[harpoonalt]

We're currently working on the Vermont brewers passport and our goal is to visit all 21 breweries in vermont by next summer. Irene put a little crimp in our plans, but we're undeterred. We have most of the southern and central ones done and are looking forward to the northern tier as the weather permits. Especially looking forward to Lawson's and Hilstead farms as they appear to be the Vermont "Holy Grail" of beer. The beers are why we go, but some of the food has been the star. The Bobcat Cafe in bristol was one of the best meals we've had in awhile to the point where we've got to go back to focus on the beer next time! We really are lucky to have this many fine brewers in such a small state.

[joe moving]

There were a couple handfuls of Lawson's Maple imperial stout at the warren store yesterday, along with a barleywine. I didn't end up picking any up but i feel like I probably should have just to hang on to for a special occasion or someone who would really appreciate it. I can't be drinking 8% bombers all the time but I like to drink a beer a day so i am usually limited to whatever is in 12oz bottles. :!

[quickdraw]

Finally got my first Lawson'a Ale - from Beverage Mart in Winnoski.

Sugarhouse IPA. Have to say was pretty disappointed. One dimensional hop taste. Not bad, but plenty of folks are doing the same thing.

Folks on Beer Advocate saying the same thing - the Sugarhouse is not one of his best creations. Most prefer the Sunshine Ale.

Sugarhouse really comes up short compared to the Alchamist Heady Topper, which is nothing short of a masterpiece for the style.. And I'm not even a real hops guy.

[nyctovt]

I don't drink much beer so I can't say I am an expert at all but I have NEVER had a Vermont made beer I liked.Some have even been on my worst ever list.
Maine has a much better and more developed small batch brewery scene. I would kill for a Geary's right now.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by nyctovt

I don't drink much beer so I can't say I am an expert at all but I have NEVER had a Vermont made beer I liked.Some have even been on my worst ever list.
Maine has a much better and more developed small batch brewery scene. I would kill for a Geary's right now.

I would have agreed with you three years ago - but with Alchemist (Heady Topper) Lawson's and Hill Farmstesd, Vermont now blows Maine away - as long as you like your hops.

Geary's is good, but not great. Not that special to me.

I still say Smuttynose is the best well rounded New England brewery. Berkshire Brewing Company is also great, but draft is much better than their bottles.

[quickdraw]

Beverage Warehouse in Winnooskli is getting Lawson's every Friday. I stopped in today and they had a Red Spruce Bitter. I passed.

You have to ask and there is a limit of one bottle per customer.

The Hill Farmstead Anna Saison is still there and has been for a while. I'm sure the IPA's go like lightning.

[harpoonalt]

Beer is very subjective. " best" is a relative term. Vermont has some great beers for me. Maybe not so much for you. I started sampling craft brews from the beginning. Over 600 different ones later, I've only had 4 I just couldn't finish.a bunch that were drinkable, but nothing special, and a few that were really good. Beer has changed dramatically from the days when Vermonters got excited because we finally got Coors......We have a lot a good quality brews and I honestly think we're spoiled these days by the choices we have. No need to get bored drinking the same old brew.
I've had good beers in just about every state i've been in except one. We visited the outer banks this year and the beers all tasted sour to me. Our friends said the same. Of the 31 beers i tasted over a week (samplers)' only 2 were ok enough for me to drink again. Regional tastes maybe? Or the water?

I appreciate New England beers more now!

[RunawayJim]

Originally Posted by quickdraw

I would have agreed with you three years ago - but with Alchemist (Heady Topper) Lawson's and Hill Farmstesd, Vermont now blows Maine away - as long as you like your hops.

Geary's is good, but not great. Not that special to me.

I still say Smuttynose is the best well rounded New England brewery. Berkshire Brewing Company is also great, but draft is much better than their bottles.

Geary's makes a few good beers, but that's about it. They aren't anything special. To me, they're in the same class as Shipyard. Solid, but nothing special. Had he said Gritty's, I might agree more with him.

I fully agree with you on Smuttynose. Hands down the best well-rounded New England brewery... something for everyone (even if they replaced their lager with that awful Star Island Single).

And as for VT breweries... sure, the heavy hitters you listed are awesome, but Magic Hat has been releasing some good limited release and seasonal beers lately. Long Trail has their Brewmasters Series of bigger beers, which are all really good. And even some of their regular beers are better than average (IPA, Pale Ale, Long Trail Ale, Double Bag). I don't know if you consider Harpoon a VT brewery, but they are also really good (better than Long Trail, if you ask me). Just try any of their Leviathan or 100 Barrel Series beers. And you left out Bobcat Cafe, even if they aren't a production brewery.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by RunawayJim

Geary's makes a few good beers, but that's about it. They aren't anything special. To me, they're in the same class as Shipyard. Solid, but nothing special. Had he said Gritty's, I might agree more with him.

I fully agree with you on Smuttynose. Hands down the best well-rounded New England brewery... something for everyone (even if they replaced their lager with that awful Star Island Single).

And as for VT breweries... sure, the heavy hitters you listed are awesome, but Magic Hat has been releasing some good limited release and seasonal beers lately. Long Trail has their Brewmasters Series of bigger beers, which are all really good. And even some of their regular beers are better than average (IPA, Pale Ale, Long Trail Ale, Double Bag). I don't know if you consider Harpoon a VT brewery, but they are also really good (better than Long Trail, if you ask me). Just try any of their Leviathan or 100 Barrel Series beers. And you left out Bobcat Cafe, even if they aren't a production brewery.

Love Gritty's brewpub, not the same in bottles though. Same can be said for most breweries. Berkshire is fantastic on tap, not the same in bottles.
McNeill's is terrible in bottles.

I had Double Bag on tap yesterday at the Pour House in South Burlington,(fun place, never went there before), much better on tap.
Ordinarily I'm not a real fan of Long Trail.

I gave up on Magic Hat long ago, maybe I should try it again.

[Logs and Dogs]

Originally Posted by quickdraw

Love Gritty's brewpub, not the same in bottles though. Same can be said for most breweries. Berkshire is fantastic on tap, not the same in bottles.
McNeill's is terrible in bottles.

I had Double Bag on tap yesterday at the Pour House in South Burlington,(fun place, never went there before), much better on tap.
Ordinarily I'm not a real fan of Long Trail.

I gave up on Magic Hat long ago, maybe I should try it again.

I also gave up on Magic Hat a couple years ago; I saw some of their "craftier" brews the other day and almost pulled the trigger, but held back. Might have to try them. Got a another growler of Double Galaxy and Twilight along with the coveted bottle of Birth of Tragedy plus a staple in Anna. Polished off a bottle of Ballast Point Porter the other day....not VT obviously but worthy of their Advocate ranking.

Long Trail is relatively steady in their limited offerings. I haven't bought Smuttynose for several years, might have to go back......how are their porter and stout offerings? Recommendations?

Thanks