Will be coming through via the Adirondacks this weekend and planning to check out the new Lawson’s taproom for the first time. Have an appt in Richmond so I’ll go up to Waterbury then hop on 89. A few quick questions: What is Alchemist sending to Waterbury these days (CBC or other spots)? Is it just heady or might I find some other cans? Trying to avoid a trip to Stowe this time due to other obligations. Secondly is Foam doing any distro? And if I were to make the trek there midday Saturday am I likely to find any cans remaining? Finally I’m going to be very close to the Stone Corral - worth a stop? TIA for assistance and opinions! Normally I’d spend the day running all over the state but got that appt and will have my baby with me.
Hi, Focal Banger has been typically available at locations that get Heady. I have not seen Foam cans around, but there has been a lot making the rounds on draft recently. The last time I went there on Saturday afternoon they still had cans. This was September at some point. Ski season is pretty busy in the area though and lots of places have break from school in the next few weeks. I haven't been to Stone Corral. You can find their beers in Waterbury though.
Thanks, very helpful! Any new can’t miss spots between Burlington and Addison along 7 or 2a? Been meaning to check out Hired Hand in Vergennes for a while since I am nearby at least a few times a year.
Hired Hand's beer ranges from good to very good, and the food is absolutely excellent. I dream about their pork buns from time to time. They also do a number of beer cocktails which are a lot of fun. Would recommend a visit. Stone Corral has a cool, rustic tap room with great country and bluegrass musicians stopping in for sets. Their beer is disappointing. Like @jhavs mentioned above, Frost is great. I'm not sure how far down Route 7 you'll be travelling, but Foley Bros is cranking out very fine beer. Their IPAs are on par with Frost (above) and they do a good job with the dark stuff too. Red Clover Ale Co. recently opened up nearby, but I have yet to stop in.
Thanks guys, I have been to both Foley and Frost. The reason I didn’t ask is it seems like they are both getting a lot of distro, every store I’ve been to in VT of late has had a bunch from both breweries. The onetime I went to Frost a team of middle aged cyclists in bike shorts came in, like 25 of them at once. My wife kind of lost it with all the spandex clad packaging (not in a good way either!). Lol. Good times.
Yeah, definitely make it to distro. Cycling is definitely a big thing in the area. The closer you get to the upper valley region the more you will see too!
As far as VT brews w/ relatively small distro, I'd put 4Quarters squarely in the Foam tier in terms of quality. Green Empire is also putting out a good product. The cans I've been most impressed with lately here are actually from NH. The Schilling Pils and Resilience IPAs have been stellar. Just started seeing Cousins brewing cans on the shelf; I guess they're canning over at Goodwater. I have not seen Foam cans anywhere outside the brewery.
Said it a bunch but will continue screaming it from the mountain top: Only Hill Farmstead makes better beer in VT than Four Quarters.
You can say it, but I personally can't agree with it. I do like some Four Quarters but for my money I am happy to buy up all the River Roost I can get my hands on!
Agreed. I like 4 Quarters a lot, but I have River Roost at a level above. (I have Hill Farmstead well above both)
Appreciate all the continued info and am a big fan of Four Quarters! Just unlikely to get to Winooski this time around. Have been digging them since they first opened.
I live & work in Richmond. Check Richmond Market for Heady & other Friday can drops. Stone Corral is light on hoppy styles, but great stouts, sours, and scotch ale. There last night for the mac 'n cheese special. Good burgers and tacos, too. Kid-friendly. I drink all over, but they're my local so I support them. The middle-aged road cycling group are The Silver Spokes, and most could kick your ass on a bike. They dig long rides to breweries. And, our local mtn bike trails attract a lot of folks to Stone Corral for post-ride beers & food. If you want all DIPA'S on draft, go to Hatchet Tap & Table, a gastropub on our main drag. Foam cans available Friday afternoon at their Hinesburg Annex and downtown, then new bottles added on Sat. at 11am. Usually lasts, but it IS a holiday weekend, so chance-y. Craft Beer Cellar in Waterbury is your backup in all things for the weekend. Happy Hunting.
Depending upon where you cross over in VT, Rutland Beer Works had been getting better. In my opinion, 2nd Lake IPA is very well done! Black Diamond is pretty good too. Madison Brewing Company in Bennington at the bottom of Rt 7 has some solid beers too. The head brewer there, Will does a fabulous job of doing a ton of different styles. Food is always really good there too. Also, in my opinion, Stone Corral brews great darker beers. I wouldn't go so far to say their IPA's are top notch. Also, echo-ing what eryone else said about Frost, yes they are quite good in the New England styled PA/IPA/DIPA realm. Foley Bros in Brandon brews some great New England styled ones too.
