OT: Burlington Breweries

[Chin Diesel]

So, been here a week, and while not from Burlington,Long Trail's Imperial Stout Sour is by far best beer I've had this week. The gose takes some of the thickness out of the stout and the stout takes some of the tart out of the gose.

One of the best beers I've had in years.

 

[8893]

So, been here a week, and while not from Burlington,Long Trail's Imperial Stout Sour is by far best beer I've had this week. The gose takes some of the thickness out of the stout and the stout takes some of the tart out of the gose.

One of the best beers I've had in years.

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Interesting. Someone check on @storrsroars . Something like this could kill him.

Not a fan of Long Trail but I would try this out of curiosity. I like blending cider with Guinness (I think they call it a “Snakebite”) and this sounds like it would result in a similar taste.

 

[Waquoit]

Shouldn't this thread be in another forum?

 

[Chin Diesel]

Knocked back Heady Topper, Focal Banger and a L'il Juicy today at Barnyard pizza in Winooski today.

Had Heady Toppers and Bangers out of the can. Heady Toppers are way over rated. Focal Banger is worth every bit of its reputation. Had a couple of sips of L'il Juicy out of the tap and wasn't too impressed. Then I killed the last 10-12 ounces in like 3 sips. I'll vouch for that beer if anyone asks.

Got a white garlic sauce pie with sausage, sun dried tomatoes, fresh basil and artichoke hearts. That was damn good.

 

[8893]

Knocked back Heady Topper, Focal Banger and a L'il Juicy today at Barnyard pizza in Winooski today.

Had Heady Toppers and Bangers out of the can. Heady Toppers are way over rated. Focal Banger is worth every bit of its reputation. Had a couple of sips of L'il Juicy out of the tap and wasn't too impressed. Then I killed the last 10-12 ounces in like 3 sips. I'll vouch for that beer if anyone asks.

Got a white garlic sauce pie with sausage, sun dried tomatoes, fresh basil and artichoke hearts. That was damn good.

I also prefer Focal Banger to Heady Topper, but in fairness to Heady Topper, it earned its outsize reputation when it was among a handful of OG, top-end New England IPAs and now there are literally hundreds of them.

Don’t know the pizza joint, but sounds like they have their beers and pies in order.

Awaiting the report from Al’s.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I also prefer Focal Banger to Heady Topper, but in fairness to Heady Topper, it earned its outsize reputation when it was among a handful of OG, top-end New England IPAs and now there are literally hundreds of them.

Don’t know the pizza joint, but sounds like they have their beers and pies in order.

Awaiting the report from Al’s.

Oh yeah. Al's. Legendary. Went there for early dinner last Thursday or Friday around 3-4 pm. God Bless America. Al's fry's are served by the cup, the pint and the quart. Someone had ordered a quart and it was indescribable in size. Could easily feed 8 adults.

I ordered the double cheeseburger thanks to recommendations here. The double is the about the size of a Wendy's Double Stack. Also ordered a dog plain. Guy at the register DID NOT ask if I wanted chili on it. The chili dog is a different price than the regular dog, so as I got in the queue to get my food, the guy on the grill didn't ask about chili. Decent food, glad I went. French Fries. By the quart. What a hoot.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Tried this as part of a flight over the weekend. I've had a few other PB beers and this is real good for what you'd expect. Took a four pack to enjoy this week.

From Otter Greek Brewing out of Middlebury.

Part of same company who has equity in Long Trail and Shed Brewing.

 

[8893]

Oh yeah. Al's. Legendary. Went there for early dinner last Thursday or Friday around 3-4 pm. God Bless America. Al's fry's are served by the cup, the pint and the quart. Someone had ordered a quart and it was indescribable in size. Could easily feed 8 adults.

I ordered the double cheeseburger thanks to recommendations here. The double is the about the size of a Wendy's Double Stack. Also ordered a dog plain. Guy at the register DID NOT ask if I wanted chili on it. The chili dog is a different price than the regular dog, so as I got in the queue to get my food, the guy on the grill didn't ask about chili. Decent food, glad I went. French Fries. By the quart. What a hoot.

Nice report.

I was probably unclear describing the Al’s chili thing: they only ask it when you order a chili dog, and it’s one of the guys working the grill or assembling the order who shouts “Chili on that chili dog?” It always causes you to do a double take, like, Why are they asking me this?

 

[Chin Diesel]

Nice report.

I was probably unclear describing the Al’s chili thing: they only ask it when you order a chili dog, and it’s one of the guys working the grill or assembling the order who shouts “Chili on that chili dog?” It always causes you to do a double take, like, Why are they asking me this?

I kind of got that joke. I had a few locals in the line ahead of me and I was listening to what they told the cashier they wanted on their food. And then I realized the line cook and the person who threw toppings on asked everyone what they wanted. I was amused. Especially one older couple (at least in their 80's) who confidently spoke to the cashier their topping choices but really struggled when asked by the cooking crew 2 minutes later.

On a side note it looked like they may have had white vinegar in the clear ketchup/mustard squeeze bottles at each table. I'm all for some malt vinegar on fresh cut fries. Anywho I squeezed a bit of the clear liquid on to my tray and tried to get a whiff to see what it was. Couldn't get any smell or scent so I left it alone.

 

[8893]

I kind of got that joke. I had a few locals in the line ahead of me and I was listening to what they told the cashier they wanted on their food. And then I realized the line cook and the person who threw toppings on asked everyone what they wanted. I was amused. Especially one older couple (at least in their 80's) who confidently spoke to the cashier their topping choices but really struggled when asked by the cooking crew 2 minutes later.

On a side note it looked like they may have had white vinegar in the clear ketchup/mustard squeeze bottles at each table. I'm all for some malt vinegar on fresh cut fries. Anywho I squeezed a bit of the clear liquid on to my tray and tried to get a whiff to see what it was. Couldn't get any smell or scent so I left it alone.

Yeah, that’s the joke I guess. It’s like a social experiment if you’re not familiar with it, because it’s a bit disorienting to be snapped to attention by a different person who is commanding you to confirm what you just ordered two minutes ago.

Pretty sure they have vinegar there, but probably not as good as the vinegar you’re used to.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Sip of Sunshine definitely earns its stripes. It's way above solid. Still not sure about Lawson's Finest Liquids in Vermont but the brewing being done at Two Roads in Stratford, Ct. I'll leave that up to whomever cares. I just like the beer.

 

[Waquoit]

FWIW, Sip has only been brewed in CT. This is a good article about the situation.

 

[Chin Diesel]

FWIW, Sip has only been brewed in CT. This is a good article about the situation.

Great read. Thanks. Explains why a bunch oflocals were saying you have to go straight to the brewery to get the freshest and newest stuff.

Last night in area tonight. Still gotta check Fiddlehead.

 

[8893]

FWIW, Sip has only been brewed in CT. This is a good article about the situation.

Great read, thanks. Knew a lot but not all; this tidbit was definitely new to me:

"Equally attractive to Sean was the soft, low-mineral profile of the water in Stratford, Connecticut, which was almost identical to the water Sean had been brewing with, and which produced his desired flavor profile."

 

[Chin Diesel]

So, wrapping up a week in Burlington in the time of the 'rona.

Interesting vibe. About 50/50 on people masking up while outdoors walking and stuff. Inside bars and restaurants was much more lax. Several restaurants were takeout/delivery only, some had outside dining available along with limited inside dining.

Takeaways?

Focal Banger and Little Sip beat the snot out of Heady Topper and Sip of Sunshine.

As far as in person dining, Foam wasn't available. Me and my co-worker hit up Sweetwaters, RiRa,Farmhouse, Vermont Pub and Brewery, Hearth/Zero Gravity.

Each had limited in person dining but most of the beer was available for outside dining or to go dining.

Overall was Meh.

This area is great overall, but the 'rona has turned it in to a regulatory mess and completely lacks any personality.

I'll finish off with Switchback Ale and Lawson Little Sip were by far the two best beers I had this week.

I

 

[XLCenterFan]

So, wrapping up a week in Burlington in the time of the 'rona.

Interesting vibe. About 50/50 on people masking up while outdoors walking and stuff. Inside bars and restaurants was much more lax. Several restaurants were takeout/delivery only, some had outside dining available along with limited inside dining.

Takeaways?

Focal Banger and Little Sip beat the snot out of Heady Topper and Sip of Sunshine.

As far as in person dining, Foam wasn't available. Me and my co-worker hit up Sweetwaters, RiRa,Farmhouse, Vermont Pub and Brewery, Hearth/Zero Gravity.

Each had limited in person dining but most of the beer was available for outside dining or to go dining.

Overall was Meh.

This area is great overall, but the 'rona has turned it in to a regulatory mess and completely lacks any personality.

I'll finish off with Switchback Ale and Lawson Little Sip were by far the two best beers I had this week.

I

Traveling in a pandemic. Because? And what do you expect for an experience?

Burlington was the last place I was pre-corona. After the Houston game I went up there for a few nights. Was there right before the world shut down. Man I miss being able to travel.

Also I agree on your beer take.

 

[HuskyHawk]

So, wrapping up a week in Burlington in the time of the 'rona.

Interesting vibe. About 50/50 on people masking up while outdoors walking and stuff. Inside bars and restaurants was much more lax. Several restaurants were takeout/delivery only, some had outside dining available along with limited inside dining.

Takeaways?

Focal Banger and Little Sip beat the snot out of Heady Topper and Sip of Sunshine.

As far as in person dining, Foam wasn't available. Me and my co-worker hit up Sweetwaters, RiRa,Farmhouse, Vermont Pub and Brewery, Hearth/Zero Gravity.

Each had limited in person dining but most of the beer was available for outside dining or to go dining.

Overall was Meh.

This area is great overall, but the 'rona has turned it in to a regulatory mess and completely lacks any personality.

I'll finish off with Switchback Ale and Lawson Little Sip were by far the two best beers I had this week.

I

Wild. Little Sip is one of the most disappointing IPAs I’ve had. Didn’t like it at all. Like a throwback to 15 years ago. Maybe you just like that style. Switchback is a nice amber. Everything at Foam is way better than either.

But people like what they like.