Hunger Mountain Coop

 

Typical grocery store type of deal here, the vibe is decent. The beer section is the only reason I've stopped in here. The selection is usually pretty good, they're also a main drop off for Heady and Sip so people usually lineup for that shit like they'll never have it again. Always nice to score some if you're lucky. If not, they have a lot of other great beers to choose from.

 

What makes this grocery store legit is that this is one of the few places in all of Vermont that gets Lawson's bottles. These bottles are distributed on Fridays, when Lawson's does a release. Other than that, their selection is pretty good. But, for me, I don't always fit in with the type of staff that works here, with that in mind, it's really only a place I check out only when I'm in Montpelier but if anything, The Uncommon Market on School Street has just as good a selection. They just don't get the Lawson's bottles. Glad I live in Western Vermont as this place is not exactly a beer destination, just saying.

They did Heady case releases during the 2-ish year period when Alchemist wasn't open to the public. They still get Alchemist in now, only less of it, since the brewery is focusing on being able to sell cases direct.

Nonetheless, when they did do case releases, they handled them fantastically. The lines were ticketed and orderly and the staff was very, very friendly. Any time Hunger Mountain organizes any special even, you know they're going to do a courteous and professional job of it.

Anyhow, the place is just a nice, big food co-op: lots of local produce and meat, lots of organic packaged groceries, and lots of already prepared food. The already prepared food is wonderful.

The beer selection is also wonderful. VT's beer scene is huge and constantly expanding, and Hunger Mountain seems to get in at least a little something from everywhere. You don't have time to stop at *every* VT brewery, and Hunger Mountain is the best place to grab stuff from the places you couldn't make it to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm generally not a fan of this place. My wife has a membership, but they don;t have a Family membership option, so when I go in (on rare occasions), they always ask for my member number. As soon as I explain that I'm not a member, I get a dirty look. Others have also commented on the almost cult-like air of the place where the "You are Not One of Us" vibe is practically forcefully projected onto browsers.

All that said, they have a great selection of beers, heavy on the Vermont breweries. Great prices on Eclipse ($26), a broad selection of styles. Picked up a Rock Art Vermont Spruce Stout and the 2015 W00tstout.

Some beers chilled. I'm not a Heady Topper fan, but I understand it's possible to get it here if you show up on the correct day.

Worth a look for a co-op/health food place. Surprising craft beer variety.

These are the places Iove to shop for beer. Good sized, not too large and not too big.

Really well diversified selection and stock of items. Locals, other nearby great brews from Mass and elsewhere. Excellent stocked shelves and really good prices. A 25 dollar bottle of Eclipse?! Why yes thank you very much.

Staff are also real knowledgeable, one guy brewed for about 12 years and could answer any questions I had about availability or stock of any product I was looking for. Good amounts of cold storage here too.

Definitely a must stop when beer shopping in Vermont.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beer guy at Hunger Mountain Coop is one of the worst human beings I have ever encountered.

This spot gets great beer with their weekly Alchemist and Lawson's selections, occasional Backacre, and other limited release bottles.

If you can stomach the lousy service, you will walk out with some quality beers.

 

 

In my mind, the best place in the state to pick up Heady, with a strong local selection available. Some nice out-of-state stuff available as well.

 

 

 

 

The place to get Vermont beer. Only real complaint is that they never seem to have Heady Topper available when I visit Vermont. For that, I go elsewhere where they limit sales to one four pack per person.

great place, lots to offer and obviously being able to purchase cases of heady helps!!

"I went on the Vermont pilgrimage" were my words but the beer department gentlemen called it the "Rubber Band Effect" -we stayed the night in Montpelier Wednesday night to hit the Hunger Mountain Co-op Thursday morning Heady delivery-then headed up to Hill Farmstead but back to Hunger Mountain for the Lawson's Sip of Sunshine 1pm release. It was an epic trip to say the least. I spent another C-note just walking around the Hunger Mountain grocery store. They have some incredible cheese and an array of organic products-Thumbs up to them!