What Makes Vermont Beer Special
Vermont’s exceptional brewing culture stems from a blend of geography, tightly knit community, and craftsmanship, setting our beer apart – proven by the 10+ Vermont breweries that have won medals at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival. Many brewmasters source their hops and malt from small family-owned Vermont farms and brew with pristine Green Mountain spring water, low in alkalinity and with a purity of taste that produces world-class beers.
In addition to top-tier ingredients, Vermont breweries emphasize quality rather than quantity. They often experiment with small-batch brews only available in tap rooms and connect with the local community by donating a portion of beer sales to charities (Hill Farmstead, for example, chooses a different charity every few months and currently gives to North Country Animal League).
Legendary Vermont brewers like John Kimmich, founder of the Alchemist, also pioneered the New England IPA (known as “NEIPA”). This now-popular beer style started here in Waterbury 20 years ago, revolutionizing the standard IPA recipe with his unfiltered brewing method. You’ll see NEIPAs featured prominently on every tap list, their ultra-hoppy character emphasizing the uniqueness and crispness of Green Mountain brewing.
Frosty Pints Just a Block Away in Waterbury
A short stroll from the Old Stagecoach Inn brings you to The Tropic Brewing, Waterbury’s newest gem in the craft beer scene. They are shaking up Vermont’s craft beer scene with a fun, tropical twist. From the moment you walk into their bright and laid-back taproom, you’ll feel right at home. Grab a pint of their Tropic IPA for a hoppy, citrusy kick, or go for the Coconut Porter if you’re in the mood for something smooth and creamy. They’re always experimenting, so there’s usually something new and exciting to try—especially if you’re into sours. With a menu of snacks to pair with your craft beer, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to kick back, relax, and stay for another round. Whether you’re winding down after a day exploring things to do in Waterbury, VT, or just looking to try something new, The Tropic Brewing should definitely be on your list.
Want to dive deeper into Waterbury’s legendary brewing culture? Check out our comprehensive Waterbury Craft Beer Guide for more local favorites to explore during your stay.
Ales, Mountain Views, and Ski Town Charm in Stowe and Beyond
Just a short drive from Waterbury, Soulmate Brewing Company in Morrisville offers an inspiring blend of exceptional craft beer and heartfelt hospitality. This veteran-owned brewery is all about great beer and good vibes. Their taproom has a cozy, welcoming feel that makes it the perfect spot to chill after a day of exploring. Try their Twin Flame Pale Ale for something crisp and refreshing, or go bold with the Eternal Bond Stout for a rich, malty flavor you’ll love. Soulmate Brewing’s commitment to quality and passion for their craft make it a standout in Vermont’s beer scene. With each sip, you’ll taste the dedication and artistry that define Vermont’s brewing heritage.
The von Trapp family has a storied legacy in Stowe, having opened their original Alpine lodge in the 1950s. More recently, in 2010, they brewed their first Austrian-style beer, growing over the last decade to produce over 30,000 barrels annually. The von Trapp Brewing’s special ingredient is natural spring water from their sprawling property. Containing a mineral makeup like that of the water used by classic breweries in the Czech Republic, it inspires their line of pilseners, lagers, and Kolsch, which pair excellently with the bratwurst and sauerkraut served in their Bavarian beer hall.
During your day trip to von Trapp, plan to head just a mile over to Idletyme, another brewery that captures the essence of Vermont brewing history. Housed in a historic building once home to Camp Idletyme – a hostel and country store run by Sep Ruschp, who pioneered the first ski patrol in the country at Stowe Mountain Resort and planted the early seeds of skiing in Vermont – you’ll find a warm space with exposed wood beams, a central fireplace, and over ten beers on tap. Try an Australian pale ale, German pilsener, or the Cloudsplitter, their unique and tropical version of a New England IPA, while munching on warm pretzel bread and mac and cheese made with Cabot cheddar sourced from local farms.
Craft Beer and Culinary Delights from Waterbury to Burlington
The drive from Waterbury to Burlington is more than just scenic; it’s a craft beer lover’s paradise. There’s no shortage of breweries along the way, and each one pairs their signature beers with mouthwatering culinary offerings. First up is Stone Corral Brewery in Richmond. This spot has it all: great beer, live music, and amazing food. Treat yourself to their shrimp tacos, Montreal pretzel bites, or creamy mac and cheese.
Closer to Burlington is Zero Gravity Brewery, which nails it with both their beers and their menu. They’ve got plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, like the grain bowl, which is so good you won’t even notice it’s healthy. Finally, there’s Burlington Beer Company, where creative beers meet comfort food. Seriously, their poutine is next-level and pairs perfectly with just about any of their brews. This route is the perfect way to sip and snack your way to Burlington!
Savor Vermont Tours – Safe Transportation and Guided Brewery Outings
Formed in 2015, the team at Savor Vermont Tours combines safe transportation (they’ll be your designated driver) to nearby breweries while providing education about local beer culture. Daily, three-hour tours occur from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., focusing on the Stowe breweries, including Alchemist, von Trapp, and Idletyme. Tours sell out in advance, especially on weekends, so book your spot early to ensure a reservation.
If you’re a completist and want to further expand your Vermont brewery exploration, join their additional Burlington microbreweries tour on Friday/Saturday/Sunday from 12-3 pm. You’ll visit one-of-a-kind operations like Switchback, the first 100% employee-owned brewery in the country; Burlington Beer Company, whose “fermentation meets imagination” motto embodies their astounding selection of over 25 IPAs; and Queen City Brewing, where Munich-style lager, Scottish ale, and Belgian Tripels will transport you to Europe, especially with their old-world pub ambiance.
Stay with us this stick season – when the beers flow freely at Vermont brew pubs and microbreweries!