I’ve managed to visit many a brewery in Burlington, but somehow Queen City Brewery (QCB), located right on Pine Street and across from Zero Gravity Brewing, had escaped me! Started in 2012 by a bunch of seasoned brewers (the tasting room opened in 2014), this establishment has to rank as one of the most customer-friendly of all … and that’s saying something because the Vermont brew scene is defined by friendliness and camaraderie. During my visit, I was welcomed back to view the action as the team bottled a fresh batch of Hefe Weizen.
QCB focuses on continental European-styled beers, although there is an occasional English ale tucked in.
The tap room is more like a bar, but there are plenty of QCB and guest beers on tap, and tasting flights are inexpensive. There a few snacks, like pretzels, available.
I ordered the tasting flight of four beers and here is what I found:
South End Lager (5.4% ABV) A German-styles Helles … very fresh-tasting lager.
Appearance: 4.2 | Aroma: 4.2 | Feel: 4.2 | Taste: 4.3 | Overall: 4.2
Munich Dunkel (5.5% ABV) Great aromas and tastes … slight coffee characteristics.
Appearance: 4.5 | Aroma: 4.3 | Feel: 4.3 | Taste: 4.6 | Overall: 4.5
LandLady (5.2% ABV) This is a Yorkshire English-style Bitter (ESB) … having had a few bitters in my time, and while not unpleasant, this one seems to lack the essential qualities of an ESB.
Appearance: 4.5 | Aroma: 4.2 | Feel: 4.2 | Taste: 4.2 | Overall: 4.3
Gregarious (7.5% ABV) A Scotch ale that brings the punch, although lacking a bit in fragrance and taste.
Appearance: 4.2 | Aroma: 4.2 | Feel: 4.2 | Taste: 4.3 | Overall: 4.3
The Cicerone says: With such a large assortment of lagers and ales on tap, you will find something you like. Down some samples until you zero in on a favorite and then order a pint!