hey all, I have a friend heading to Manchester Vermont this weekend and I'd like to give her some suggestions as to where she may find some of the beers that she doesn't get in Massachusetts. You know, all of the usual goodies and anything special that may be around. Does anyone from the area have any helpful suggestions for how she may come about some nice beers? Thanks!
Search this board for "southern vermont" and you'll get a better sense of what's around. Manchester is too far south to get any of the big Vermont names (Heady Topper, Lawson's, etc.). You don't specify whether she's looking for a restaurant or bottles, but the best beer store in that area is 45 minutes from Manchester. http://www.brewfestbeverage.com/
Manchester Discount Beverage has a decent selection. But as already stated, you aren't going to find the "famous" Vermont beer that far south. You might luck out though and land some Foley Brothers there. Also worth looking into is Meuleman's Craft Draughts in South Londonderry. Not a far drive from Manchester, and they have a nice selection.
Manchester Discount is the place to go in town here...look for Hermit Thrush and Roaring Brook. Backacre Beermakers just made a delivery on Monday, but think it sold out in a day or so. Northshire Brewing is also a local brewery...not always my cup of tea, but they definitely have some loyal fans. Best tap list in area is actually in Dorset @ Barrows House & Gringo Jacks in Manchester. Okay tap lists @ Ravens Den...meh tap lists at Perfect Wife & Mulligans...just need to pay Manchester prices for food & bev at all those places. Firefly is more the decent priced, local watering hole, but tap list & food is generally meh.
Call around to backacre's distribution sites. Chester and Ludlow just got it yesterday so they may still have some this weekend.
She might find fresh Maine Beer Company around the area, that and the above is about it. Sometimes you can get some decent beers from Fiddleheads, but that is far from certain.
Thanks all, I didn't get any notifications that there were responses, so I'm only looking at this now. I appreciate your replies! I'll send your thoughts her way, but in case you know anything new, she's in Sunderland now.
