Paul Kushner
Vermont has earned a solid reputation for its craft beer culture, built on small, passionate breweries that care deeply about quality and community. Many started with a simple goal: to make honest, great-tasting beer using local ingredients. Over time, these breweries have become gathering spots where both locals and visitors can enjoy fresh, creative flavors in a friendly setting. The focus has always been on authenticity and craftsmanship, two things Vermonters take great pride in.
Across the state, you’ll find places that blend tradition with creativity, each offering a unique story and approach to brewing. Some are tucked away in quiet mountain towns, while others sit right in the heart of lively downtowns. What they all share is a welcoming atmosphere and a genuine love for their craft. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual afternoon visit or planning a longer trip, Vermont’s beer scene offers a taste of the state’s character and community spirit.
#30 – Soulmate Brewing Company
Soulmate Brewing Company in Morrisville is a popular destination for craft beer fans looking for a mix of hop-forward ales and traditional beer styles. The brewery is especially known for Hops In Bed With Strangers, a hazy IPA packed with notes of mango, pineapple, papaya, and citrus that finishes soft and smooth. Another customer favorite is I’d Drink Me, an Irish Red Ale that delivers balanced flavors of caramel, toffee, and toasted bread, making it an approachable choice for a wide range of drinkers. These beers highlight the brewery’s ability to produce both modern and classic styles with consistency and attention to detail. Visitors also appreciate the rotating draft selection, which provides new options throughout the year while maintaining a strong core lineup. With its well-crafted beers and welcoming atmosphere, Soulmate Brewing Company has become one of the breweries that helps make Morrisville a notable stop on Vermont’s craft beer trail.
#29 – Vermont Pub & Brewery
Vermont Pub & Brewery in Burlington is recognized as the state’s longest-running brewpub and a pioneer in Vermont’s craft beer scene. The brewery operates a 14-barrel system along with a smaller experimental setup that allows them to produce a wide range of styles throughout the year. Two of their most popular beers are Forbidden Fruit, a raspberry ale with a light, fruity touch, and Silk Ale, a smooth and malt-forward classic. The pub also offers a full restaurant menu, indoor and outdoor seating, and a relaxed setting that welcomes both locals and visitors. Its mix of tradition, creativity, and consistency has helped Vermont Pub & Brewery remain one of the most trusted names in Burlington’s beer community.
#28 – 1st Republic Brewing Co.
1st Republic Brewing Co. is a veteran-owned brewery in Essex Junction, Vermont, known for its relaxed taproom and community feel. Guests can enjoy local craft beer in a friendly space with plenty of room to unwind. Among their most popular choices are the 104 Porter, appreciated for its smooth mix of chocolate and caramel malt flavor, and the Republic Pale Ale, a crisp and balanced beer with light hop notes. The brewery also supports homebrewers by offering ingredients and gear through its shop, giving beer fans a way to learn and create on their own. With quality brews and a welcoming atmosphere, 1st Republic Brewing Co. stands out as one of Vermont’s trusted names in local craft beer.
#27 – Upper Pass Beer Company
Upper Pass Beer Company is a farmhouse brewery in Tunbridge, Vermont, known for beers that are both creative and approachable. Their core lineup includes First Drop APA, a beer with citrusy hops and a soft malt base that makes it easy to drink, and Cloud Drop Double IPA, which packs fruity and pine notes without overwhelming bitterness. They also brew sours, dark ales, lagers, saisons, and milk stout style brews so there’s something for many tastes. Their tasting room is located at First Branch Coffee in South Royalton, where people can relax and try new releases. Limited cans and bottles are distributed across Vermont and parts of the Northeast, giving fans chances to find it outside the taproom. Because of their small scale, they often try unusual ingredients and styles, which has earned them a strong following among craft beer lovers looking for variety and local flavor.
#26 – Idletyme Brewing Company
Idletyme Brewing Company in Stowe, Vermont, is known for its mix of handcrafted beers and a welcoming, restaurant-style setting. The brewery focuses on European-inspired lagers, pilsners, and weizens while adding local Vermont character to each recipe. Two of their most popular beers are the Idletyme Double IPA, recognized for its balanced hop flavor, and the Helles Brook Lager, appreciated for its smooth malt profile and easy finish. The space includes both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a comfortable stop year-round for visitors and locals. Guests often note the friendly service and relaxing environment that pairs well with their fresh beer lineup. With a focus on quality, consistency, and hospitality, Idletyme Brewing Company remains one of the most reliable stops in Stowe’s growing craft beer community.
#25 – Whirligig Brewing
Whirligig Brewing is a nano brewery and taproom in downtown St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The brewery works with a one-barrel system so batches are small and many beers rotate often. They are best known for creating sours and wild ales with subtle acid and flavor, though they also make lagers, IPAs, and stouts. Two beers people talk about a lot are Sour Bunnies!, a kettle-aged sour made with apple and cranberry, and Vermont Materials Lager, a crisp pilsner brewed only with Vermont malt and hops. The taproom feels friendly and casual, with both indoor and outdoor seating, board games, and a garden-patio setting. They also serve meals and snacks, some reflecting the heritage and food influences of the brewer, making it a place to spend time, not just grab a drink. Because each visit often yields something new, Whirligig has become a spot many locals and visitors recommend when exploring Vermont’s beer offerings.
#24 – 14th Star Brewing Company
14th Star Brewing Company is a veteran-built brewery in St. Albans, Vermont, with a large taproom and lots of rotating beers to try. Their brewing uses all natural ingredients and each beer is unfiltered and unpasteurized, which many local beer lovers appreciate. Two beers people often talk about are Tribute Double IPA, a hop-heavy beer with bright citrus and pine aromas, and Mexican Style Lager, which is light, crisp, and has a hint of corn sweetness balanced with touches of lime. Their flagship Valor Ale (an amber style) is also a go-to for many, known for its malt body and balanced bitterness. The taproom includes seasonal outdoor seating, indoor space, and often hosts music and community events. They also run “The Room,” an attached event space for larger gatherings. Thanks to its mix of creativity, reliable core offerings, and community support, 14th Star has become one of Vermont’s go-to breweries.
#23 – Drop-In Brewing Company
Drop-In Brewing Company in Middlebury, Vermont, is known for making beers that are crisp, flavorful, and always approachable. Their tasting room offers pints, sampler flights, cans to go, and growler fills, giving people many ways to try their beers. Two of their popular beers are Sunshine and Hoppiness Golden Ale, which is light and refreshing, and Heart of Lothian Scottish Ale, which carries rich malt notes with hints of caramel and chocolate. They use a 15 barrel Newlands brewing system and also house the American Brewers Guild, which teaches brewing science and engineering courses to both new and experienced brewers. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, with indoor and outdoor seating and artwork and brewery memorabilia on display. Because of their consistency, variety, and community involvement, Drop-In has become a well-loved stop for locals and visitors alike in Vermont’s beer scene.
#22 – Black Flannel Brewing Company
Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling in Essex Junction, Vermont, brings together quality beer, spirits, and food all crafted on-site. The brewery is staffed with several Certified Cicerones who ensure each beer meets high standards in flavor and style. Their lineup features both traditional and modern choices, from German-style lagers to hop-forward IPAs. Two of their most popular beers are Disco Montage, a juicy IPA with bright tropical and citrus notes, and the Black Flannel Pilsner, a crisp and balanced brew with a clean finish. The brewpub offers a comfortable space with indoor dining, outdoor patio seating, and a biergarten where guests can relax and enjoy freshly made drinks. Their focus on education, quality, and hospitality has made them a respected name in Vermont’s growing craft beer scene.
#21 – Freak Folk Bier
Freak Folk Bier is in Waterbury, Vermont, and makes beers that push boundaries with mixed cultures, barrel aging, and oak fermentation. Their taproom is modest but well regarded, offering a rotating draft list that includes styles like unfiltered Bavarian Helles, sour IPA, oak-aged wild ales, and lager-influenced beers. Two beers that stand out are Pronghorn, an unfiltered Bavarian Helles, and Glitch, a sour IPA that blends tartness with fruity hop character. Their focus on wild and mixed fermentation plus consistent quality has made Freak Folk Bier a favorite among craft beer lovers in Vermont.
#20 – Long Trail Brewing Company
Long Trail Brewing Company is a regional brewery in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont, and it has been a major player in Vermont’s beer scene since 1989. Their flagship beer is Long Trail Ale, a German-style altbier that’s amber and full-bodied with clean malt notes and moderate bitterness. Another very popular beer is VT IPA, a hazy, juicy IPA brewed with Citra and Amarillo hops that delivers flavors of mango, pineapple, and grapefruit. The brewery also offers Riverside Lager, a Vermont-style lager meant to be bright, crisp and refreshing. Guests visiting the brewery’s pub enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with scenic views of the Green Mountains and the Ottauquechee River. Long Trail also has a pilot brewery on its campus, letting brewers try small batches and seasonal beers. Because of its consistency, wide distribution, and roots in Vermont terrain, Long Trail remains one of the most recognized craft breweries in the region.
#19 – Prohibition Pig
Prohibition Pig in Waterbury, Vermont mixes Southern barbecue, craft beer, and a strong local following into a full experience. Their beer list includes well-liked options like Bantam Double IPA, packed with bold hop flavor, and Little Fluffy Clouds Pale Ale, known for its bright citrus and tropical hop notes. The brewpub has indoor and outdoor seating, and its brewery sits just behind the restaurant, which often hosts lively nights and community gatherings. Visitors often praise both the food and beer, saying the menu of smoked meats complements their drink lineup. Because their beer is reliable and varied, with good distribution in Vermont, Prohibition Pig tends to be a must-stop when touring beer spots in the area.
#18 – Foley Brothers Brewing
Foley Brothers Brewing is a family-run brewery in Brandon, Vermont known for small-batch beers and a strong community feel. Their tasting room is inside an old barn beside Neshobe River Winery, making it a cozy place to try both beer and wine on the same visit. Two beers many people seek out are Fair Maiden, a Double IPA praised for citrus and pine hop notes and Prospect IPA, a big hop beer that has become a favorite among those who like something bold. The brewery operates a second beer garden location in Quechee with food, events, and outdoor space. Guests like that Foley Brothers stays true to quality, does not cut corners, and keeps experimenting, which helps their reputation as one of Vermont’s gems in the craft beer scene.
#17 – Harpoon Brewery
Harpoon Brewery operates in Windsor, Vermont, where its taproom and Beer Garden offer fresh beer, food, cider, and wine inside and outdoors. Guests can enjoy seasonal offerings alongside year-round beer selections while relaxing by the firepit, playing lawn games, or grabbing a snack from the kitchen. Two of their widely appreciated beers are UFO White, a wheat ale with light citrus and spice notes, and Harpoon IPA, which brings a bold hop character with pine and floral tones. The brewery has space for tasting flights and to-go crowlers and cans, so visitors can try small pours or take favorites home. It is also dog friendly in outdoor areas and has private huts and shaded patios.
#16 – Rock Art Brewery
Rock Art Brewery in Morrisville, Vermont, has earned steady praise for its bold and flavorful beer lineup. The brewery is known for brewing a wide range of styles that appeal to both casual drinkers and craft beer fans. Two of its standout beers are The Vermonster Double IPA, known for its strong hop character and smooth malt balance, and Ridge Runner Amber Ale, a classic amber with caramel tones and a clean finish. Their rotating menu also includes lagers, stouts, and seasonal releases that highlight local ingredients and small-batch creativity. Visitors can enjoy flights or pints in the taproom, where new brews often make their first appearance. Rock Art’s focus on quality and variety has made it one of the most consistent and respected breweries in Vermont.
#15 – Queen City Brewery
Queen City Brewery in Burlington has built its reputation on brewing a wide range of European style ales and lagers that are easy to enjoy but still full of flavor. Two of its standout beers are South End Lager, a Helles-style blond lager that’s delicate and crisp with a noble hop finish, and Yorkshire Porter, a classic English porter known for its smooth malt richness with chocolate and coffee tones. Their taproom has around 16 taps and features rotating styles like smoked lagers, ESBs, and autumnal Märzen-style beers. Many beer fans come back for their seasonal releases and smaller batch beers because each one shows care in the brewing and balance in the flavor. Because of its strong lineup and its comfortable setting in Burlington’s South End, Queen City Brewery continues to be a favorite for locals and visitors who want traditional beer done well.
#14 – Frost Beer Works
Frost Beer Works in Hinesburg, Vermont is best known for its juicy, hop-driven beers that balance bright tropical and citrus aromas with softness from restrained bitterness. Their flagship is Lush Double IPA, a juicy and aromatic beer with flavors like mango, orange, and soft pine. Another fan favorite is Plush, also a DIPA known for its dank hop profile and smooth mouthfeel. Their lineup also features Really Pale Ale (RPA), which is crisp and drinkable with noticeable hop character, and Double Shush, an imperial IPA rich in hop complexity. Their flavor-forward approach to hoppy beer has made Frost Beer Works a go-to among IPA fans in Vermont and surrounding states.
#13 – Red Clover Ale Co.
Red Clover Ale Co. in Brandon, Vermont, is a small brewery known for its rotating selection of hop-forward beers that highlight balance and freshness. Two of its most popular releases are American Kestrel IPA, which features bright citrus and floral notes with a smooth malt base, and Superb Fairywren IPA, brewed with Galaxy and Vic Secret hops that give it a strong tropical fruit aroma. The taproom has a relaxed, community-centered atmosphere where guests are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy a pint among friends. Red Clover focuses on brewing in small batches, allowing them to keep each beer fresh and full of character. Their commitment to quality and approachability has earned them a loyal following across Vermont’s craft beer scene.
#12 – River Roost Brewery
River Roost Brewery in White River Junction, Vermont, is known for its small-batch production and focus on hop-forward beers. The brewery produces 10-barrel batches and rotates its lineup often to highlight new hop combinations and fresh flavors. Two of its standout beers are Más Verde IPA, brewed with Citra and Chinook hops that give it bright citrus and melon notes, and Glimpse Double IPA, which blends Citra, Mosaic, and Vic Secret for a smooth tropical hop character. The taproom is simple but welcoming, offering pints, flights, and cans to go. River Roost has built a strong following among IPA fans who value freshness, balance, and creativity in every pour.
#11 – Lost Nation Brewing
Lost Nation Brewing in Morrisville, Vermont has built its name around brewing honest beer with both European and Vermont influences. Their core selection spans styles like Mosaic IPA, a beer made using Mosaic hops with dry hopping to balance juicy fruit flavor and bitterness, and Vermont Pilsner, a golden lager that’s crisp, drinkable, and has a clean hop finish. They also offer beers like Gose, Rustic Ale, Saison Lamoille, and Pitch Black Ale in rotating drafts, giving fans options beyond the core lineup. The taproom is welcoming and modern, set to serve both locals and visitors who care about flavor and freshness. Lost Nation describes its mission as making beer that stays true to sourcing, detail, and technique.
#10 – Burlington Beer Company
Burlington Beer Company (BBCO) in Vermont has made a name by offering a wide range of beers that balance bold hop styles, dark beers, and refreshing lagers. Two of their more talked-about beers are It’s Complicated Being A Wizard, a hazy double IPA that delivers juicy hop flavor and soft mouthfeel, and Beekeeper IPA, brewed with organic Vermont honey that adds a nuanced sweetness to the IPA’s character. They also offer many things beyond IPA: fruit beers, pilsners, brown ales, porters, oatmeal stouts, and imperial stouts make regular appearances. Their creativity, variety, and reliable flavor have helped BBCO become one of Vermont’s most followed breweries among beer fans.
#9 – Switchback Brewing Company
Switchback Brewing Company in Burlington, Vermont is known for brewing unfiltered, naturally carbonated beer that focuses on flavor and balance. Their most recognized beer is Switchback Ale, a reddish-amber ale made with five different malts and selected hops, offering hop presence up front with a malty finish. Another popular beer is Karsten Premium Lager, which is clean, crisp, and uses noble hops for a mild bitterness. The brewery made history by becoming Vermont’s first fully employee-owned brewery. Their taproom is in the South End of Burlington, often featuring limited releases and experimental batches you won’t find elsewhere. Because of its consistency, local roots, and approachable yet flavorful lineup, Switchback remains a beloved brewery across Vermont and beyond.
#8 – Four Quarters Brewing
Four Quarters Brewing in Winooski, Vermont is known for adventurous beers that lean into sour, stout, and hop-forward styles. Two of their widely praised beers are Phaze IPA, an American style IPA with a strong hop aroma, and Space Face Double IPA, brewed with Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops for layered tropical and citrus notes. They also make fruit sours, milkshake IPAs, imperial stouts, and experimental saisons that use unusual ingredients like herbs, wild yeasts, and whole fruits. Because they often release small batches, try-one-off experiments, and barrel-aged variants, Four Quarters has built a strong following among craft beer fans who want variety and bold flavor.
#7 – von Trapp Brewing
von Trapp Brewing in Stowe, Vermont, is known for its Austrian-style lagers made with Vermont spring water and traditional European brewing techniques. Two of their most popular beers are Helles Golden Lager, a balanced Munich-style pale lager that is easy to drink, and Pilsner Bohemian Style Lager, a crisp Czech-style pale lager with mild hop notes. The brewery’s taproom, located at the Trapp Family Lodge, offers an Austrian-inspired setting where guests can enjoy fresh beers on site. von Trapp Brewing has earned a strong following for producing high-quality lagers that combine traditional methods with Vermont ingredients, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors who appreciate clean, flavorful European-style beers.
#6 – Fiddlehead Brewing Company
Fiddlehead Brewing Company in Shelburne, Vermont, is known for producing hop-forward beers that have earned a loyal following. Two of their most popular beers are Fiddlehead IPA, an American IPA noted for its mellow bitterness, dry finish, and citrusy aroma, and Second Fiddle Double IPA, a dry-hopped beer offering bold notes of tropical fruit, pine, and citrus. Both beers highlight Fiddlehead’s focus on flavor balance and aromatic hops, making them favorites among IPA enthusiasts. The brewery’s taproom features a rotating selection of fresh beers, giving visitors a chance to explore small-batch and seasonal releases. Because of its consistent quality, approachable yet flavorful IPAs, and community-oriented approach, Fiddlehead Brewing Company is considered a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Vermont’s craft beer scene.
#5 – Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield, Vermont, is well known for its hop-forward beers and creative maple-infused brews. Two of their most popular beers are Sip of Sunshine, a bright and aromatic IPA that has become a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts, and Mad River Maple, an amber ale brewed with 100% Vermont maple syrup that delivers a smooth, rich flavor. The brewery’s taproom offers a rotating selection of beers, including seasonal releases and limited editions, allowing visitors to explore a variety of styles. Their focus on quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and innovative brewing has made the brewery a standout destination for beer lovers in Vermont and beyond.
#4 – Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery in Burlington, Vermont, is known for its hop-forward beers and focus on quality brewing. Two of their most popular beers are Conehead IPA, an American IPA brewed with Citra hops, Pilsner malt, and American wheat, offering a bright, juicy flavor, and Green State Lager, a crisp pilsner that balances noble hops with smooth malt for a clean, satisfying finish. The brewery’s taproom at 716 Pine Street features a sunny beer hall with outdoor seating, making it a welcoming place to enjoy their full lineup of beers. Zero Gravity has earned a loyal following for consistently delivering flavorful, approachable, and refreshing beers that highlight both creativity and balance in brewing.
#3 – Foam Brewers
Foam Brewers in Burlington, Vermont, is known for its innovative beers made with locally sourced ingredients. Two of their most popular offerings are For You Pale Ale, brewed with Vermont Malthouse Pilsen malt, flaked wheat from NEK Grains, and a proprietary hop blend from Champlain Valley Hops, offering citrus-forward notes of pomelo, clementine, pine, and honeydew melon, and FOTW 2022, a mixed culture ale aged in neutral French oak barrels for six months, showcasing wild and funky flavors. The brewery’s taproom on Lake Street features a rotating selection of beers alongside cheese and charcuterie, providing a welcoming space for beer lovers. Foam Brewers has earned a reputation for creativity, quality, and community-focused brewing, making it a favorite stop for anyone exploring Vermont’s craft beer scene.
#2 – The Alchemist Brewery
The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe, Vermont, is famous for its hop-forward beers and dedication to quality brewing. Two of their most popular beers are Heady Topper, an unfiltered double IPA with a rich hop character that is best enjoyed fresh from the can, and Focal Banger, an American IPA known for its tropical fruit and citrus flavors that appeal to a wide range of IPA fans. The brewery’s Beer Cafe in Stowe offers a relaxed setting to sample their beers and limited releases. Their focus on innovative brewing techniques and maintaining freshness has helped The Alchemist stand out as a top destination for craft beer lovers visiting Vermont.
#1 – Hill Farmstead Brewery
Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro Bend, Vermont, is widely regarded as one of the state’s finest craft breweries. Their beers are celebrated for exceptional balance, depth, and drinkability, making every sip a standout experience. Two of their most acclaimed offerings are Society & Solitude #5, an Imperial IPA with a vibrant grapefruit-forward hop character, and Of First & Last Things, a New England IPA showcasing Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Simcoe hops in perfect harmony. Each beer reflects Hill Farmstead’s dedication to quality, using carefully selected ingredients and meticulous brewing methods. The brewery’s reputation for excellence draws visitors from across Vermont who want to experience their innovative and highly rated beers. For anyone exploring the state’s craft beer scene, Hill Farmstead exemplifies the best of what Vermont brewing has to offer.
Vermont Brewery Bytes: Facts You’ll Want to Know
Vermont is often recognized as one of the leading states for craft beer, known for having more breweries per person than almost anywhere else in the country. The Vermont Brewers Association has played a key role in shaping that success by supporting local producers and encouraging responsible growth across the state. One of the most talked-about stretches for beer fans is the “IPA Highway,” a route that connects several of Vermont’s best-known breweries, including Hill Farmstead, The Alchemist, and Lawson’s Finest Liquids. It’s a favorite journey for those who enjoy sampling the state’s most popular IPAs.
Brewing in Vermont has grown from a small local movement into a major part of the state’s culture. Vermont is often credited with inspiring the New England IPA, a hazy and hop-forward beer style that changed the craft scene nationwide. From small rural taprooms to respected production breweries, Vermont’s beer makers focus on quality, community, and creativity. That mix of passion and innovation has made the Green Mountain State a top destination for beer lovers everywhere.
FAQs About Vermont Breweries
What makes Vermont’s beer scene different from other states?
Vermont’s beer scene is shaped by small-town collaboration, environmental awareness, and a shared belief in brewing with purpose and local pride.
Are Vermont breweries open year-round?
Most breweries stay open throughout the year, offering seasonal beers and cozy taproom experiences even during the colder months.
Can you find Vermont beer outside the state?
Some Vermont breweries distribute regionally or nationally, but many keep production small, so their beers are best enjoyed fresh and local.
What’s the atmosphere like in Vermont taprooms?
Taprooms in Vermont are often casual and welcoming, focusing on conversation, local food pairings, and community events rather than flashy settings.
Is there a beer trail or map for visiting Vermont breweries?
Yes. The Vermont Brewers Association offers a brewery trail app and map that helps visitors plan trips and collect digital stamps from each stop.
