Rock Art Brewery

 

 

They do flights of four 2 ounce pours, or else you must order full pints. That's it? There's no middle ground? I mean, I even straight up asked him as he was pouring: there's two of us, can you just fill these to the top and charge us twice? What's the deal? No explanation. But, he said, you can get two flights and that will equal a pint of beer. Bruh, that's not the point. The point is to get a decent sense of your beer without a thimble full of liquid, and also without getting drunk. But whatever. It's just weird we both can't really try each beer without ordering 3 "flights" just to get what amounts to any other brewery's normal taster's worth. I hope this has something to do with their license, as opposed to them simply being stoned out of their gourds.

Another thing I really don't get is their entire motif. I thought their symbol was a petroglyph found in American Indian cultures from Southwest Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and the like. After returning home and finally getting around to looking it up, in an interview with The Brew Enthusiast, the founder stated the Kokopelli reminded them of the fond times they had when they lived out west. At least they've acknowledged the origin, but this is straight up cultural appropriation and it makes entirely no sense. It's not just the fact that Rock Art is in the middle of region that has no connection to the Kokopelli, but also that a white couple is utilizing it to brand their business, considering they too have absolutely nothing to do with the tribes who historically used it. I'm no longer confused by their branding, but just put off by it. Especially in this day and age, and even moreso in Vermont, where I would have expected a little more sensitivity and proactivity to make even a slight effort to rebrand.

Either way, the place, while decently spacious and largely a retail store on the main level, felt kind of like a home, with a fairly decent sized front porch. They even had the upstairs art gallery open to drinking guests, which was kind of awkward due to its peaceful bedroom-esque silence, and how easy it was to hear everyone else's conversation. While it was neat standing amidst all of the local art, it was hard to focus in the midst of being so befuddled about the taster situation, the branding, and the unintentional eavesdropping.

Overall, I left not only unimpressed by the beer, the service, and the format, but also disappointed by the ownership.

 

Touring around the Stowe/Waterbury/Burlington area for a week... Beer bum vacation style and randomly came across Rock Art after driving by Lost Nation just back down the road a piece.
It was early afternoon on Wednesday I believe, so it wasn't exactly crowded, which is always nice. Got to chat with the owner as she poured us all 8 samples currently on tap. I let her know I had been drinking and enjoying Rock Art brews for nearly 20 years.
Easy going vibe, good selection, but just sample pours. Went home with a few choice cans and a small painting if colorful cows from a local artist. Don't pass it by!

 

This is a neat place lots of local artwork in the walls and you can buy all of their beer right there. I had all 8 of their beers on tap. I was most impressed with a gruit they had more for the fact I’ve never had one. Service was amazing and quite a selection of beers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very cool little spot with a small country style taproom and long front porch with seating. The atmosphere is very chill, but normally very empty and the beer still lags its competition.

 

 

 

 

 

An amazingly friendly couple and their staff offer tastings, a view overlooking the brewery operation, and artwork by local Vermont artists for sale. They also make some incredible beers including several double ipas. The "Nawch Hoppa," which they brew when they can get enough of the required hops is especially tasty, and a worthy alternative to the more famous cult beers (Heady Topper or Lil Sip of Sunshine, for example).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop by for a half-flight (4x2oz.) Excellent beer selection. The trays for the flights are cute wooden & locally crafted. They have a broad range of bottles & cans for sale, in addition to local food and art.