OT: - Burlington Breweries | Page 3 | The Boneyard

OT: Burlington Breweries

Hoophound said:
Tough crowd. I still grab a 12 pack of Sierra Nevada or Magic Hat once or twice per year. I like to mix it up sometimes.
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I love Sierra Nevada to death now. Their IPA is epic. Their Hazy Little Things and Hop Bullet IIPAs are staples here.
 
So the way I heard it, the first IPA's were brewed extra hoppy to better survive the voyage to India. If that's the case, why are they better enjoyed today fresh?
 
Waquoit said:
So the way I heard it, the first IPA's were brewed extra hoppy to better survive the voyage to India. If that's the case, why are they better enjoyed today fresh?
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Because hops act as both a preservative and a bittering agent. Back then the preservative aspect was key but now it is the bitterness they impart that people desire, and that fades over time.
 
Waquoit said:
So the way I heard it, the first IPA's were brewed extra hoppy to better survive the voyage to India. If that's the case, why are they better enjoyed today fresh?
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That's partly true and partly a myth. But the extent of the truth of it is that hops have some preservative qualities. So it's more about keeping the beer from literally spoiling rather than tasting better (although it probably helped that too).
 
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Waquoit said:
So the way I heard it, the first IPA's were brewed extra hoppy to better survive the voyage to India. If that's the case, why are they better enjoyed today fresh?
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The above have answered the historical myth angle well enough. I'll just add that hoppy pale ales were quite popular in England even before they began exporting to India. A great source on this topic: IPA: the executive summary

The flavors imparted from hop oils are some of the most volatile in beer. When brewing, some of these oils are converted into bitterness, which is a bit more stable than the aromatic compounds. Modern brewing techniques and procedures (like the extremely heavy use of "dry-hopping") have focused on ways to load hop-forward beers with these aromatic oils in a way that prevents as much of them as possible from converting into bitterness. However, this makes the beer often best consumed fresher for most intense flavor.
 
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Well, thanks for the good ideas for beer and food. I'll report back with updates.
 
I went to a joint called Al's French Frys about 15 years ago and they had good fries. I'm going back next week.
 
Waquoit said:
I went to a joint called Al's French Frys about 15 years ago and they had good fries. I'm going back next week.
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8893 said:
Hilton Garden Inn is a slightly better location than the main Hilton, but either is fine and both are far preferable to the Homewood Suites (but if you do end up there, go to Al's French Frys).
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It's still there, still the same, i.e., great, classic joint. I recommended it to Chin if he stays out by the airport. Order a chili dog and see if they still say "Chili on that chili dog?"
 
8893 said:
It's still there, still the same, i.e., great, classic joint. I recommended it to Chin if he stays out by the airport. Order a chili dog and see if they still say "Chili on that chili dog?"
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I'll be working by the airport so I will check out Al's. I'll specifically order a chili dog.
 
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Al’s is a classic. Vintage sign and building. Pretty cool. My brother in law loves it. I’ve never tried it but it is a local institution it seems.
 
8893 said:
It's still there, still the same, i.e., great, classic joint. I recommended it to Chin if he stays out by the airport. Order a chili dog and see if they still say "Chili on that chili dog?"
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By the way, the Prohibition Pig in Waterbury has the best Chili Dog you'll have anywhere.
 
Not one person has suggested the Alchemist?!

They don't have a brewery where you can hang out, but I go there and load up and then get a room for the night by Church Street in downtown Burlington. Down some Heady Topper in the room and then hit up some nice food and drinks in the city.
 
XLCenterFan said:
Not one person has suggested the Alchemist?!

They don't have a brewery where you can hang out, but I go there and load up and then get a room for the night by Church Street in downtown Burlington. Down some Heady Topper in the room and then hit up some nice food and drinks in the city.
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MattMang23 said:
I am going to Burlington,VT this weekend to check out some good brews. Which breweries in and around the city are a must to hit up? Any on I-91 or I-89 I shouldn’t miss either?

I want to go to Foam, but beyond that I am wide open. I don’t think there will be time to go to Stowe and beyond so unfortunately Alchemist, Von Trapp and Hill Farmstead are out.
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OP eliminated it from his consideration from the start; but nonetheless it was still mentioned and its beers suggested by at least a half dozen posters in the thread.

So, no, not one person.
 
8893 said:
OP eliminated it from his consideration from the start; but nonetheless it was still mentioned and its beers suggested by at least a half dozen posters in the thread.

So, no, not one person.
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Haha it’s all good. That always happens on Boneyard recommendation threads. I expected a bunch of people to tell me to go to Alchemist and HF.
 
I have returned from Beer Drinkers’ Disney World.

Some thoughts and reviews:

We got up on Saturday afternoon and, as a side note, the gf wanted to drive around UVM first and get a feel for the place in case any of her students want to apply there in the future. We both were impressed. Very nice campus and very short trip downtown.

First place was Simple Roots. They got pretty average reviews on Untappd and that’s clearly due to location bias. The IPA and DIPA I had there would be right up there with anything produced in CT, but they got like 3.8s. Perhaps standard Vermont beer, but they were excellent.

Went to Foam next. Wish I had more time. The brewery itself was awesome but I get the feeling it’s a better summertime brewery with the views of the lake. Best beer of the trip.

Next we hit Switchback, Queen City and Zero Gravity. Switchback was totally ehhhhh, Queen City would probably be good if you like porters, stouts and other darker beers. I don’t, and so it was the worst brewery we went to for my palate. Zero Gravity’s tap room was my favorite brewery of Saturday. Really cool spot. Beer isn’t as good as it is at Foam, and it’s probably not as good a place to hang out in summer as Foam is, but in the cold of November, it was cozy, had football on tv, and the Brett IPA was good.

We ended Saturday by going to Vermont Pub and Brewery, which we wouldn’t have minded skipping until the guy at Simple Roots said to go if for no other reason than to pay homage to the owner, who is the guy who started the whole Vermont brewery scene and was likely the reason we were even there in the first place. So we followed directions. It was OK and we left after one beer. Last place we hit Saturday was Zero Gravity’s American Flatbread. The pizza was totally worth it.

Sunday was Farm House for lunch and I had an Edward by Hill Farmstead and a Heady Topper. We really liked the food and the beer menu made this a must-go. After lunch we hit Citizen Cider. Cider isn’t really our thing but the gf’s friend wanted some cans so we complied. We then went to Burlington Beer Co and GoodWater on our way out of town. BBCo had a better tap room, but the beer I had at GoodWater was better than what I had at BBCo.

Final stops Sunday were Lawson’s and then Pro Pig. Lawson’s is the best brewery I’ve ever been to. Hands down. The taproom is brand new, the beers are A+ and the fireplace gives it a real ski lodge feel. It’s the perfect size for a brewery, has a great merch shop and they nailed the limited food menu. This is my ideal brewery.

I thought Pro Pig’s menu was too pricey. It’s good food but a small burger hardly bigger than a slider and a side of fries should not be $20. Gf liked the place and the beer but I don’t need to stop there again.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions!
 
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MattMang23 said:
I have returned from Beer Drinkers’ Disney World.

Some thoughts and reviews:

We got up on Saturday afternoon and, as a side note, the gf wanted to drive around UVM first and get a feel for the place in case any of her students want to apply there in the future. We both were impressed. Very nice campus and very short trip downtown.

First place was Simple Roots. They got pretty average reviews on Untappd and that’s clearly due to location bias. The IPA and DIPA I had there would be right up there with anything produced in CT, but they got like 3.8s. Perhaps standard Vermont beer, but they were excellent.

Went to Foam next. Wish I had more time. The brewery itself was awesome but I get the feeling it’s a better summertime brewery with the views of the lake. Best beer of the trip.

Next we hit Switchback, Queen City and Zero Gravity. Switchback was totally ehhhhh, Queen City would probably be good if you like porters, stouts and other darker beers. I don’t, and so it was the worst brewery we went to for my palate. Zero Gravity’s tap room was my favorite brewery of Saturday. Really cool spot. Beer isn’t as good as it is at Foam, and it’s probably not as good a place to hang out in summer as Foam is, but in the cold of November, it was cozy, had football on tv, and the Brett IPA was good.

We ended Saturday by going to Vermont Pub and Brewery, which we wouldn’t have minded skipping until the guy at Simple Roots said to go if for no other reason than to pay homage to the owner, who is the guy who started the whole Vermont brewery scene and was likely the reason we were even there in the first place. So we followed directions. It was OK and we left after one beer. Last place we hit Saturday was Zero Gravity’s American Flatbread. The pizza was totally worth it.

Sunday was Farm House for lunch and I had an Edward by Hill Farmstead and a Heady Topper. We really liked the food and the beer menu made this a must-go. After lunch we hit Citizen Cider. Cider isn’t really our thing but the gf’s friend wanted some cans so we complied. We then went to Burlington Beer Co and GoodWater on our way out of town. BBCo had a better tap room, but the beer I had at GoodWater was better than what I had at BBCo.

Final stops Sunday were Lawson’s and then Pro Pig. Lawson’s is the best brewery I’ve ever been to. Hands down. The taproom is brand new, the beers are A+ and the fireplace gives it a real ski lodge feel. It’s the perfect size for a brewery, has a great merch shop and they nailed the limited food menu. This is my ideal brewery.

I thought Pro Pig’s menu was too pricey. It’s good food but a small burger hardly bigger than a slider and a side of fries should not be $20. Gf liked the place and the beer but I don’t need to stop there again.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions!
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Next time skip Pro Pig and go to Reservoir Tavern. Much better in my opinion.
 
8893 said:
OP eliminated it from his consideration from the start; but nonetheless it was still mentioned and its beers suggested by at least a half dozen posters in the thread.

So, no, not one person.
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And it isn't in Burlington. The reality is that it's easier to get Heady elsewhere now. Certainly Winooski would have it.
 
DUDE YEA MAN IM TOTALLY FROM BURLINGTON I JUST ****ING LOVE THE TAKING MY SUBY TO THE MOUNTAINS AND SHREDDIN THE POW ALL DAY WHILE RAGING GREAT TUNES. YEA I GO TO UVM AND CATCH RIPPIN SHOWS ALL ****IN DAY AT NECTARS AND CHILL AT FARMHOUSE WHERE THEY HAVE THE FIRE LOCAL BREW ON TAP MOST DEF. YO BRAH HAVE YOU MET MY BOY WAGZ HE HAS BEEN WRAPPING FOR LIKE A YEAR OR MORE AND HIS **** IS SO ****ING FILTHY AND MY BUDDY SILAS IS A DOPE GLASS DESIGNER CUSTOMS ONLY BRO. YOU COMIN TO TWIDDLE THIS WEEKEND AT HIGHER GROUND? WHAT ABOUT GRACE POTTER ON THE WATER? YOU INTO THAT SCENE OR WHAT? CUZ IF YOU ARE I CAN GET YOU THE ****ING DOPEST LAKE MONSTERS FITTED FROM MY BOY IN WINOOSKI YEAH THAT'S RIGHT WINOOSKI BRO. HEY MAN WANNA SMOKE SOME OF THIS FLAME SHATTER THAT MY BOY LARSON BLASTS? OH NAH YOU ONLY ABOUT THAT FLOW? PUFFIN' FLOWER ALL DAY? DUDE YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT ****IN STATE BRO 802 RAGERS AND HEADY ASS CHICKS WHO JUST LOVE SHREDDIN SOME JER AND TOSSIN THE NODS HIS WAY ON THE REG
 
August_West said:
DUDE YEA MAN IM TOTALLY FROM BURLINGTON I JUST ****ING LOVE THE TAKING MY SUBY TO THE MOUNTAINS AND SHREDDIN THE POW ALL DAY WHILE RAGING GREAT TUNES. YEA I GO TO UVM AND CATCH RIPPIN SHOWS ALL ****IN DAY AT NECTARS AND CHILL AT FARMHOUSE WHERE THEY HAVE THE FIRE LOCAL BREW ON TAP MOST DEF. YO BRAH HAVE YOU MET MY BOY WAGZ HE HAS BEEN WRAPPING FOR LIKE A YEAR OR MORE AND HIS **** IS SO ****ING FILTHY AND MY BUDDY SILAS IS A DOPE GLASS DESIGNER CUSTOMS ONLY BRO. YOU COMIN TO TWIDDLE THIS WEEKEND AT HIGHER GROUND? WHAT ABOUT GRACE POTTER ON THE WATER? YOU INTO THAT SCENE OR WHAT? CUZ IF YOU ARE I CAN GET YOU THE ****ING DOPEST LAKE MONSTERS FITTED FROM MY BOY IN WINOOSKI YEAH THAT'S RIGHT WINOOSKI BRO. HEY MAN WANNA SMOKE SOME OF THIS FLAME SHATTER THAT MY BOY LARSON BLASTS? OH NAH YOU ONLY ABOUT THAT FLOW? PUFFIN' FLOWER ALL DAY? DUDE YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT ****IN STATE BRO 802 RAGERS AND HEADY ASS CHICKS WHO JUST LOVE SHREDDIN SOME JER AND TOSSIN THE NODS HIS WAY ON THE REG
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Was a little surprised not to see this copypasta when OP first started the thread.
 
MattMang23 said:
I have returned from Beer Drinkers’ Disney World.

Some thoughts and reviews:

We got up on Saturday afternoon and, as a side note, the gf wanted to drive around UVM first and get a feel for the place in case any of her students want to apply there in the future. We both were impressed. Very nice campus and very short trip downtown.

First place was Simple Roots. They got pretty average reviews on Untappd and that’s clearly due to location bias. The IPA and DIPA I had there would be right up there with anything produced in CT, but they got like 3.8s. Perhaps standard Vermont beer, but they were excellent.

Went to Foam next. Wish I had more time. The brewery itself was awesome but I get the feeling it’s a better summertime brewery with the views of the lake. Best beer of the trip.

Next we hit Switchback, Queen City and Zero Gravity. Switchback was totally ehhhhh, Queen City would probably be good if you like porters, stouts and other darker beers. I don’t, and so it was the worst brewery we went to for my palate. Zero Gravity’s tap room was my favorite brewery of Saturday. Really cool spot. Beer isn’t as good as it is at Foam, and it’s probably not as good a place to hang out in summer as Foam is, but in the cold of November, it was cozy, had football on tv, and the Brett IPA was good.

We ended Saturday by going to Vermont Pub and Brewery, which we wouldn’t have minded skipping until the guy at Simple Roots said to go if for no other reason than to pay homage to the owner, who is the guy who started the whole Vermont brewery scene and was likely the reason we were even there in the first place. So we followed directions. It was OK and we left after one beer. Last place we hit Saturday was Zero Gravity’s American Flatbread. The pizza was totally worth it.

Sunday was Farm House for lunch and I had an Edward by Hill Farmstead and a Heady Topper. We really liked the food and the beer menu made this a must-go. After lunch we hit Citizen Cider. Cider isn’t really our thing but the gf’s friend wanted some cans so we complied. We then went to Burlington Beer Co and GoodWater on our way out of town. BBCo had a better tap room, but the beer I had at GoodWater was better than what I had at BBCo.

Final stops Sunday were Lawson’s and then Pro Pig. Lawson’s is the best brewery I’ve ever been to. Hands down. The taproom is brand new, the beers are A+ and the fireplace gives it a real ski lodge feel. It’s the perfect size for a brewery, has a great merch shop and they nailed the limited food menu. This is my ideal brewery.

I thought Pro Pig’s menu was too pricey. It’s good food but a small burger hardly bigger than a slider and a side of fries should not be $20. Gf liked the place and the beer but I don’t need to stop there again.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions!
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Your experience mostly matches mine. I love the Lawson’s brewery. It’s ideal. Even in summer. I am a fan of Pro Pig, better food than Reservoir for sure. It’s pricey, but everything in Vermont costs more than elsewhere. The Chili Dog is awesome. Foam is indeed more fun in summer. They need to work on the cool weather ambience. IPAs are great though.
 
.-.
HuskyHawk said:
Your experience mostly matches mine. I love the Lawson’s brewery. It’s ideal. Even in summer. I am a fan of Pro Pig, better food than Reservoir for sure. It’s pricey, but everything in Vermont costs more than elsewhere. The Chili Dog is awesome. Foam is indeed more fun in summer. They need to work on the cool weather ambience. IPAs are great though.
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I just don’t like Pro Pig. I’m not sure why, maybe it is because I’ve had so much exposure to southern bbq. My whole family thinks its weak.

Reservoir is super dependable. I love the burger, mac and cheese, big salads with awesome ingredients and the new chicken steam buns are fantastic (think high quality chik- filet sandwich with a very sweet, very hot sauce, a pickle & some homemade buttermilk ranch).
 
Hoophound said:
I just don’t like Pro Pig. I’m not sure why, maybe it is because I’ve had so much exposure to southern bbq. My whole family thinks its weak.

Reservoir is super dependable. I love the burger, mac and cheese, big salads with awesome ingredients and the new chicken steam buns are fantastic (think high quality chik- filet sandwich with a very sweet, very hot sauce, a pickle & some homemade buttermilk ranch).
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I’m telling you, Blackback Pub beats them both. Especially for dinner.
 
MattMang23 said:
I have returned from Beer Drinkers’ Disney World.

Some thoughts and reviews:

We got up on Saturday afternoon and, as a side note, the gf wanted to drive around UVM first and get a feel for the place in case any of her students want to apply there in the future. We both were impressed. Very nice campus and very short trip downtown.

First place was Simple Roots. They got pretty average reviews on Untappd and that’s clearly due to location bias. The IPA and DIPA I had there would be right up there with anything produced in CT, but they got like 3.8s. Perhaps standard Vermont beer, but they were excellent.

Went to Foam next. Wish I had more time. The brewery itself was awesome but I get the feeling it’s a better summertime brewery with the views of the lake. Best beer of the trip.

Next we hit Switchback, Queen City and Zero Gravity. Switchback was totally ehhhhh, Queen City would probably be good if you like porters, stouts and other darker beers. I don’t, and so it was the worst brewery we went to for my palate. Zero Gravity’s tap room was my favorite brewery of Saturday. Really cool spot. Beer isn’t as good as it is at Foam, and it’s probably not as good a place to hang out in summer as Foam is, but in the cold of November, it was cozy, had football on tv, and the Brett IPA was good.

We ended Saturday by going to Vermont Pub and Brewery, which we wouldn’t have minded skipping until the guy at Simple Roots said to go if for no other reason than to pay homage to the owner, who is the guy who started the whole Vermont brewery scene and was likely the reason we were even there in the first place. So we followed directions. It was OK and we left after one beer. Last place we hit Saturday was Zero Gravity’s American Flatbread. The pizza was totally worth it.

Sunday was Farm House for lunch and I had an Edward by Hill Farmstead and a Heady Topper. We really liked the food and the beer menu made this a must-go. After lunch we hit Citizen Cider. Cider isn’t really our thing but the gf’s friend wanted some cans so we complied. We then went to Burlington Beer Co and GoodWater on our way out of town. BBCo had a better tap room, but the beer I had at GoodWater was better than what I had at BBCo.

Final stops Sunday were Lawson’s and then Pro Pig. Lawson’s is the best brewery I’ve ever been to. Hands down. The taproom is brand new, the beers are A+ and the fireplace gives it a real ski lodge feel. It’s the perfect size for a brewery, has a great merch shop and they nailed the limited food menu. This is my ideal brewery.

I thought Pro Pig’s menu was too pricey. It’s good food but a small burger hardly bigger than a slider and a side of fries should not be $20. Gf liked the place and the beer but I don’t need to stop there again.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions!
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Thanks. I will do my best to add to to this in December.
 
8893 said:
I’m telling you, Blackback Pub beats them both. Especially for dinner.
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Great. Will definitely try it next time. It’s one of those places we’ve decided not to go to so many times that my mind has kind of blocked it out. I’ll be pissed if I’ve been missing out for years!
 
8893 said:
I’m telling you, Blackback Pub beats them both. Especially for dinner.
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Agreed. We've been to all the beer bars in that area and Blackback always has the best tap selection.
Their food is really good too, those nachos are ridiculous.
 
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