Vermont is home to some of the most celebrated craft breweries in the United States. Luckily, we’ve compiled this list of the best Vermont breweries just for you.
Being born and raised in Vermont, I’ve learned quite a bit about breweries in this cherished state over the years. One of the ones on this list is even from my hometown!
In this blog post, we’ll explore thirteen of the best brewers in the Green Mountain State and learn what makes them unique. So, grab your favorite drink, and let’s dive into some sudsy goodness!
Table of Contents
Best Vermont Breweries
Long Trail Brewing Company, Bridgewater
First up is none other than Long Trail Brewing Company in Bridgewater, Vermont. This company is a regional brewery that’s actually owned by Harpoon Brewery, so you know they make some great drinks.
It was founded in 1989 in a basement, and it’s come a long way since. It’s one of the older breweries still operating in Vermont. They’re pretty popular in Vermont, with beers mostly in the IPA variety. For a unique mix of their drinks, be sure to try one of their mix packs.
If you find yourself in Bridgewater Corners, head to their pub and brewery that was styled after classic German brewhouses. They serve tasty food, and the views of the Green Mountains are impeccable, as you’d expect.
Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski
This microbrewery in Winooski is truly one of the best in Vermont. Four Quarters Brewing is a newer Vermont brewery, having been founded in 2014. They specialize in a variety of drinks, ranging from sours to stouts.
Head to their actual location to enjoy one of their IPAs (many of which are made with local ingredients) and order a cheese plate to go along with it. The interior is incredibly rustic and down-to-earth, much like Vermont.
Idletyme Brewing Company, Stowe
Located in Stowe, Idletyme Brewing Company is a great brewery and Biergarten. This brewery dates back to the early 1900s if you check out its history. There was even a Camp Idletyme that was closed at the beginning of World War II, where a youth hostel, tennis camp, gas station, and variety store were.
They have a variety of beverages, but if you make it to their actual location, try out either the Brewski Sampler or the Brewboard Sampler. These will give you six or ten 5-ounce samples from the brewery so that you can try out a variety of their drinks. If you’re not sure what to try, just ask and let them know what types of drinks you normally like!
von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall, Stowe
This list would not be complete without mentioning the von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall in Stowe. This Austrian brewery is known for its great lagers and is truly in a picturesque location right at the Trapp Family Lodge. (Yes, that von Trapp family!)
They have a variety of different drinks, many of which are based on Bavarian flavors. Find drinks like Schwarz Dark Lager, Stowe Style Maple Rauch, Bohemian Pilsner, and more on their list. There’s also a classic Vienna Style lager with caramel and biscuit notes.
Stone Corral Brewery, Richmond
The Stone Corral Brewery in Richmond is a family-owned brewery that often has live music. This brewery started on a horse ranch in Huntington and has since grown to be a great local favorite using traditions from the UK, Germany, and Belgium.
Similar to other breweries, they have tons of drink types. There’s a variety of ale, lager, IPAs, and more. Consider one of their tasting flights for just $9, which includes a flight of four 4 oz drinks.
Harpoon Brewery, Windsor
Though Harpoon Brewery is a bigger brewery that’s more well-known, it still deserves a spot on this list! Located in Windsor, this beer hall serves classic drinks and offers tours so that you can learn more about the brewing process.
On the menu, you can find a variety of ciders, beers, seltzers, and more. Of course, there are also many different food options to pair with your drinks too, like classic burgers, onion rings, and more. What more could you want? Consider grabbing a spot on the patio for the ultimate Vermont experience.
Hill Farmstead Brewery, Greensboro Bend
Hill Farmstead Brewery was founded in 2010 and is easily one of the USA’s best breweries. If you can only make it to one of these Vermont breweries, make sure it’s Hill Farmstead Brewery.
Though the brewery is in the middle of nowhere, it’s well worth the trip because of how great it is. Many of the drinks that they make are named after ancestors of the family, making for a really unique concept. Keep in mind that because this brewery is so popular, it’s possible that you’ll have to wait in line for a drink.
The Alchemist Brewery, Stowe
Another of the breweries in Stowe that you won’t want to miss out on is The Alchemist Brewery. This is truly one of the trendier breweries, and they have a seasonal beer garden. For a real treat, go on one of the guided tours.
The Alchemist Brewery was founded by John Kimmich, and they have some tremendous hazy IPAs, among other drinks. It grew a lot over the years, with its second brewery opening in 2016. One great thing about their company is how sustainable they are!
Drinks from this brewery can often only be found in-state, so it’s well worth the trip to Vermont to try out their beverages.
Zero Gravity Brewery, Burlington
Head up north to Burlington’s Zero Gravity Brewery for some great drinks. Some of the best beers to try here include the Madonna and Green State Lager. They also distribute a new beer every month normally which can be found in stores.
Zero Gravity Brewery is one of the places in Vermont that also works a lot to give back. Each month they normally donate $1 from a type of their drink to a specific organization. In May 2023, $1 from every Green State Lager went to the Friends of the Winooski River as part of their Green State for Good initiative.
Whetstone Beer Co., Brattleboro
Brattleboro is also home to its own brewery, Whetstone Beer Co. The founders, Tim and Amy, first started brewing in 2006 and officially expanded in 2011. The brewery is located right along the beautiful Connecticut River, and they make about 1,000 kegs of beer a year (plus way more at their other location on Frost Street).
There are a wide variety of drinks available that they make, like Border Line, an American pale ale, Whetstone, a session IPA, Hot Ticket, a pilsner, and Born to Run, a blood orange sour ale. Keep an eye out for their seasonal offerings, especially the Updog, a chai stout!
Foam Brewers, Burlington
Another great brewery in Burlington is Foam Brewers! The design on their cans is truly one-of-a-kind. They opened in 2016 and make a variety of lagers, hazy IPAs, and more. Situated on Lake Champlain, this is one brewery you won’t want to miss out on.
The menu is always rotating, especially if you visit their actual location. However, you can usually count on some delicious drinks with sides like charcuterie that will pair nicely with whatever drink you choose.
Madison Brewing Company, Bennington
Obviously I have to include at least one brewery from my hometown, Bennington! Madison Brewing Company is a family-run brewery situated right on Bennington’s cozy Main Street.
This brewery dates back to the early 1990s and was the first brewpub of its kind in this area of the state. They serve a wide spectrum of beers, like IPAs to other traditional drinks. Plus, did I mention they also have great food? Choose between savory dishes like Bavarian soft pretzels and truffle parmesan fries to pair with your local beverage.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield
Lawson’s Finest Liquids is a great brewery in Waitsfield, Vermont. It was founded in 2008 by husband and wife duo Sean and Karen Lawson. There are lots of drinks that they offer, but their maple drinks are ones you won’t want to miss out on.
Did we mention that they even won a bronze medal in the Specialty Ale category at the World Beer Cup back in 2010? Trust me when I say they know what they’re doing when it comes to making a tasty beverage.
It’s no secret that Vermont is a great place to explore the tastes of craft beer. These thirteen breweries stand out from the crowd and provide a rich, unique experience. From award-winning IPAs to cider you can pick up directly from the brewery, these options have something for everyone.
If you’re feeling adventurous in the Green Mountain State, be sure to add these breweries to your must-visit list. Whether it’s your first time exploring Vermont or your hundredth, experiencing one (or all!) of these breweries will be an unforgettable experience that’s sure to add flavor to your trip to Vermont. Don’t forget to enjoy responsibly.
You might also like:
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- 12 Best Breweries in Providence Rhode Island
- 12 Best Breweries in Hartford Connecticut
- 15 Must-Visit Burlington VT Breweries and Bars
Krystianna is a born and raised Vermonter and lived in the state for 22 years. She is the founder of Volumes & Voyages, a blog devoted to books and travel. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, Krystianna got bit by the travel bug and has been chasing her wanderlust ever since.