The Cicerone is often asked, “What is your favorite Vermont beer?” Like many, it’s hard to name a single favorite … there are so many great beers and breweries, and new beers constantly arrive on the market. I always answer that “I never drink the same beer consecutively, preferring to […]
A Check-up on Switchback Brewing
At a recent check-up at Copley Hospital, a certain nurse technician (“hi” if you’re out there) stated emphatically that her favorite beer is Switchback Ale from Switchback Brewing Company in Burlington, Vermont. Frankly, I was surprised that she didn’t go with the more famous Heady Topper or Lawson’s Sip of […]
Festive Fall Beers
As the days grow shorter and the air has a bit more crisp, my beer senses start to turn away from those summer saisons and sours towards more steady and hearty versions. This week I decided to celebrate Fall by tasting four interesting Vermont beers that were recommended by my […]
Nano beers at Brocklebank Craft Brewing
Venturing east off of Interstate 89’s Randolph exit, I traveled through the gorgeous countryside to come upon Brocklebank Craft Brewing in Tunbridge, Vermont. The brewery is located on the site of a former dairy farm, and the taproom is quaint and cozy, with scenic vistas off to the back. (BTW: its […]
Trade Your Barley for Apples at Stowe Cider
Need a break from beer? Not interested in alcoholic beverages made from grapes or others called “spirits”? Maybe this weekend you should go with some of Vermont’s fine hard ciders. Stowe Cider, on Maintain Road in Stowe, Vermont, has been crafting their ciders for more than five years, and they […]
Just for Good Measure Brewing Company
Situated just off Main Street in downtown Northfield, Vermont sits Good Measure Brewing Company, tucked next to a coffee shop … turns out Good Measure is not so far from Stowe! I had the pleasure of popping into this nanobrewery on a Sunday afternoon, just after opening. There were a […]
What’s up Doc Ponds?
The Cicerone doesn’t usually review restaurants/pubs, but in the case of Doc Ponds in Stowe, Vermont, I decided to make an exception. Why? Doc Ponds won 2nd place in the Stowe Reporter’s annual 4393 Awards for Best Draft Beer Selection, losing out to Blackback Pub (have to get there!) in Waterbury […]
Taking Flight at Hermit Thrush Brewery
Did you know that the Hermit Thrush is the Vermont state bird? Neither did I, but one of the goals of the Cicerone is to teach you important trivia that you can spout to impress your beer-swigging friends. Learn all about the little Hermit Thrush here. Driving up Interstate 91 […]
Labor Day Weekend Dilemma … Solved at Stowe Public House and Bottle Shop
I continually have the pleasure of sampling so many awesome Vermont craft beers, but sometimes I face the daunting challenge of where to find and sample a new beer from an established brewer or a beer from a new brewery altogether. Luckily, I have my friends at Stowe Public House […]
Field Research: Digging in to Wormtown Brewery
I met a friend recently at Wormtown Brewery in Worcester, Massachusetts … I enjoyed the vibe and the beer so I decided to add it to my Field Research series, especially as its possible one might pass through on the way to Vermont if coming from central Mass, Rhode Island […]