Spring has finally settled in (I think!) and with the awakening buds and bugs, the Cicerone is stretching out from a long, hard winter. As the mind slowly clears, dreams of hoppy double IPAs and even sours begin to float in my head. Then an idea begins to take shape … that’s right! … I need to visit the new Lawson’s Finest Liquids tap room in Waitsfield, Vermont. So off down Route 100 I travel until I arrive at the beautifully conceived establishment near the center of town.
The Lawson’s folk certainly took their sweet time to build their brewery, but boy did they create something special. In a tap room dominated by a huge stone fireplace, you are able to sample a host of their famous beers, many of which are hard to find in your favorite beer shop. When you find one (or two) that you like, you can step up to a full pour, fill a growler, or even purchase 4-packs.
On this particular sunny Saturday, I sampled several of their luscious brews, and this is what I found:
Knockout Blonde (5.0% ABV) A clean-tasting ale, brewed with Cascade and Centennial hops.
Appearance: 4.4 | Aroma: 4.4 | Feel: 4.5| Taste: 4.6 | Overall: 4.7
Triple Sunshine (10.5% ABV) Powerful, with fruity aromas and taste. Can you drink more than one?
Appearance: 4.7 | Aroma: 4.9 | Feel: 4.6| Taste: 4.7 | Overall: 4.7
Double Sunshine (8.0% ABV) As its name implies, a double IPA … thick and juicy!
Appearance: 4.6 | Aroma: 4.5 | Feel: 4.6| Taste: 4.6 | Overall: 4.6
Space In Between (5.0% ABV) A great-tasting hazy ale, dry-hopped with Nelson and Galaxy hops.
Appearance: 4.4 | Aroma: 4.4 | Feel: 4.5| Taste: 4.6 | Overall: 4.7
Maple Nipple (8.0% ABV) A beautiful amber ale with maple undertones. My favorite of the visit.
Appearance: 4.8 | Aroma: 4.6 | Feel: 4.5| Taste: 4.7 | Overall: 4.7
The Cicerone says: Lawson’s Tap Room is one of the finest you will find in Vermont. Ample space to move about, friendly staff, healthy and unhealthy snacks, and outstanding beer. A visit should be on your traveler’s short list.
Stowe Beer 