Vermont?

[Kalleh1]

I will be spending next week at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT, for a conference. We have a lot of free time (unusual for me at conferences), and I will be renting a car. Are there any good places for beer around there? I especially like cask conditioned beers or English-style ales, though anything good is fine. Thanks!

[jlttb]

I don't think you'll be far from Jasper Murdock's Ale House at the Norwich Inn (http://www.norwichinn.com/). A very nice little place with good food, too. I liked the Red Ale, but click the 'Brewery' Link on the pub sites for a full beer list.

[newportstorm]

Here is a list of breweries and brewpubs in VT from BeerAdvocate's BeerFly:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beerfly/list?path=%2Fbeerfly%2Flist&sort=name&name=&city=&s_id=VT&c_id=&zip=&area=&submit=+search+&brewery=Y&brewpub=Y

You can easily hit a few in a day. Might want to drive south and start at Harpoon's VT facility in Windsor (all of their 100 Barrel Series beers are brewed here, I believe), on to Long Trail in Bridgewater Corners, over to the aforementioned Norwich Inn and maybe a side trip into NH to see the Seven Barrel Brewpub in Lebanon (just over the border):

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/1482/

Oh, BTW, Harpoon is hosting the New England BBQ Championship this weekend. Might be worth checking out:

http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/events/nebbq/index.htm

Burlington is a great beer town as is McNeill's in Brattleboro, but those two are much longer drives in totally opposite directions. Have a good time.

Cheers!

[Kalleh1]

Thanks! Actually, even in our Lake Morey Resort here there are 3 microbrews on tap, and the one I had is excellent. I didn't expect good beer here, but I am wrong!

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Kalleh1
Thanks! Actually, even in our Lake Morey Resort here there are 3 microbrews on tap, and the one I had is excellent. I didn't expect good beer here, but I am wrong!

Vermonters are pretty loyal and supportive of their local brews. Most restaurants/pubs will probably serve at least something from Magic Hat, Otter Creek or Long Trail.

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

There is another Board Member heading to Vermont This week. I've PMed him that your going to be up there Kalleh. Not sure if your going to be in the same areas but he may contact you.

I agree with Newport that Vermonters are supportive of their brewpubs and were one of the early esatern states to embrace micro and craft brewing. It has been a while since I was up there but I have taken brew tours through there on more than one trip.

[threecb]

I am that board member that Chaz mentions. I'll be camping outside of Bennington which is in the way-SouthWest Corner of the state. I looks as though Kalleh is more central-eastern.

My wife and I may try to make it to McNeill's though. And we're contemplating the BBQ Championship at Harpoon, but mapquest says it's 2 hours from our campsite.

Depending on things, perhaps we can plan to meet up.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by threecb
I'll be camping outside of Bennington which is in the way-SouthWest Corner of the state. I looks as though Kalleh is more central-eastern.

My wife and I may try to make it to McNeill's though. And we're contemplating the BBQ Championship at Harpoon, but mapquest says it's 2 hours from our campsite.

If you head over to McNeill's in Brattleboro, consider stoppping here in Wilmington for lunch as McNeill's doesn't really serve food - 'bout halfway between Bennington and Brattleboro on Route 9:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beerfly/user_reviews/344/

Also, if you want to take home McNeill's bombers consider the Food Co-op down the street as I've heard they have a better selection and may even take better care of them - the cooler at McNeill's was near a big picture window last time I was there.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beerfly/user_reviews/4281/

Cheers!

[threecb]

Thanks, newport, I saw that thread on McNeill's recently on BA talking about where to get bottles. It seems like an "interesting" place!;)

We went to Mapleleaf last year when we were camping in the area and had an excellent time. It seems like this place is much more nuts in the winter. It was mellow when we were in there (June 03) but after eating we moved to the bar and made friends.

However, it looks like they sold the place and it's going to be redone. It may be closed when we're there. We'll give a call and find out for sure.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by threecb
Thanks, newport, I saw that thread on McNeill's recently on BA talking about where to get bottles. It seems like an "interesting" place!

We went to Mapleleaf last year when we were camping in the area and had an excellent time. It seems like this place is much more nuts in the winter. It was mellow when we were in there (June 03) but after eating we moved to the bar and made friends.

However, it looks like they sold the place and it's going to be redone. It may be closed when we're there. We'll give a call and find out for sure.

Interesting...and then some. If you have any hippie garb, Dead t-shirts, tie-dye, etc. consider wearing it to blend in. :D The service is laid back, a little aloof, some might say bordering on Gen-Y rude. Go with the flow and enjoy the cheap, tasty beer (usually $2.50-$3.50/pint including a cask or two).

Hope the Maple Leaf is still around. Not the best place I've been but an oasis in the middle of ski country. Have fun.

Cheers!

[threecb]

Here's a bit from the MLM&B website:

sold (http://www.mapleleafbrewery.com/whatsnew.htm)

I think I saw on pubcrawler that it's due to close and reopen soon...

[chazwicke]

There used to be a brewpub in Bennington. And outside of Brattleboro there was a great campground. Becareful in both places. I got parking tickets in both but succesfully argued with one meter maid and he took it back.

[threecb]

There's still one in Bennington -- Madison Brewing. It's ok. Nothing real special. Beers are hit or miss. And I did see the parking nazis patrolling the streets of Bennington.

[chazwicke]

Parking Nazi is right! What kind of sicko takes a job like that. Knowing that you are roundly dispised. I've argues with many of them from Vermont to Oxford England. They are loathe to retract a ticket once it is written even if they are in the wrong. I know we made fun of lawyers on another thread but I really consider meter maids a very low form of life. Nasty people.

[Kalleh1]

I have been very impressed with the microbrews that I have tasted, and the bartender, even in a resort, knew a lot about them. I was surprised.

I will be at the Norwich Inn tomorrow night if by any chance you can get there, threecb.

[threecb]

Originally posted by Kalleh1
I have been very impressed with the microbrews that I have tasted, and the bartender, even in a resort, knew a lot about them. I was surprised.

New England really is a micro haven. They take the craft brews seriously. What's on tap in the resort? All locals? Sounds excellent.

I will be at the Norwich Inn tomorrow night if by any chance you can get there, threecb.

Unfortunately, we won't actually be in VT until Thursdayish. We're going to be staying near Amherst, MA for a night. We want to visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. (My wife has a big kiddie lit collection -- teacher and all that).

Oh, Yeah, and we'll hit a brewery or 2 in Western Mass!:D

I hope you enjoy the Norwich Inn. I've never been, but've heard good things about it.

[chazwicke]

I've been there. Jasper Murdock's. Charming place and the beer was pretty decent. It was probably about 8 or 9 years ago though. I think. I agree with Threecb that New England is a great place for good beer. My neighbor works for the new Independant Air and he gave me two free round trip tickets so I think the wife and I will be flying up to Maine in Sept.

[threecb]

Originally posted by chazwicke
My neighbor works for the new Independant Air and he gave me two free round trip tickets so I think the wife and I will be flying up to Maine in Sept.

Oh, you lucky dawg! My wife and I are thinking of a fall trip to the Portland area. It's been too long!

[chazwicke]

It has been a while for us too. Two years! I generally go annually as we love Maine. We even researched retiring there and looked for property. I'm still looking, actually, via the internet and a realtor up there. We are looking at the week of 19th - 25th. We'll probably hit Acadia / Bar Harbor, Boothbay and Camden / Rockland / Rockport areas. But we'll fly into Portland.

[Kalleh1]

What's on tap in the resort? All locals? Sounds excellent.

Not being from the east, I just don't recall. However, they were all 3 from local breweries, and the bartender went into detail as to where they were from and how they were brewed. One was a red beer, another a summer ale, and the one I loved was a traditional ale.

The pub at the Norwich Inn (Jasper Murdock's Alehouse) was lovely, and the food was quite good. I had a Fuggle and Barleycorn, and it was excellent. The hops and pale barley malt are imported from England. Their beer is only available in their pub.

Jasper Murdock's has been in operation since 1797, and apparently it is the smallest brewery in America. I would highly recommend it to you easterners!:D

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
We'll probably hit Acadia / Bar Harbor, Boothbay and Camden / Rockland / Rockport areas. But we'll fly into Portland.

Hurt me! I always loved Camden and I have a soft spot for Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor. Look into the Kenniston Hill Inn in Boothbay.

S.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
Hurt me! I always loved Camden and I have a soft spot for Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor. Look into the Kenniston Hill Inn in Boothbay.

S.

My wife and I stayed at that Inn last year for our first anniversary. Nice place - relaxing. The Boothbay area isn't a beerlover's paradise but I found a few good spots to sit a while with some Carrabasset Pale Ale or Summer Ales.

Boathouse Bistro & Grill:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beerfly/user_reviews/6714

Twin Schooner (Wiscasset):
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beerfly/user_reviews/6715
*only problem was the awful, old keg of Sheepscot Hefe they had pouring - blech!

And Sheepscot Valley Brewing isn't that far from Boothbay area but I didn't get a chance to stop there and try some fresh Hefe:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/2674/

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

I've Stayed in Boothbay Harbor many times. I love it there. But truthfully, I love all of Maine. From Moosehead Lake to the Yorks. I definitely would want to locate somewhere near the coast though. About the only place I have not visited is Khatadan. and this year i'm not in good shape to do that climb but one day I will. I love my home state of Virginia but Maine is a close second. And I've visited 44 of the states.

[Kalleh1]

Someone had asked what they have on tap here at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee. It is:

Longwater Ale brewed in Bridgewater, VT - my personal favorite

Trout River Rainbow Red Ale brewed in Burke, VT

Harpoon Summer Ale brewed in Boston, but theirs is brewed in Windsor, VT

I have had them all, and they are all good.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Kalleh1
Someone had asked what they have on tap here at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee. It is:

Longwater Ale brewed in Bridgewater, VT - my personal favorite

Trout River Rainbow Red Ale brewed in Burke, VT

Harpoon Summer Ale brewed in Boston, but theirs is brewed in Windsor, VT

I have had them all, and they are all good.

I think you may mean Longtrail Ale (an alt-style bier) brewed in Bridgewater Corners. Have some in the fridge as I type. Very popular on tap in Vermont. Nice beer.

Trout River's Red was the best of the bunch I picked up while on a camping trip last year. The Choc Oatmeal Stout was thin and lacking, the Hoppin' Mad Pale Ale was anything but a Pale Ale and the Scottish...well, we won't even go there. That said, I'd give 'em a try if I saw them on draft. They don't date their bottles so I have no idea how old they were. Then again, I'm not alone in my feelings for Trout River.

Harpoon Summer is a nice local Kolsch. Harpoon bought the old Catamount facility about 4 years ago as they outgrew their Boston facility (which has since been upgraded). I believe they do a lot of the seasonals and special 100 Barrel Series beer in Windsor.

Not a bad selection for a resort. Enjoy the local flavor...

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

I too like Long Trail. It was one of my all time favorite Vermont beers. I have a hat from my visit to the brewery. On that same trip I visited and toured Catamount and Jasper Murdock's amoung others. It was over a decade ago I think.

[fretlessman71]

So what beer local to Burlington or Vermont would make the best next Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream flavor?

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
I think you may mean Longtrail Ale (an alt-style bier) brewed in Bridgewater Corners.

Uh - oh Kalleh, that's a German ale! Better look out, your tastes could be changing! ;)

S.

P.S. - I promise I won't tell Richard!

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
My wife and I stayed at that Inn last year for our first anniversary. Nice place - relaxing. The Boothbay area isn't a beerlover's paradise but I found a few good spots to sit a while with some Carrabasset Pale Ale or Summer Ales.

I haven't been back since about 1986 or 87, and I'm pretty sure it has different owners now, but the inn looks about the same in the pics at the web site. Do they still offer breakfast brandy? I found that quaint in a colonial feel.

I wasn't too much into good beer back then. In fact, there wasn't much to be had! But we did take a day-trip to Boston and dined at Legal Seafood where I had this new, odd, flavorful local beer called Sam Adams. ;)

S.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
I haven't been back since about 1986 or 87, and I'm pretty sure it has different owners now, but the inn looks about the same in the pics at the web site. Do they still offer breakfast brandy? I found that quaint in a colonial feel.

I wasn't too much into good beer back then. In fact, there wasn't much to be had! But we did take a day-trip to Boston and dined at Legal Seafood where I had this new, odd, flavorful local beer called Sam Adams.

S.

Not sure on the breakfast brandy. Though I think I saw a decanter of some liquor in the entry parlor. I'd assume you could indulge if you wanted to. I was doing lots of hiking, kayaking, etc. so I held off on the booze...until at least noon :D

Whoa! Wait a minute. You were in "Seafood Capital USA" and you drove to Boston for fresh fish?!! Lucky the local Mainiacs didn't find out - j/k. Not sure when the big Maine micro revolution really started. Maybe Geary's was in its infancy back then. It's full blown now though.

Cheers!

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
So what beer local to Burlington or Vermont would make the best next Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream flavor?

I'm surprised the hippies over at Magic Hat haven't formed a relationship for an ice cream flavor yet. While I don't really enjoy #9, it is a popular, fruity beer that could be whipped into a tasty summer ice cream. Maybe incorporate their Ravell (vanilla porter) or their Heart of Darkness (oatmeal stout) into a dark, rich treat. For widespread appeal, I'd think only a well known brewery like MH that has some crossover appeal, would make sense.

Cheers!

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Whoa! Wait a minute. You were in "Seafood Capital USA" and you drove to Boston for fresh fish?!! Lucky the local Mainiacs didn't find out - j/k.

We didn't drive to Boston specifically for the Legal Seafood - it was brand new and recommended to us by the (then) owners of the Inn (of course, they were Vermonters! ;)).

And not to worry, we made a great dent in the seafood supply in Maine! I will never eat lobster anywhere else again. There used to be a great spot on Hwy 1 outside Bath, Taste of Maine, I believe it was called. It had a great view of the ocean and - what they referred to as - a seafood happy hour. From 3:00 to 6:00 or 7:00 you could get a 1 lb lobster for some outrageous price (memory fails me, but maybe $4?), or all-you-can-eat cold, cracked crab claws (blue point?). That place was great. Sigh.

Not sure when the big Maine micro revolution really started. Maybe Geary's was in its infancy back then. It's full blown now though.

I only remember getting Geary's from Beers Across America later in the 80s, though I wasn't searching very hard back then.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by newportstorm
I'm surprised the hippies over at Magic Hat haven't formed a relationship for an ice cream flavor yet. While I don't really enjoy #9, it is a popular, fruity beer that could be whipped into a tasty summer ice cream. Maybe incorporate their Ravell (vanilla porter) or their Heart of Darkness (oatmeal stout) into a dark, rich treat. For widespread appeal, I'd think only a well known brewery like MH that has some crossover appeal, would make sense.

Cheers!
Wonder if I can get that stuff over here in CO...

[Kalleh1]

I think you may mean Longtrail Ale (an alt-style bier) brewed in Bridgewater Corners.

Oh, yes, I am sorry. I did mean Longtrail. Yes, Steve, I guess my tastes are changing.;)

[chazwicke]

Cask Ale is still best though!!

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Cask Ale is still best though!!

In your opinion. ;)

Not to worry Kalleh, changing tastes only opens you up for more enjoyment - nothing says you can't have an Alt today and a CC bitter tomorrow! In fact, I might just have both today!

S.

[threecb]

Back to the grind here...

I made it to McNeill's, Maple Leaf (which was still open, but it still seems like change is in the air) and Madison (which was much worse than I remembered -- kind of extracty..)

Also made it to Northampton Brewery and Amherst Brewing, both in Mass.

Overall, a beerific time!

[chazwicke]

I like McNeills but not Madison in Bennington. I could not even remember the name of it. That's how un memorable it was. Which brewery thta you visited was best?

[threecb]

Out of all the ones that I listed, I liked Northampton the best overall. Great beer and excellent food. Nice atmosphere and friendly service.

The best beer was McNeill's. They had 2 cask ales -- Summer Bitter and Dead Horse IPA -- both were awesome. Funky atmosphere, and service wasn't bad at all to us out-of-towners. Beers were promptly refilled. We were there in mid-afternoon, so it wasn't crowded, though downtown Brattleboro was jammin'.

Of the other 3:

Amherst had average food and average beer. Not very exciting. Not much more to say about this place. Decent bar area.

Maple Leaf was a quick stop to wait out a rain shower before we went to set up camp. Only had the Californication Ale (Common/Steam), which was really good. Nice fruity nose with a decent hop finish. I should've gotten a growler of this one. The new brewer/owner (i think-he might've been the same brewer who now owns the place) seems to be getting things going strong. 3 of his beers on with more in the tanks. Very friendly place with a local feel, but not "locals only".

Madison Brewing in Bennington, was pretty bad, I hate to say. The bock that I had and the honey wheat that my wife had were off. Either old, or extract brewed or something. The Pale was drinkable, but underneath the hops there was that same off flavor. We were disappointed.