Top 9 Craft Beverages From Vermont
What comes to mind when you think about Vermont? We think of cabins in the woods, mouthwatering maple syrup and some of the most scenic landscapes you could imagine. But there are also numerous craft beverage companies in the Green Mountain State that should be on your bucket list too if you happen to be in the area. Check out some of our top picks of the best craft beverages from Vermont in the list below:
Heady Topper by The Alchemist
We’re kicking off the list with a New England IPA from The Alchemist. Heady Topper was their flagship drink, coming off the line a mere two days after a tropical storm destroyed their pub and brewery. Call it a good luck charm or a stroke of genius, but this fan-favorite features a comical design and weighs in at a respectable 8% ABV. Like most of our picks, you can’t go wrong with anything you try from this brewery – but we still recommend starting with this one.
See more: In-Cider Knowledge: A Tour of Vermont’s Best Cideries
Double Sunshine by Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Who wouldn’t want to drink something called Double Sunshine? We know we wouldn’t pass on the opportunity to have a cold glass of this American Double India Pale Ale. Spiked with tropical flavors and bright herbal scents, this beer consistently ranks high among reviewers with its hoppy and juicy yet not too sweet flavors. In short, it tastes like everything you would hope to find in a beverage from Lawson’s Finest Liquids.
Sparkling Cranberry Mead at Artesano Mead
We’re turning the tables here to focus on one of the most unique drinks on our list – the Sparkling Cranberry Mead from Artesano Mead. If you’ve never had mead, now is your chance to sample some of the finest in the country. Made with Vermont wildflower honey and locally grown cranberries, this crisp drink topped with a little bubbly is perfect for enjoying chilled any day of the year. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore some of their more creative flavors (like chili cinnamon). But if you’re new to mead, definitely start your journey with this crowd-pleaser.
See more: 7 Vermont Food Festivals to Add to Your Foodie Bucket List
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Valkyrie’s Choice by Groennfell Meadery
The craft meads from Groennfell Meadery are lightly carbonated with a refreshingly dry finish, making each one an easy drink for both those who are new to mead and lifelong fans. We picked Valkyrie’s Choice for our list because it’s their original craft mead and based on ceremonial meads from the Viking era. It comes in at 8.5% ABV and is one of their most popular drinks. Once you’ve tried it for the first time, we’re pretty confident you’ll understand why.
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Second Fiddle by Fiddlehead Brewing Company
Fiddlehead Brewing Company is a brewer-owned operation that focuses on making quality beers that bring people in the community together. They opened their doors in 2011 and have since gained quite the reputation for their line of approachable and easy drinking beverages. Second Fiddle is one of their American Imperial IPAs, which has been extensively dry hopped to produce a juicy, aromatic drink that people continue to enjoy time and time again. Flavors include everything from tangerine and nectarine to orange juice and a touch of onion and garlic hops.
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Brother Soigné by Hill Farmstead Brewery
Nestled away in the beautiful town of North Greensboro, you’ll discover the charming Hill Farmstead Brewery. The family legacy dates all the way back to the 1700s, and they even have direct connections to the man who owned and operated the first tavern in the area in the 1800s. Needless to say, they know their beer. Brother Soigné is a refreshing example of their craft brewing skills. With hibiscus and blood orange, this Saison-style beverage is a tart and satisfying drink to enjoy all day long.
See more: What’s In Season? Vermont Produce Calendar
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Built to Spill by Foam Brewers
One of the first things you’ll notice about the beers from Foam Brewers is the artwork. These creative craft brewers say Built to Spill paved the way for their canned beer line, which is why we opted to put it on your must-try list for Vermont beverages. This Double IPA features bold flavors of citrus and pineapple, weighs in at 8% ABV, and is flavorful and easy to drink.
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Abner by Hill Farmstead Brewery
There’s more to Abner than meets the eye, and the story is worth hearing. This drink is named after the patriarch of the Farmstead Brewery family. Seeing as the land where the brewery sits was once his home (and the home of his fourteen children), it only makes sense that Farmstead would concoct a beverage in his honor. Made with American malted barley and water from Abner’s own well, this IPA is well worth sampling.
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The Vermonter by Shacksbury Cider
Shacksbury Cider was named after an age-old Vermont hamlet that was pressing cider all the way back in 1840. And how fitting is it to name one of their classic ciders after the state they love so much? The Vermonter is made with local New England apples and juniper berries, creating a refined local cider that will leave you dreaming of green mountains and fields full of flowers with every sip.