When you hear someone mention Vermont, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Ben & Jerry’s? Maple syrup? Cheese? Maybe the Vermont Teddy Bear?
Breweries like The Alchemist, Hill Farmstead Brewery and Lawson’s Finest Liquids have been producing some of the most popular craft beers in the world. Even if you you’ve never heard of those breweries I just mentioned, I can guarantee you’ve heard of the beer Heady Topper.
The Alchemist
Heady Topper is The Alchemist’s most popular beer, and arguably the most sought after double IPA in the world. And in my humble opinion, it is the best craft beer from Vermont. The tropical fruitiness mixed with slight bitter notes makes it the perfectly balanced beer.
Hill Farmstead Brewery
If you ever find yourself in Vermont, Hill Farmstead Brewery is a stop you absolutely need to make. Granted, you might have to wait in a 3+ hour line, but it’s completely worth it. Whether it’s their most popular beer, Abner, their Everett Porter, or their saison, Ann, you will not be disappointed. One of my favorites is their DIPA, Double Citra. It’s a moderately sweet beer with intensely delicious grapefruit and mango flavors.
Lawson's Finest Liquids
Last but not least, there’s Lawson’s Finest Liquids. This is definitely the less known out of the breweries I’ve mentioned in this blog, but that’s mainly because of their size. They brew very small batches of their beers, so it can be extremely tough to come by. Their most famous beer? Sip of Sunshine. My favorite beer they ever brewed was a collaboration beer with Tree House Brewing Company, called YAHHHRRRGGG! (I know, amazing name). I was lucky enough to get my hands on a taste of this and it was mind blowingly good.
You may have noticed a theme here: India Pale Ales. Vermont does them right. Some of the world’s best, most popular and highly sought after IPA’s and DIPA’s are brewed in Vermont. Just check out Beer Advocate’s top rated double IPAs in the world. Nine of the top twenty come from Vermont.
Some other notable mentions:
- Fiddlehead Brewing Company
- Otter Creek Brewing
- Foley Brothers Brewing
- Switchback Brewing Company
Whenever I'm planning a beer tasting party I make sure I take a trip to Vermont to stock up. These beers are always guaranteed to be a huge hit. Thinking about planning your own beer tasting party? Check out this blog for some useful tips.
The moral of this blog is to get yourself to Vermont ASAP. I don’t care if you’re an expert beer drinker, novice beer drinker or you’ve never had a sip of beer in your life, you need to try the beers these breweries have to offer. Unless, of course, you don’t drink. Then just go stuff your face with ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s. Not a bad time either.
Cheers!
