPA is considered one of the best beers ever with its younger sibling, Focal Banger, able to hold its own against most any other pale ale as well. Notwithstanding its world-class reputation, the brewery itself has a very cool atmosphere and a relaxed vibe. Awesome artwork surrounds their impressive state-of-the-art facility which encompasses an inside Beer Cafe and tasting room as well as their outside Beer Garden, depending on the weather and what you’re in the mood for. Currently, The Alchemist offers paid 30-minute brewery tours (which include a commemorative tasting glass and a can of beer) for a more close-up look. Their products are also available for in-person or curbside pickup. Note that their nearby Waterbury brewery location is production-only and closed to the public.
The Alchemist Brewery | 100 Cottage Club Road, Stowe, VT 05672 | +1 (802) 253-6708
Von Trapp Brewing (Stowe, VT)
Located at the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge, Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall is the best place to experience “a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont”. What started out as a dream by Johannes von Trapp (youngest son of Maria and Baron Georg von Trapp of “The Sound of Music”) and a humble brewing facility, eventually developed into a commercial brewery with an annual production capacity of 36,000 barrels of beer. Von Trapp Brewery produces Kolsch ales and Baviarian-style pilsners as well as Helles lager and Austrian-style lager beers. Their Bierhall Restaurant, which is attached to the brewery, is modeled after an Austrian-style beer hall and serves Austrian lunch and dinner selections, including Bavarian pretzels, grilled bratwurst, chicken schnitzels, and Bauernwurst. In addition to trying their great beer onsite, you can also enjoy them in numerous restaurants and bars throughout Vermont and across the Northeastern United States, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. Prost!
Von Trapp Brewing | 1333 Luce Hill Road, Stowe, VT 05672 | +1 (802) 253-5750
Idletyme Brewing Company (Stowe, VT)
Idletyme is an excellent brewpub at the heart of Stowe focused on keeping things simple and seasonal. This place is amongst the local favorites and is one of my favorite spots in Stowe as well since it’s a solid combination of craft drinks, great food, a fun atmosphere, and a central location. Originally a cider mill in the early 1900s, the premise evolved into a tennis camp (consisting of a gas station, youth hostel, and variety store) and a prior restaurant (started by two ski instructor friends) before eventually becoming the establishment you see today. They are mostly known for their famous Idletyme double IPA and hoppy ales. Their layout is interesting in that it has a casual brew pub setting off to one side with a larger and more elevated main dining space on the other complete with a full bar. Check it out for yourself right now via their virtual site tour. What’s more, Idletyme has a fabulous outdoor area that is fantastic for sitting back and just letting time fly by. Note that the place can get quite crowded so make reservations or allow for sufficient wait time before your stomach starts to growl!
Idletyme Brewing Company | 1859 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672 | +1 (802) 253-4765
Stowe Cider (Stowe, VT)
OK, it’s not beer. But it’s unquestionably awesome and flavorful nonetheless. Stowe Cider offers a variety of year-round hard ciders as well as a consistently rotating tap selection of seasonal hard ciders ranging from dry and preservative-free to those flaunting unique flavors and with local ingredients. Though technically not a brewery, their taproom has a brewery feel with flights, pints, products to go, live music, and outdoor patio seating surrounding the cider house. Whether you prefer hard cider or gravitate towards beer, there’s a common bond between both of these craft beverages. If you’re not in the mood for fresh-pressed hard cider then go with their delicious apple cider paired with warm apple cider donuts. This is certainly another great place for anyone passing through or spending time in the Stowe area. Note that currently, they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so plan accordingly!
Stowe Cider | 17 Town Farm Lane, Stowe, VT 05672 | +1 (802) 253-2065
Must-Try Breweries Near And Around Stowe, Vermont
The list above is only the beginning and we’ve only yet scratched the surface. I strongly urge you to venture outside of Stowe and check out the following hot spots and their craft brews. Let’s just say this is where the real fun begins…
Foam Brewers (Burlington, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 37 miles
Foam Brewers | 112 Lake Street, Burlington, VT 054013 | +1 (802) 399-2511
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery (Burlington, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 36 miles
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery | 716 Pine Street, Burlington, VT 05401 | +1 (802) 497-0054
Hill Farmstead Brewery (Greensboro Bend, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 32.7 miles
Hill Farmstead Brewery | 403 Hill Road, Greensboro Bend, VT 05842 | +1 (802) 533-7450
Lawson’s Finest Liquids (Waitsfield, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 23.4 miles
Lawson’s Finest Liquids | 155 Carroll Road, Waitsfield, VT 05673 | +1 (802) 496-4677
Lost Nation Brewing (Morrisville, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 9.1 miles
Lost Nation Brewing | 87 Creamery Road, Morrisville, VT 05661 | +1 (802) 851-8041
Four Quarters Brewing (Winooski, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 37.2 miles
Four Quarters Brewing | 70 Main Street, Winooski, VT 05404 | +1 (802) 391-9120
Ten Bends Beer (Hyde Park, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 10.8 miles
Ten Bends Beer | 590 E Main Street, Hyde Park, VT 05655 | +1 (802) 521-7139
Prohibition Pig (Waterbury, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 10.4 miles
Prohibition Pig | 23 S Main Street, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676 | +1 (802) 244-4120
Rock Art Brewery (Morristown, VT)
Driving distance from Stowe center: 8.2 miles
Rock Art Brewery | 632 Laporte Road, Morristown, VT 05661 | +1 (802) 888-9400
Don’t worry, be hoppy, and bottoms up!
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