The Alchemist (December 2016)

Thinking of heading up on Friday. Is this glass readily available at the brewery?



Me want!

 

Was last week for $15

 

How long have the waits been at open? Trying to figure out if I can do Hill and Alchemist today, any help or estimation is very appreciated.

 

I got to Alchemist a few minutes before 11 yesterday and people were already walking out with beer. Line was all inside. Prob took 15 minutes max to be out with beer.

 

Even shorter line today. Open at 1035 when I pulled in.

 

Those IPA glasses are too damn thin. I wish they were substantial in weight but even looking at them wrong can break them. Beautiful style, just too thin.

 

Was there on weds. around 2:00 and no wait at all.in and out 10min with samples.after lunch seems to be the sweet spot.

 

I've owned 4 of them for 3 years, use them each at least once a week and have only cleaned them via the dishwasher; not one of them have a scratch.

 

I may just be a bit more of a clutz than you, good sir.

 

I've owned 2. One I accidentally launched off the table (no surviving that) and the other tipped over in the drying rack and shattered. The Alchemist one is pretty sweet though...

 

Anywhere in Connecticut or Massachusetts to get Alchemist on a regular basis?

 

Nope. Best bet would be to work an in-person trade.

 

they only distribute in northern VT every once and a while they ship cans out of state for "special Occasions"

 

We are heading up tomorrow. My big want is Hill Farmstead. I feel it makes sense from line, direction and desire point of view to start at Hill Farm first then head to Alchemist. I would assume the Wednesday of this week could be a bit busier but I dont think it would sell out by 1 - 2 PM? If I am incorrect and should re arrange please let me know. Here is my idea of an itinerary.

Hill Farm - Open - Growlers and tasting (if doing them) Hoping the list gets better by tomorrow
*Rock Art - Its on the way so a potential
Alchemist - I just want some heady and focal and tasters(we aren't in need of cases and cases)
Fiddlehead - A nice stop and need to see what's on
BURLINGTON
Foam - I've heard so so many good things
Burlington Beer CO - Food any good?
Any better food recommendations with the widest beer selection?

As a disclaimer - I used to know what was what a few years back and know the obvious bars I Waterbury. But 2 are closed for lunch and I have not been up in a few years since the Alchemist closed other then one quip trip while skiing with my wife and Burlington has been forever. I appreciate any helpful tips and sorry if I am asking things that I should have found easier. We aren't too worried about bottle shops but if finding any sip is possible on a Wed I'd grab a 4 pack or two. Not worried about missing the drop on Thursday. The storm destroyed the Thursday plans. Am I forgetting anything?

 

I think you will be fine either way (Alch or HF first) at this time of year on Wednesday, but I would do HF first then Alchemist and Burlington. (this is a vacation week, so may be different). If either offer a limited brew things change as well.

If you're heading by Rock Art you can also stop at Lost Nation in Morrisville. Good food stop, good beer, tasters available.

Burlington Beer Co. has a nice tap room, I don't remember food other than charcuterie.

Foam is excellent stop, cheese plates and snacks are good too.

You can get pizza next door (same building) as Fiddlehead. Good pizza, you can buy a growler and bring it in as well as your beverage.

Not sure where you're coming from, if you head through WRJ I recommend River Roost. Big Fatty's BBQ in same lot has great tap list and good BBQ food options. Wednesday is $1 slider night.

 

Great places to eat lunch with best beers between Greensboro & Stowe:
Morrisville: Lost Nation; The Niche.
Stowe: The Bench; Doc Pond; Trapps Bierhalle; Tap25.

 

Completely forgot about Doc Ponds, thank you!

 

Hoping the list at HF gets better? Damn dude, it looks pretty good to me... if it helps, Excursions #3 is maybe the best IPA I've had all year.

Can confirm Lost Nation is viable stop between HF and Alchemist.

Highly doubt Alchemist is selling out of anything by 1-2pm on a Wednesday.

In Waterbury, Prohibition Pig Brewery is open for lunch and I like it a lot. It's behind the original Pro Pig, really laid back bar, counter service only, Mexican food, crowlers of Pro Pig beers to go.

In Burlington, yes, Foam is good. Farmhouse Tap and Grill is also a great spot, really excellent food and beer list, weirdly hasn't been too crowded when I've gone despite it being the place everyone seems to recommend. I like their downstairs room, they had a fire going and live music the last time I was there.

 

J

For a holiday week, if you REALLY want to make sure you get to Alchemist in time, I would skip a stop in between. I can confirm Lost Nation is excellent as we did stop there in a September on the way back from Hill Farmstead. I just wouldn't risk it, personally.

 

FYI - Alchemist sold out of Heady at 1:30 and a Crusher a little later today.

I'm keeping close watch cuz I'm hoping to snowboard and grab a mixed case on Thurs or Fri.