Craft Ciders and Beers of Northern Vermont

Stowe Cider was founded in 2013 with a vision of bringing something different to the cider scene- a version that boasted less than half the sweetness of most commercial cider. Once this niche was created to “keep cider dry,” demand was high and the location was quickly outgrown. With a combined taproom and updated production facility, Stowe Cider became a favorite stop among visitors and locals alike. Whether sipping a cider aprés ski, taking a break from a leaf peeping hike, or looking to enjoy some live music, guests are greeted with a consistently rotating tap selection, and more than 10 varieties available to go, no two visits are the same. Head Cider Maker and co-owner Mark Ray is constantly developing unique recipes that you will not find anywhere else. Ciders range from dry and preservative-free to others containing local fruits, hops, and unique barrel-aged offerings. We’ll tour the cellar and tanks, taste ferments straight from the tank and hear about their Vermont-grown series of ciders.

 

Lost Nation Brewing is a brewery with a simple mission: Produce Honest Beer. Their inspiration comes from lesser known, but gallant European style Ales & Lagers along with a love of Vermont to guide the brews. After years honing skills in the brewing and process industry, they set forth to create a brewery with a simple mission; to produce honest beer. The result is a 7,000bbl brewery located in Northern Vermont that is capable of brewing any style of ales and lagers. The brewery takes inspiration from lesser known European beer styles, along with local Vermont life to guide our brews. The attention to detail, modern equipment, and love for beer help produce truly authentic, unique beers. We’ll enjoy their new outdoor biergarten with custom built pit smoker, new menu and facilities. If time allows, we can stretch our legs and take a stroll down the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail behind the brewery. 

 

Hill Farmstead is guided by a mission to change the beer industry by creating ripples of influence and introspection. Shaun Hill has spent his professional career in pursuit of beer's pinnacle expressions, regardless of style. For more than a decade, this determined endeavor towards elegance, sophistication and tasteful simplicity has resulted in many of the most highly regarded, most sought after, and frequently lauded beverages amongst enthusiasts in both the wine and beer audience. Guided by Shaun's uncompromising vision, the brewery has become a leader and trendsetter in the brewing world—respecting the past; taking cues and inspiration from the wine and spirit communities; and refining and shaping the results to showcase the best that beer can become in the future and to help it ascend to its rightful equal footing alongside wine and spirits. We’ll take in the expansive vistas of the Northeast Kingdom while tasting some of the most critically acclaimed beers in the world.  

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The Alchemist is a family owned brewery focused on the triple bottom line, using their  business as a force for social and environmental good. Providing good jobs to Vermonters, a welcoming gathering space for all, and adding value to their community are central components of the business. Powered by solar, The Alchemist specializes in fresh, unfiltered IPA, with an unmatched focus on quality and consistency in their products. In 2017, The Alchemist became a Certified B Corp. To certify as a B Corp, a company must prove that their day-to-day operations create a positive impact for the company’s workers, community, and environment. Today, The Alchemist operates two breweries in Waterbury and Stowe and distributes Heady Topper and Focal Banger throughout the state, with the occasional out-of-state shipment. Limited specialty beers are released at the Stowe Brewery. We’ll tour their Stowe facility, learn about their Foundation and Native Beer series, enjoy their beer garden and taste the much sought after Heady Topper!