13 Best Breweries in Vermont
Unknowing Brewing (https://www.unknownbrewing.com/)
April 13, 2023
The Green Mountain State, Vermont, ranks highest in the number of breweries per capita in the United States.
On top of that, it’s the only state which receives an impressive distinction for its locally produced beer, the Vermont beer. Indeed, this place is a sure must-visit for any passionate beer lovers.
Today, Vermont is home to world-class breweries pumping out award-winning beers. So, if you like a taste of the finest, visit these 13 Best Breweries in Vermont!
1. Foam Brewers – Burlington
Opening its doors in 2016, Foam Brewers made it to one of the most popular Burlington-based breweries. Located in a historic old building near Lake Champlain, this brewery is the perfect spot to catch the sunset while drinking creamy double IPAs and unique berry sours.
On top of soft, hazy, and balanced IPAs, Foam Breweries crafts excellent kettle sours, lagers, and saisons. If a magical moment with beers sounds appealing, it’s time for you to visit this spot in Vermont. And while you’re at it, try the crowd’s favorites like Repetitioner and Electric Splash.
Best to try: Built To Spill, Experimental Jet Set, Like Clockwork, The Fruit That Ate Itself, Think I’m In Love
2. Four Quarters Brewing
One of the loveliest places you should visit in Vermont is this small-batch specialist brewhouse, Four Quarters Brewing. This place offers the best stouts, hoppy beers, and sours throughout Vermont.
What’s even great is their taproom located at 70 Main Street showcases a lengthy draft menu. Don’t worry if you’re a non-beer drinker because this brew pub offers Vermont-made wine, brandy, cider, soda, and kombucha.
Like a hearty but full meal? Pair your favorite beers with snacks such as cheeseboards, sides, and sandwiches. So, what are you waiting for? Plop down on one of its wooden dining tables and indulge in a slice of meat with a cheese plate served with a fantastic beer.
Best to try: Phaze, Ghosts In the Sky, Space Face, First Light, Sundog, Spectra
3. The Alchemist Brewery
Suppose you’re chasing the epitome of food and beer in Vermont. In that case, The Alchemist Brewery is the ultimate destination. It’s one of the famous brew spots launching the New England IPA hype. In addition, this brewery is hailed for pumping out award-winning beers and location favorites.
Heady Topper, Focal Banger, and Luscious made it to their diverse lineup of beers you must try. If you’re in Vermont, promise to swing by this place and discover why Heady Topper is one of the fresh, highly sought-after beers across the state.
Best to try: Heady Topper, Focal Banger, Crusher, Luscious, Beelzebub, Alena
4. Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Here’s another craft beer staple in Vermont worth every penny, Lawson’s Finest Liquids. Founded by Karen and Sean Lawson in 2008, this brewery is a unique line of beers everybody would love. If you’ve heard of this place, you’ll come across Sip of Sunshine, a beer that became an American hit.
Sip of Sunshine is a fantastic summer drink with a juicy tropical character-rich floral aroma and lovely hoppy layers. Lawson’s Finest Liquids made an upscale in 2018, opening its first-ever bar-equipped taproom. Personally, I bet that this is the perfect spot to try authentic Vermont IPAs or maple brews.
Best to try: Sip of Sunshine, Super Session IPA #2 (Amarillo), Double Sunshine, Super Session #8
5. Whetsone Beer Co.
Featured in Yankee Brew News as one of the finest spots to enjoy beers in Vermont, Whetstone Beer Co is a sure place to visit! If you’re on the hunt for great beers, why not go for their taproom-exclusive beers?
How about Stolen Gin Sour Ale? This beer features a unique balance of sweet and tart, loaded with apricot and wrapped with a crisp finish. But my bias would always be October Fest, the perfect Fall lager exuding a bright, smooth, and malty flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Best to try: Whetstoner, Big ‘Stoner, Off the Rails, Rug Life, Updog (Chai)
6. Switchback Brewing Co.
Since 2002, Switchback Brewing Company has continued the Vermont tradition of producing excellent, relatable, and great-tasting beers.
If you like host-beer-themed events, visit this Vermont-based brewery. Check out their Stretch & Sip Yoga, Cheese, and Beer Pairings with diverse educational classes.
Indeed, avid beer fans can count on Switchback for a premium experience whenever they choose this brewery! Try their year-round beers like Karsten Premium Lager, Zaboo Hazy IPA, and Switchback ALE.
Best to try: Switchback Ale, Citra-Pils Keller Bier, Connector IPA, Extra Pale Ale (XPA), Switchback IPA
7. Zero Gravity Brewery
Here’s another Burlington-based brew house capturing the unique beauty of Vermont in every beer they craft, Zero Gravity Brewery.
This place is the way to go if you’re looking not only for beers but for killer meals too. Recognized for its excellent quality, outdoor seating, and food menu, this brew house will surely leave us drooling.
Pair your favorite Conehead IPA with kale salad or beef burger. Or go for something bold and have a side of dirty fries with braised pickles and pork.
On top of everything, Zero Gravity Brewery’s location is perfect because it’s next to The Great Northern, one of the popular food spots in Vermont.
Best to try: Conehead, Madonna, Green State Lager, Little Wolf, Oktoberfest
8. Lost Nation Brewing
In 2013, Lost Nation Brewing became one of the well-recognized members of the Vermont state brewing scene. Once you taste their beers, you’ll find them traditional and rustic. This brewpub crafts European-style ales and lagers like Belgian-style saisons and crisp pilsners.
But probably, the immense fame of Lost Nation Brewing boils down to one drink: the making of Gose. This beer is an authentic German sour featuring a salty, tart, and citrusy flavor. It has a dry finish which you can’t get enough of.
Best to try: Mosaic IPA, Vermont Pilsner, Gose, The Wind, Lost Galaxy IPA, Rustic Ale
9. Hill Farmstead Brewery
One of the world-class breweries, Hill Farmstead, continues the farmhouse tradition of making sophisticated saisons, Biere de gardes, and grisettes. All of their beers will carry a special place in your heart as they evoke a particular place and time.
It would not be surprising to see Hill Farmstead Brewery securing the top slot in Vermont. This enigmatic brewery does nothing but chase perfection in every brew.
Try the award-winning drink, American Pale Ale, using ale yeast, malted barley, hops, and water. You’ll always be satisfied with its fragrant floral aroma with pine and citrus notes.
Best to try: Edward, Arthur, Susan, Anna, Abner, Double Citra
10. Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall
Here’s an Austrian beer hall and brewery showcasing signature lagers and classic bites amid the sophisticated, rustic interior.
Enjoy this place’s flavorful, crisp beers if you like to chill over a cool drink. Whether you’re up for smooth or bold, light, heavy, hoppy, or sweet beets, you’ll find your match that would satisfy your taste buds.
Von Trapp Brewery offers a wide array of year-round signature beers. So, swing by and have a heavenly time. Want to go wild? Check out their Bohemian Pilsner with a dry, peppery finish. Or go for something sweet and sip Vienna Style Lager with biscuit and caramel undertones.
Best to try: Golden Helles Lager, Bohemian Pilsner, Dunkel, Vienna Style Lager, Oktoberfest
11. Stone Corral Brewery
Stone Corral Brewery is a family-owned artisanal brew spot with a food pub. Enjoy beers with live music around the rustic interior.
This is the ultimate destination if you’re looking for a cozy, local spot to have craft beers and cocktails. On top of everything, our favorite munch bites are here: salads, burgers, nachos, tacos, and soft pretzels.
One of the crowd’s favorites which I highly recommend, is Mexican Chocolate Mousse Cake. This featured beer has sweet maple syrup, cinnamon, chocolate, and vanilla flavors. Or check out their coffee porter, Local Joe, which has a subtle sweet taste of dark fruit and caramel.
Best to try: XX Chocolate Maple Porter, Bad Rooster IPA, Black Beer, Bramble
12. The Vermont Pub & Brewery
Of course, the brew scene would never be complete without including Vermont’s oldest brewery, The Vermont Pub & Brewery. With its vibrant history and so many signature beers, there’s no excuse not to visit this spot!
So, try their featured beers like Burly Irish Ale with a light roast, creamy, and mellow flavor. Match it with classic American snacks like Sweet Fries, Burly Cheese Dip, and Chicken Tenders.
Best to try: Bombay Grab IPA, Forbidden Fruit, Burly Irish Ale, Tulach Leis
13. Snow Republic Brewery
Finally, if you want a spot where you can freely drink beer with lots of snacks in Vermont, you should not miss Snow Republic Brewery. Kid and dog-friendly, this brewery has a light vibe offering their guests juicy beers and knockout food.
One of my favorite beers is Hop Avalanche. I love its melon rind, citrus, and cantaloupe flavors. If you like something fruity, check out their Joy Ride, which exudes tastes of sweet fruit, green fruit, and citrus.
Best to try: Hop Avalanche, My Hands Feel Like Two Maracas, Mayonnaise IPA, Silver Tail, Joyride
https://www.unknownbrewing.com/breweries-in-vermont/
Southern Vermont’s Hidden Gem
Nov 11, 2022
Sometimes, the fun of travel is discovering a scenic, hidden destination unknown to most Americans. Call it “Hidden America.” Southern Vermont’s Harriman Dam and Reservoir is such a place, one the locals know well but missing from travel lists of the best things to do in Vermont.
Yet, once you drive down a dirt road in tiny Whitingham and park next to Harriman Dam, a geographic wonder with a unique history unfolds. The reservoir is perfect for walking, hiking, kayaking and swimming, and, within 20 miles, there are exquisite inns, fine restaurants, unique shops and craft breweries.
Harriman Reservoir, also known as Lake Whitingham, is on the Deerfield River in Whitingham, Wilmington and Readsboro, Vermont. It is the largest lake entirely within Vermont: eight miles long and 2,184 acres. The lake, which lies at an elevation of 1,481 feet, is managed by Great River Hydro, the largest producer of conventional hydropower in New England.
A rail trail alongside Harriman Reservoir provides an easy walk with scenic vistas and access to the shoreline. The trail is part of the Catamount Trail, a 280-mile cross-country ski trail that spans the length of Vermont. The area is home to bald eagles, loons and other wildlife.
Nearby is Route 100, one of America’s most scenic highways. It runs along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains next to farms, picture-postcard villages and ski resorts. Top-notch lodging is available at numerous inns, including the Hermitage and the Snow Goose Inn in West Dover. Both are near Mount Snow, a short drive to Stratton Mountain and Wilmington’s shops and dining options. The Hermitage sits on 112 acres and has rooms dating back to the 1800s that have been luxuriously updated. The 12-room Snow Goose offers relaxed upscale lodging with three large common spaces, seven decks and porches and sumptuous amenities.
The Hermitage offers its own fine dining, and Folly is a Wilmington culinary gem. Recommended dishes served recently at Folly include Thai Gulf shrimp in coconut lime sauce and duck with cherry hoisin sauce, grilled local apples and candy cane beets.
Two breweries in the area — Snow Republic in West Dover and Beer Naked in Marlboro — serve excellent pizza besides their brews. Beer Naked sits atop Hogback Mountain and offers fabulous views.
Snow Republic owner Walt Bansley welcomes guests with a career-changing personal story on the brewery’s website.
“A Marine Corps veteran, turned trial lawyer, turned brewery owner, Walt traded in his combat boots for dress shoes and now flip-flops. His San Diego roots and love for Cali Reggae music creates a laid-back, chill, pet-friendly, kid-friendly atmosphere that makes this production brewery and taproom a must stop when visiting the Mount Snow ski and golf resort region.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystoller/2022/11/11/southern-vermonts-hidden-gem/?sh=55e8f9d434ba
LIVE ON THE 802
February 20, 2020
Watch host Mark Pederson interview owner Walt Bansley on the Vermont television show “Live on the 802”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_AKaDVOBlY
February 13, 2020
Watch host Mark Pederson interview lead brewer Justin Maturo on the Vermont television show “Live on the 802”
Snow Republic Brewing Co. gives Vermont ski town a lift.
December 22, 2019
Brent Hallenbeck - Burlington Free Press
WEST DOVER – A ski town in southern Vermont had no brewery to call its own.
A Marine-turned-lawyer-turned-brewery-owner decided to rectify that. Walt Bansley opened Snow Republic Brewing Co. in West Dover on Oct. 4. The brewery is about three miles from Mount Snow in a log building along Vermont 100.
Snow Republic has four beers on tap, and its repertoire includes two staples — an IPA and a porter — as well as a Belgian wit, a lager and a pale ale. Bansley and Snow Republic’s brewer, Justin Maturo, have plans to add sour and stout brews as well.
Bansley expects to expand to seven of his own beers plus a rotating line featuring another Vermont brewery. Snow Republic serves food including sausage and peppers, kielbasa and sauerkraut, vegetarian chili, hot dogs and a meat-and-cheese plate.
'It's been jamming:' How Bansley created the brewery
Bansley, 44, is a native of San Diego who writes on his website that he traded in his combat boots for dress shoes and, now, for flip flops. He was indeed wearing flip flops while tending bar at Snow Republic in late November.
“I’m a weekend-warrior bartender,” Bansley said, adding that he loves being in the service industry. “I don’t feel like this is work.”
He was in the Marine Corps and served in the Persian Gulf before attending law school in Connecticut, where he lives and practices law. Bansley spends weekends in West Dover and, based on the number of Connecticut license plates in Snow Republic’s parking lot Nov. 30, many of his Nutmeg State neighbors do as well.
“It’s been jamming,” Bansley said of business at Snow Republic since the brewery opened. “Every weekend has been better than the last.”
Know before you go
Snow Republic Brewing Co., 33 Vermont 100, West Dover. Noon-10 p.m. Thursday-Monday; closed Tuesday and Wednesday except when brewing. www.snowrepublicbrewery.com
Walt Bansley, owner of Snow Republic Brewing Co., works behind the bar at the West Dover brewery Nov. 30, 2019.
Snow Republic Brewery Opens
By
Lauren Harkawik – Deerfield Valley News
November 27, 2019
DOVER - Walt Bansley, the owner of Snow Republic Brewery, says he meant to do a “soft opening,” a term used in the restaurant industry to indicate that the doors have opened with little fanfare or announcement. It’s a way for staff to stretch their collective legs without too much scrutiny.
“I wanted to work out the kinks,” he says. “There’s a lot I don’t know. I needed to figure out what I don’t know. But it has been like we’ve been open. There is no soft open. It’s been crazy in here. They’re showing up.”
Though plenty of locals warned him about stick season, the past few weeks have been busy at the new brewery, which features a wide-open space with a glossy floor, a long bar, picnic tables, and games — among them, a long shuffleboard table.
“A guy had this in this basement for 50 years,” says Bansley of the shuffle board table. “It took six guys to get it out of his basement and I brought it here in a U-Haul truck.”
Those who were familiar with the Bennington Furniture Company location that occupied the building for over a decade may be surprised with the openness of the space. Its has plenty of natural light. The floors are shiny and gray. Natural elements, like wood picnic tables and plants, are present throughout. It’s spacious while still being homey.
“I’ve been saying just come in, be a good person, be nice, have some beer, and have some fun,” says Bansley. He points to a sign that reads “Positive vibrations,” which hangs on the wall between the bar area and the brewing equipment. “Everybody just chill. Let’s just get along and have a beer.”
Bansley was the owner of the building before, and during, Bennington Furniture Company’s tenure.
“I bought this building from the builder, Ralph Paradis, who’s from Wardsboro,” he says. “I didn’t know what I was going to do with the building. I just knew I would drive past it going to Mount Snow from Chimney Hill and I said, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do, I will figure it out, but this building is awesome.’”
Joined at the brewery on a Thursday afternoon by his brewer, Justin Maturo, Bansley admits the beer part of the business isn’t his area of expertise. Bansley is an attorney in Connecticut; prior to that, he served in the Marine Corps.
“About a year ago, I said I want to do something different with my life, and I have this really cool building in southern Vermont, near a ski area, in a top-five brewing state in the country, with no breweries around it, in a resort area,” he says. “With all that, I have zero background in breweries or brewing. But I knew it would work. So I linked up with Justin.”
Like Bansley, Maturo hails from Connecticut. He and Bansley knew each other casually before, and when Bansley put out feelers for a brewer, he and Maturo really connected. They’re joined at the brewery by Asha Mickiewicz, Bansley’s girlfriend. “She’s put a lot of elbow grease into this place,” says Bansley.
Bansley says that although many people have found their way to the brewery, he’s gotten some feedback that people aren’t sure when it’s open or what it is. He’s in the process of figuring out signage. An internally-lit sign he installed near the road violated the town’s zoning codes and was ordered shut down.
“The zoning officer is just doing her job,” he says. “But all of the research behind externally spotlighting versus internally is all in favor of internally-lit. I want to appeal this and change this law and I found research papers where it’s actually a hazard to have a spotlight catch a driver’s eye. And my sign was tastefully done. It’s not obnoxious, it’s nice and simple, and they shut down the sign. That’s what the law said, though, and so I have to go and change it.”
Sign woes aside, Bansley says the town has been great to work with, and that the community has been nothing but welcoming.
“Everyone has been nothing but love and support,” he says. “The whole community, in every aspect, has been unbelievably supportive. It’s been amazing. In my 44 years of life I’ve never worked in the service industry. For the last month I’ve bartended and I’ve absolutely loved it, because of the people who have come in and made it totally enjoyable.”
Bansley and Maturo say the hours and food menu are still in flux. “The plan is to be open Thursday through Monday,” says Bansley. “We do food, right now it’s very, very limited. We’ll have one or two meals for the days we’re open. We’re hoping to have five to six staple items soon. But we’re not going to be a high-end restaurant.”
For now, the brewery is usually open Friday through Sunday, and Bansley says Thursday will be added soon. House-made beers on tap include Hop Avalanche, a New England IPA; Silver Tail, a porter; Nitro Silver Tail; and Major B, a lager named for Bansley’s dad. A hefeweizen, a pale ale, and a sour are in the process of being brewed.
Snow Republic Brewery is located at 33 Route 100 in West Dover, in the building formerly occupied by Bennington Furniture.
For the Love of Snow, Vermont, & Craft Beer
August 23, 2019
Sarah Blair – Positive News For You
One of my favorite things about starting Country Brew Tours has been meeting all of our brewing friends.
Snow Republic Brewing Company, located in West Dover, VT. It is just minutes from Mount Snow and down the street from our headquarters.
I cannot explain the excitement I felt when I first found out that there was a new brewery rolling into town. You should have seen my childlike giddiness when I found out their plan to open around the same time as we are!
I knew I had to reach out to these incredible people. I am glad I did. This brewery is going to be one of the areas Hot Spots. This I am sure of!
Snow Republic Brewing Company, is approximately 4 miles from Mount Snow. If you are a skier or boarder, then you are aware that Mount Snow is the largest ski resort in Southern Vermont. With the largest terrain park in the east.
What is nice about Mount Snow is that during the day there is a lot happening on the mountain. The question however, is what to do once the mountain closes for the day?
That is, what is exciting about the collaboration between Snow Republic Brewing Co., and Country Brew Tours. When you are done hitting the slopes, Ale aboard the Brew Express and we will take you to see our amazing friends. You won't need to worry about drinking and driving, we have you covered.
Introducing Snow Republic Brewing Company
You are going to feel the Vermont Charm when you visit Snow Republic Brewing Company. In the time I spent with owners Walt and Asha, I learned that they are no strangers to the Mount Snow area! In fact, Walt has been hitting Mount Snow's slopes for years. These two people are incredible, carefree, relaxed, go with the flow kind of people. The vibes they give off are warm and inviting. Their personalities are what makes me believe this brewery is going to be amazing. I felt honored to receive a special sneak peek. As I was getting to know my new friends I found out that they are from Connecticut. When I found this out, I had to ask the BIG questions.
Why Vermont?
Walt answered, by saying he has been coming to Mount Snow for years. He fell in love with the area just from years of hitting the slopes. He and his buddies use to drive up from CT and just had a blast. He eventually purchased a 2nd home in the area to be closer to the slopes and come and go as he pleased.
Why a brewery?
The answer made me chuckle, I won't lie... I couldn't argue with his reasoning though.
Walt replied to me with, Why not a brewery? I have this really cool building, in a great location near the slopes; and I love beer.
Why this rural location out of all locations?
Walt explained that he has been the owner of this building since 2006. When he purchased it, he thought it was a really cool building in a great location for the mountain. At the time he didn't have plans for the building. He has been renting it out to a furniture store for the past few years.
He said, once he had the idea to join the craft beer industry, he thought this would be the perfect location. He already had a really great and unique building just minutes from Mount Snow. He loves the area. And honestly, he couldn't think of a better place to open a brewery.
Let me tell you this building is looking AMAZING! The work they are doing is incredible. I cannot wait to see the final transformation. The building was already, so beautiful.
So far, they have installed their barrel system. They are planning on beginning brewing any day now! The floors throughout the brewery are GORGEOUS!!! The flooring accents the all the natural wood inside well. I can't share everything, however. You are going to need to see for yourself.
Walt and Asha have been hard at work with this project. You are going to need to follow them on their social media platforms to find out more about when their opening day is.
I could not be happier that Snow Republic Brewing Company and Country Brew Tours, are working together. We have big plans for our little spot in Vermont.
We have the slopes, the views, the local charm and of course fantastic brews. What could be better. Grab your friends, and book your tour today!
BREWERY APPROVED
April 22, 2019
CHRIS MAYS – BRATTLEBORO REFORMER
DOVER — A Connecticut man is looking to turn the former Bennington Furniture store into a brewery.
Walt Bansley IV, who owns the log building at 33 Route 100, plans to run the business. He said he could not yet answer questions about potential renovations, bottling and canning, food offerings and targeted opening date.
His local permit application to change the property from retail to manufacturing, packing or processing was unanimously approved March 28 by the Dover Development Review Board.
The plan calls for an office to be turned into a 54-seat bar or lounge. An accessory apartment on the second floor is expected to stay. Two parking spots will be designated for two employees Bansley expects to run the business. He said he will need to secure more permitting for the project.
Bennington Furniture closed its West Dover store last month. Locations in Bennington and Manchester are still open.
Reach staff writer Chris Mays at cmays@reformer.com, at @CMaysBR on Twitter and 802-254-2311, ext. 273.