Thoughts on Black Back Pub WB, VT

Tried to go twice while I was in VT a couple weeks ago ... was told it was at least a 45 min wait for a table. Packed to the gills.

 

I was there yesterday and had a great sandwich and nice pour of HT. The taplist seemed to be similar to other taplists in a 40 mile radius. I ended up spending the last two night at Pro Pig though...

 

I was there this past weekend (August 28-31) for Hop Jam Festival. BB has always been my favorite spot. Although I did not have the opportunity to dine there this time, I must say that I found the surroundings just as inviting & comfortable as always. The place looks great, and the service was both friendly & competent. The tap selection was not bad (Heady Topper, Conehead, and several of the other usual suspects), but the absence of HF brews was palpable. I wish Dave & Lynn all the best, and hope they can re-establish the HF connection, as it may be difficult to compete with Rez & PP otherwise. In any event, BB is still a great spot and will always have a special place in my heart. Best of luck for continued success!

 

Blackback posted on FB just now that they will be resuming service of Hill Farmstead beers soon.

 

Excellent!!!

 

That's good news. I went there a week ago tonight (the night before Hop Jam) and while a solid taplist including Topper, it paled in comparison to it's 2 neighbors. While I kinda hated the new look inside and track lighting etc, I could see how others may not.

If they start getting HF on a regular basis, I'm sure I'll be back again.

Was also nice to see my favorite Waterbury bartender was still employed there as well!

 

All the bars in Waterbury were really solid, it's been over a year though. My favorite for just beers is Blackback, just a quiet homey place to have a beer. Sorry liked the food at Pro Pig, the BBQ is straight Eastern NC and paired with a cold HT is tough to beat. Only been to Reservoir once , super crowded, good food, couldn't get near the bar, three deep. Glad to hear BB will be on the way back up and serving HF, first time there they had Cantillon bottles for $30.

 

Awesome, stopped there just last night and no HF on tap.

 

If there's no HF on tap people will go elsewhere, I would.

 

they did have Lawson's though. Resv has one of the best hamburgers ever, and free popcorn.

 

That is the worst HF. It's a collaboration and not a good one.

 

Went to the Pizza Stone in Chester and they apparently have lost their HF connection. Shame, they said they were on of the first accounts. Whetstone doesn't seem to be getting anything either.

 

That was what the rumor I heard too...guessing it has to do with construction or just re-prioritizing accounts or just Shaun's whim...
I can be patient, will be happy when I see it back, but it seems local tap lists are getting stronger with each passing week. No tears shed here.

 

Kinda liked having Hill Farmstead in Southern VT and I loved the selection at Blackback- but "and this to will pass" is the quote. Wish I had read your post about Pizza Stone not having HF anymore, would have saved me an hour drive- pizza was great though, but nothing drop dead on the beer menu. Whetstone is apparently off the list as well- hope that changes.

 

Happy to report that Hill Farmstead Edward is back on tap at the Blackback.

 

Blackback has Edward tonight 9/17/14, with La Vermontoise coming on this weekend.

 

Happy to report that Hill Farmstead Edward is back on tap at the Blackback.

 

Was at Blackback this past Thursday, and I'd say overall it was my favorite of the Waterbury big 3. Much of that has to do with my enjoyment of just saddling up to a bar and chatting with those next to me and the bartender. It's so much less crowded there than the Res and Pro Pig. Had a Sip of Sunshine and a couple other VT brews that were all delicious and solid pours, and Jessie (?) the bartender was delightful. Solid trip.

 

https://www.facebook.com/blackbackpub?fref=ts

Thought I'd resurrect this thread since Blackback now appears to be back up to it's original status as possibly the best pub to obtain HF. Look at all these! Great job new(ish) owners!