“Brewing Up an Industry” – Vermont Life Vol. 47, Issue 4, 1993
“Vermont was one of the first places in the eastern United States where the craft-brewing renaissance took hold”
Co-founder of Switchback, Bill Cherry, defines “craft” as something made to please the craftsman, who then holds his product out to the world to see how many people share his feelings. The craft beer scene exploded in the 1980s when local pioneer Greg Noonan spearheaded a legislation opening the door for breweries and brewpubs. Vermont’s culture of pride in things that are local and handmade is exemplified in the craft beer business. Today, Vermont is ranked by the Brewer’s Association as having the most craft breweries per capita in the United States.
Plaque outside of The Vermont Pub & Brewery in honor of Greg Noonan – Picture by Chris Fetterolf
“You’re not catering to the $2.99 a six-pack mentality of ‘Let’s get hammered’.” – Greg Noonan
Following the trend of foliage tours and maple tours, brewery tours have now become a quintessential aspect of Vermont culture. With over 40 breweries currently operating in the state of Vermont, it can be difficult to chart a course through the breweries of your choice. Hop over to our map page to take a look at the layout of some of the more popular spots.
Here we see an example of a typical way in which Vermont beer is portrayed in Vermont Life Magazine. This simple phrase illustrates how local beer has become an integral and irreplaceable staple to the state’s culinary culture. Image taken from “Restaurants to Enjoy”, Vermont Life Vol. 67, Iss. 4, 2013.
As the issues of Vermont Life go on, the focus shifts from full articles about the craft beer industry to brief advertisements for restaurants and pubs. Here we see the Three Penny Taproom being hailed as the “craft beer mecca”. It is worth noting that this pub advertisement shared the page with ads for hand crafted gifts and “Family-produced, Vermont made maple syrup”. A good illustration of how Vermont Life wants the craft beer industry to be portrayed.
Vermont Life Vol. 72, Iss. 3, 2018.
The co-owners of Hermit Thrush Brewery in Brattleboro, discussed with Vermont Life what drew them to open a brewery in Vermont. Chris mentions the resurgence in our generation for craft-made things (an especially strong trend in Vermont). Avery, brings up what has become a theme of the craft beer industry in Vermont: A sense of community and a friendly culture. Image taken from “Food & Drink” Vermont Life Vol. 70, Iss. 2, 2015.
“John and Jen [Kimmich, of the Alchemist] started as a little brewpub in Waterbury. Sean Lawson began brewing in his barn.”
What is it about Vermont that makes it such a good place for the growth of the craft business? Vermont Life Magazine has long portrayed Vermont as having pride in tradition with emphasis on that which is homegrown. __, head brewmaster of Drop-In Brewing Company, notes that “there’s a lot of good people who put a ton of thought and care into what they do, and they never wanted it to be huge…John and Jen [Kimmich, of the Alchemist] started as a little brewpub in Waterbury. Sean Lawson began brewing in his barn.” Combine that homegrown culture with the abundance of local resources and perhaps it is no surprise that the craft beer industry took hold in Vermont. Have a look at our Brewery pages to hear what other brewers themselves have to say!