Best 13 Breweries in Vermont: A Comprehensive Guide

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Vermont is known for its scenic beauty, maple syrup, and craft beer scene. With the highest number of breweries per capita in the United States, it’s no surprise that the Green Mountain State is a beer lover’s paradise. Vermont’s craft breweries are renowned for their creative and flavorful brews, from IPAs and stouts to sours and ciders.

Some of the best breweries in Vermont include Hill Farmstead Brewery, The Alchemist, and Zero Gravity Craft Brewery. Hill Farmstead Brewery, located in Greensboro, is often considered one of the best breweries in the world. Their IPAs, stouts, and saisons are highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. The Alchemist, with its flagship beer Heady Topper, is another must-visit brewery in Vermont. This brewery has a cult-like following and is known for its hazy IPAs. Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, located in Burlington, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Their pale ales, lagers, and maple stout are all worth a taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking for a chill session with friends, Vermont’s craft breweries offer something for everyone. From the scenic views at Von Trapp Brewery to the live music at Fiddlehead Brewing Company, there’s no shortage of great beer and good times in the Green Mountain State.

Vermont’s Craft Beer Scene

Craft Beer Styles

Vermont’s craft beer scene is known for its variety of styles. From classic ales to modern IPAs, there’s something for every beer lover. Vermont’s breweries are particularly well-known for their hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs or NEIPAs. These beers are characterized by their cloudy appearance and juicy, tropical flavors. Other popular styles in Vermont include stouts, porters, and sour beers.

Craft breweries in Vermont often experiment with unique ingredients to create new and interesting flavors. Some breweries use local fruits, herbs, and spices to add a Vermont twist to their beers. Others use barrel aging to impart complex flavors from whiskey, wine, or other spirits.

Craft Beer Community

Vermont’s craft beer community is tight-knit and supportive. Many breweries collaborate with each other to create special releases or events. Some breweries also partner with local food vendors to offer unique beer and food pairings.

Vermont’s craft beer scene is also committed to sustainability and supporting local businesses. Many breweries use locally sourced ingredients and donate a portion of their profits to environmental or social causes. Some breweries also partner with local farmers to recycle spent grain as animal feed.

Top Breweries in Vermont

The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a popular brewery located in Stowe, Vermont. They are known for their flagship beer, Heady Topper, which is a double IPA that has received worldwide acclaim. The Alchemist also offers a variety of other beers, including their Focal Banger IPA and Crusher IPA. Visitors can stop by their tasting room to sample their brews and purchase merchandise.

Website: https://alchemistbeer.com/

Address: 100 Cottage Club Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, United States

Foam Brewers

Foam Brewers is a small brewery located in Burlington, Vermont. They are known for their creative and unique beers, such as their Ghost Note Stout and Murkshake IPA. Foam Brewers is also located right on Lake Champlain, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors enjoying their brews.

Website: https://www.foambrewers.com/

Address: 112 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Hill Farmstead Brewery

Hill Farmstead Brewery is located in Greensboro Bend, Vermont, and is considered by many to be one of the best breweries in the world. They specialize in farmhouse-style ales and have won numerous awards for their beers. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight at their on-site taproom, which is open year-round.

Website: https://hillfarmstead.com/

Address: 403 Hill Rd, Greensboro Bend, VT 05842, United States

Lost Nation Brewing

Lost Nation Brewing is located in Morrisville, Vermont, and is known for its German-style beers. They offer a variety of brews, including their Gose, a sour and salty beer, and their Mosaic IPA. Visitors can enjoy their beers in their tasting room or on their outdoor patio.

Website: https://lostnationbrewing.com/

Address: 87 Creamery Rd, Morrisville, VT 05661, United States

Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids is a brewery located in Waitsfield, Vermont. They specialize in hoppy beers, including their Sip of Sunshine IPA and Super Session #8. Lawson’s Finest Liquids also offers a variety of barrel-aged beers and sour beers. Visitors can stop by their taproom to sample their brews and purchase merchandise.

Website: https://www.lawsonsfinest.com/

Address: 155 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673, United States

Burlington Beer Company

Burlington Beer Company is located in Williston, Vermont, and offers a variety of unique and creative beers. They are known for their IPAs, including their It’s Complicated Being a Wizard IPA and their Strawberry Whale Cake IPA. Visitors can enjoy their beers in their taproom or on their outdoor patio.

Website: https://www.burlingtonbeercompany.com/

Address: 180 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Four Quarters Brewing

Four Quarters Brewing is located in Winooski, Vermont, and is known for its Belgian-style beers. They offer a variety of brews, including their Tripel, Dubbel, and Quadrupel. Four Quarters Brewing also has a tasting room where visitors can sample their beers and purchase merchandise.

Website: https://www.4qbc.com/

Address: 70 Main St, Winooski, VT 05404, United States

River Roost Brewery

River Roost Brewery is located in White River Junction, Vermont, and is known for its IPAs. They offer a variety of brews, including their Mas Verde IPA and Dream of Flowers IPA. Visitors can stop by their tasting room to sample their brews and purchase merchandise.

Website: https://www.riverroostbrewery.com/

Address: 230 S Main St, Hartford, VT 05001, United States

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery is located in Burlington, Vermont, and offers a variety of beers, including its Conehead IPA and Green State Lager. They also have a brewpub where visitors can enjoy their beers and food.

Website: https://www.zerogravitybeer.com/

Address: 716 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Von Trapp Brewery

Von Trapp Brewery is located in Stowe, Vermont, and specializes in German-style beers. They offer a variety of brews, including their Dunkel Lager and Vienna Lager. Visitors can enjoy their beers in their tasting room or on their outdoor patio.

Website: http://vontrappbrewing.com/

Address: 1333 Luce Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, United States

Fiddlehead Brewing Company

Fiddlehead Brewing Company is located in Shelburne, Vermont, and is known for its IPA, Fiddlehead IPA. They also offer a variety of other beers, including their Second Fiddle Double IPA and Mastermind Belgian-style Ale. Visitors can stop by their tasting room to sample their brews and purchase merchandise.

Website: http://www.fiddleheadbrewing.com/

Address: 6305 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, United States

Queen City Brewery

Queen City Brewery is located in Burlington, Vermont, and offers a variety of beers, including their South End Lager and Hefeweizen. They also have a tasting room where visitors can enjoy their brews.

Website: http://www.queencitybrewery.com/

Address: 703 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Red Clover Ale Co.

Red Clover Ale Co. is located in Brandon, Vermont, and is known for its Belgian-style beers. They offer a variety of brews, including their Dubbel and Tripel. Visitors can enjoy their beers in their tasting room or on their outdoor patio.

Website: http://redcloverale.com/

Address: 43 Center St, Brandon, VT 05733, United States

Iconic Beers of Vermont

Heady Topper

Heady Topper is a double IPA that put Vermont on the map in the craft beer world. This beer is brewed by The Alchemist Brewery in Waterbury, Vermont. It has been named the best beer in the world by many beer enthusiasts. Heady Topper is known for its hazy, golden color and its intense hoppy aroma. It has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a strong hoppy flavor that is not too bitter.

Focal Banger

Focal Banger is another popular beer from The Alchemist Brewery. It is an American IPA that is slightly less bitter than Heady Topper. Focal Banger has a hazy, golden color and a fruity aroma with notes of citrus and pine. It has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a hoppy flavor that is well-balanced with the malt.

Sip of Sunshine

Sip of Sunshine is a double IPA brewed by Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Warren, Vermont. It has a hazy, golden color and a fruity aroma with notes of grapefruit and orange. Sip of Sunshine has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a strong hoppy flavor that is well-balanced with the malt. It is known for its juicy and tropical flavors.

Edward

Edward is an American pale ale brewed by Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro Bend, Vermont. It has a hazy, golden color and a hoppy aroma with notes of citrus and pine. Edward has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a hoppy flavor that is well-balanced with the malt. It is known for its crisp and refreshing taste.

These four beers are some of the most iconic beers in Vermont. They are known for their unique flavors and aromas. Beer enthusiasts from all over the world come to Vermont to taste these beers and experience the craft beer culture.

Brewery Tours in Vermont

Vermont is home to some of the best craft breweries in the United States. A brewery tour is a great way to experience the unique flavors and styles of Vermont’s beers. Here are some of the best brewery tours in Vermont:

Burlington Brewery Tour

Burlington is a great place to start your brewery tour. The city is home to several breweries, including:

  • Magic Hat Brewing Company
  • Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
  • Queen City Brewery
  • Switchback Brewing Co.

Each of these breweries offers unique flavors and styles. Visitors can taste a variety of beers and learn about the brewing process. Some breweries also offer guided tours of their facilities.

Stowe Brewery Tour

Stowe is another great destination for a brewery tour. The town is home to several breweries, including:

  • The Alchemist
  • Idletyme Brewing Company
  • von Trapp Brewing
  • Stowe Cider

Visitors can sample a variety of beers and ciders, including some unique flavors that are only available in Vermont. Some breweries also offer tours of their facilities.

Greensboro Brewery Tour

Greensboro is a small town in northern Vermont that is home to one of the state’s best breweries:

  • Hill Farmstead Brewery

Hill Farmstead Brewery is known for its award-winning beers, including IPAs, stouts, and saisons. Visitors can taste a variety of beers and learn about the brewing process. The brewery is located in a beautiful rural setting, making it a great destination for a day trip.

Overall, a brewery tour is a great way to experience the unique flavors and styles of Vermont’s craft beers. Whether you visit Burlington, Stowe, or Greensboro, you are sure to find some great beers and a warm welcome from the local brewers.