Best Breweries in Burlington, VT: Your Definitive Guide
Burlington, Vermont is quickly becoming one of the hottest spots for new breweries. And with so many world-class breweries opening up shop in Burlington, you can go on a brewery tour without ever leaving town. There are over 20 breweries in Burlington, from small up-and-coming to large scale production factories. Whether you're looking for a brewery that specializes in experimental brews or just want a classic, cold one on a hot day, you can find Fit here. Here's your guide to the best breweries in Burlington, Vermont for your next vacation.
A Brief History of Brewing in Burlington
Burlington has been brewing beer since the 1800s and was actually one of the first cities to allow for production of non-alcoholic, malt-based beverages.
In 1806, Francis Cabot Lowell founded the first brewery in Burlington, which was originally known as Lowell's Malt House and was later renamed the Old Mill Brew House. The brewery still stands today and has been converted into a museum dedicated to brewing history in Burlington.
As of 2016, there were an estimated 20 breweries in Burlington that brew beer year round, while others brew seasonally or are only open during certain times of year. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start when trying to decide where to go next time you're visiting Burlington with friends or family.
Zero Gravity
Zero Gravity is a brewery that specializes in experimental beers. They uses old-fashioned methods to make their alcohol. They do not use any synthetic ingredients that are commonly found in today's beer. This helps to create a pure and natural taste that people around the world can enjoy.
In addition to having one of the best breweries in Vermont, they also have one of the coolest taprooms in Burlington too! Their taproom is open daily with karaoke nights every Friday and live music on Saturdays. The great atmosphere is perfect for anyone looking for a fun time after work or during their lunch break!
| 716 Pine St, Burlington, VT |
Switchback Brewing Company
Switchback Brewing Company is the newest brewery to open in Burlington. But don't just take our word for it—this brewery has won a slew of awards and accolades including being named the Best New Brewery by CraftBeer.com and Best Place For Beer & Food by Entrepreneur Magazine. It's also been named one of the best breweries in America by Men's Journal.
So what makes Switchback so successful? It's hard not to love their beer, which is why they have three different year-round brews and six rotating seasonals on tap. They are also known for their delicious food, which includes smoked paprika bratwurst paired with kraut and caramelized onions with a side of cheddar cheese curds!
Switchback is located right downtown at the Old North End, close to everything like shops, restaurants, bars and more.
| 160 FLYNN AVE., BURLINGTON, VT |
Foam Brewers
This brewery was founded by a team of seasoned brewers with over 80 years of experience between them, so you know their beer is going to be good!
Foam Brewers has three different locations throughout Vermont, but you can find their flagship brewery in Burlington's Old North End. Their flagship IPA is what most people love about this brewery, and it's also available in cans to take home.
The Foam Brewer brand also includes a rotating selection of small batch brews that are constantly changing as well as one-offs like a red ale made with cherries or a black rye IPA. If you're looking for unique beers without having to travel, look no further than Foam Brewers!
| 112 Lake St, Burlington, VT |
Queen City Brewery
Queen City Brewery might be the most famous brewery in Burlington. The Queen City Brewery is located on College Street, and it has been one of the most popular destinations since its opening in 1997. The best sellers at the Queen City Brewery are their six beer styles—their flagship Porter and IPA are their top sellers. They also have a seasonal fall pumpkin ale that's delicious!
The Queen City Brewery has the advantage of being located smack dab in the middle of Burlington, so you can easily walk to it from any part of town. If you're into local brews, you won't want to miss this one!
| 703-B Pine Street, Burlington, VT |
Burlington Beer Co.
Burlington Beer Co. is a craft brewery located in Burlington, Vermont. It opened in 2013 and is known for being one of the first breweries in Vermont. It's also known for its inventive beers and for being a part of the rapidly growing New England IPA scene.
The brewery offers an IPA (6% ABV) with Amarillo, Citra, El Dorado and Simcoe hops, as well as an Imperial Stout that is brewed with coffee from the nearby NoCo Coffee Roasters. They also have a range of other beers on tap including a Pale Ale (5% ABV), Rye IPA (7% ABV), Brown Ale (6% ABV) and others. The brewery also offers several seasonal beers during the year, like a pumpkin hibiscus pale ale or their popular summer wheat beer, Hoppy Wheat Ale.
The brewery also has food available—including pizza, burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and more—as well as open mic nights every Wednesday night at 8pm.
| 180 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT |
Citizen Cider
Citizen Cider is a small-batch, hard cidery in South Burlington, Vermont. The company started when founders Chris Lohring and Steve Healy wanted to create a cider that had fewer calories than most other ciders. Citizen Cider uses locally sourced ingredients from Vermont farms, so it's also good for the community. The cidery also offers a wide selection of food. For example, if you're feeling hungry after your visit, they offer hot pretzels with cheese sauce or baked brie.
Since its beginning in 2011, Citizen Cider has grown into a full-fledged business with more than 200 employees and 60 million cases shipped each year. This success comes with the help of an innovative marketing strategy that uses social media, sponsorships, and events to increase brand awareness.
Citizen Cider is set in a small warehouse/garage type building which opens onto a wide deck. You can enjoy cider-based cocktails here. All of the ciders we offer are great, but we recommend the Dirty Mayor.
| 316 Pine St #114, Burlington, VT |
Four Quarters Brewing
Four Quarters Brewing is a brewery in the heart of the Champlain Valley, is one of the best breweries in Vermont. The brewery specializes in making Belgian-style beer with a Vermont twist. It even has a sour room for those who are interested in trying something new.
The brewery offers tours and samples to those who want to learn more about their brewing process. Additionally, they offer special events like yoga classes and bike rides around the brewery.
| 150 W. Canal St., Winooski, VT. 802-391-9120 |
Burlington Brewery Tour
Take the Brew Bus and learn about the colorful characters and history of the Vermont brewing scene. The tour takes you to 4 Breweries and pubs. Some breweries include in the Tour are Vermont Pub and Brewery, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Fiddlehead Brewing, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, Queen City Brewery, Switchback Brewing Co. and Three Needs Brewery and Tap Room.
Book A Brewery Tour 4-hour Burlington, VT brew tour with Lunch or Dinner
Specialty Beers and Cider Slushies
The first thing to note is that the breweries in Burlington all make their speciality beer on a seasonal basis. That's because for each brewery, their speciality is what's unique about them and makes it worth checking out when it's available. This includes some of the most famous beers in the world and some you've never heard of before.
Take Switchback Brewing Company which specializes in English-style ales using only fresh ingredients from local farms and gardens. They also use Vermont honey as well as locally sourced maple syrup to create their delicious flavours. Their flagship beer is called Milk Stout which has a creamy head with delicate chocolate notes and a 9% ABV alcohol content that will sneak up on your taste buds before providing a powerful finish.
If you're looking for something more light-bodied, try Essex County Ciderworks which makes handcrafted ciders with Vermont apples or Hidden Moon.
Also if you are in town there are many more activities especially in the winter time.
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