Beer-tinerary, VT

Others will have far more to say, but I would agree that Lawson's is a better choice over Alchemist -- going to the Alchemist is interesting, but it's really just a place to buy cans. They do have events on Thursday evenings where you can treat it more as a place to enjoy beer, but since you'll be hitting bottle shops anyway, you will probably find Heady elsewhere. That being said, it's normally pretty quick in and out, so if there's something other than HT or FB that you want, pop in.

In terms of Waterbury, try to make sure to stop at Blackback for a pint or two...

Enjoy!

 

+1 to Lawsons.

 

Not clear from your post, but if you are going to be in Burlington Overnight, I always recommend Fiddlehead and the pizza place next door. Someone else will remember the name. Great combo.

 

Farmhouse Tap and Grill will have Hill Farmstead on tap. They have bottles often as well. Great for a meal but also great spot for a few beers in their Beer Garden out back.

You should see River Roost on tap in Waterbury at the Blackback Pub.

I don't think there is much need to go to multiple bottle shops. If you are in Waterbury it is easy to go to CBC. Not really a need to go to Bev Warehouse. Not like the old days when they were one of the few spots that got Lawson Bottles and Alchemist cans. Almost any store will have plenty of options for you.

I'd vote Lawson's too if your plan is to enjoy a few beers. Alchemist is a beautiful facility, but mainly just for retail and a sample or two. Check their retail list when you are in the area though. If they have a bottle available it is worth the trip.

 

HOF is not open to the public but they sell their beer at Foam. They post the bottle releases online and will sometimes have brews on tap at Foam.

That makes sense with Bev WH. Have a fun trip!

 

Looks like Burlington to Arlington, you would take Route 7 the whole way. Frost Brewing in Hinesburg is like 5 minutes out of your way but is great and always has a ton of cans in stock. Also, Foley Bros in Brandon is great and not out of the way at all.

 

I might as well piggyback on this thread instead of starting a new one:

From 2014-2016 I lived in northern Massachusetts and would travel up to VT 2-3 times a year. Since then I've lived in Baltimore, and this will be my first time up in about 3 years.

I'm traveling for a long weekend and will hit up my favorite places: Three Penny, Mad Taco, Alchemist, and Hill Farmstead. I'll also stop by Lawson's new taproom on my way back home.

My question is: are there are any new places around Burlington, Waterbury, Stowe, or Montpelier that you'd recommend? They don't have to be hypey or brew super extreme beers.

 

The new popular places in the areas you posted are Four Quarters and Foam. Both are fun tap rooms with great beer. Both make a bunch of varied styles.
Not new overall but the new Bier Hall at von Trapp is a nice place to check out.
Some lesser known outside of VT new spots would be Green Empire and Ten Bends. Both are in the area of the towns you mentioned.
There is also a new Worthy Burger location near Lawson's Tap Room.
Frost is pretty close in Hinesburg, they may have been available last time you were here, but their taproom is relatively new.

 

Skip all the VT running around and just go to Waterbury for dinner at Hen of the Wood and drink Heady on tap and whatever their 2nd/3rd offerings are. Start/Finish at ProPig/BB/Res and get plenty of cans in town as time allows.

 

Fiddlehead has also stepped up their game with expanded taproom, more variety, and cheap pints. Pizza next door continues to be excellent

 

Doc Ponds in Stowe is my favorite addition in the last few years. Well worth a stop.

 

River Roost is legit. Last time I was there, only 1 can available, but still worth the stop. Bottle shop next door has a great regional selection, which could save you some time from going to Frost etc...

 

I am jumping into this thread since it is relevant to the question I was going to ask. If possible, I would like to visit Hill Farmstead, Alchemist, Lawson's and River Roost next Thursday. If I arrive early at Hill Farmstead, could I be out the door with growlers and cans by 1? Can I get in and out of Alchemist and Lawson's in ~30 minutes each for can purchases? I have never visited any of these and would appreciate any feedback about how long to expect at each stop. Thanks!

 

Yes, a “rare bottle”release might slow things down but they tend to open a little early on those days. yes Ive been in and out of the alchemist in 5 min many times and yes Only been to Lawson’s a couple times
But should not be a problem

 

Thursday should be pretty chill at all the locations you mentioned. Lawson’s should take no time at all. Alchemist in and out.

 

Great. Thanks for the replies, vtcraft and jhavs.