Vermont’s craft beer scene is legendary, especially in the Mad River Valley. This valley is a hidden gem for craft beer lovers, where the passion for brewing is evident in every pint, and every brewery has a unique story to tell. At each brewery you visit, you’ll enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere and take in the beauty of the Mad River Valley while sipping on the best Vermont beer.
If you’re planning a visit, staying at our lodging in Vermont will put you right in the heart of the community. Here, you can enjoy delicious Vermont beer in the Green Mountains. Our inn offers comfortable, modern accommodations with a rustic charm that truly reflects the character of Mad River Valley. Whether you’re here for the world-class ski resorts, the scenic hiking trails, or to relax and sip on some beer, our lodge is the perfect home base.
The Mad River Valley Craft Beer Scene
The Mad River Valley is a special place for beer lovers, where many of the drinks have been named the best in the world. In this small, charming mountain town, Vermont, beer isn’t just a drink, but a reflection of the local culture, which you’ll find incredibly hospitable. Craft brewing here is more than just making beer. Rather, it’s an art that combines old traditions with new flavors to create beers that capture the unique features of Vermont, from its beauty to its people. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there’s a Vermont beer for every taste in the Mad River Valley.
Top Craft Breweries to Visit
If you’re on a quest for unique brews and unforgettable experiences, the craft brewery scene is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be explored. From hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts, each brewery offers its own distinct flavor profile and atmosphere.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids
At Lawson’s Finest Liquids, you’re in for a treat. This brewery is renowned for its meticulous brewing process and commitment to quality. Their Sip of Sunshine IPA has garnered a respectable following and is celebrated for its vibrant hop aroma and well-balanced tropical fruit flavors. Beyond the beer, the atmosphere is welcoming and cozy, often filled with locals and visitors sharing stories over pints. You might even catch one of their special releases, which sell out quickly due to high demand if you’re lucky enough. The brewery’s scenic location adds to the charm, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the stunning Vermont landscape while sipping on a truly exceptional brew.
Hill Farmstead
Hill Farmstead Brewery is a must-visit for any craft beer aficionado. Known for its farm-to-glass philosophy, Hill Farmstead crafts beers that reflect Vermont. The brewery is particularly famous for its hoppy ales, such as the Susan and Arthur, both of which showcase the delicate balance characteristic of this establishment. The rustic setting with a picturesque view of the surrounding hills provides a serene backdrop for your tasting experience. Make sure to arrive early, as their limited releases can sell out quickly.
The Alchemist
Visit The Alchemist to see why this family-owned brewery is such a big name in craft beer. They’re famous for their Heady Topper, a double IPA full of flavors like citrus and pine. You’ll find more than just great Vermont beer here, though. The open-air beer garden is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun, and you can even take a tour to get a closer look at the brewing process.
Fiddlehead Brewing Company
At Fiddlehead Brewing Company, where green is the signature color, you can sit back and relax with a delicious Vermont beer in hand. Although this brewery offers a variety of beers, their IPA stands out with its tropical fruit and citrus flavors. Folino’s Wood-Fired Pizza is next door, so don’t forget to grab a pizza to pair with your pint.
Lost Nation Brewing
Lost Nation Brewing is all about creating Vermont beer that’s rooted in tradition yet full of character. The brewery is set in a barn-like building, and its communal tables perfectly reflect the down-to-earth vibe of the entire place. As you sit and share a beer with friends, don’t forget to try their Gose—a refreshingly sour beer with hints of coriander and sea salt. Pair it with one of their sandwiches or a giant pretzel, and you’ve got yourself a great afternoon.
Other Notable Breweries
Hogback Mountain Brewing, Inc., and Lawson’s Finest Liquids are two other breweries in the Mad River Valley that you won’t want to leave off your list. Hogback Mountain Brewing has a smaller, quieter tasting room where you can try small-batch beers like their rich Red Ale, known for its malty flavor and slight sweetness. Lawson’s Finest Liquids, on the other hand, is famous for its Sip of Sunshine IPA, a bold and smooth beer with citrus and other fruit flavors.
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Go on a brewery tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Vermont beer-making process. On these tours, you’ll see how local ingredients are turned into excellent beers and even sample fresh brews as soon as they’re made.
At Lawson’s Finest Liquids, tasting flights allow you to explore a range of flavors, from hoppy IPAs to sweet maple ales, all crafted with the finest local ingredients. At The Alchemist, you can take a guided tour that explains the brewing process and then taste the latest beers.
Fiddlehead Brewing offers casual tastings in a cozy taproom, where you can sample the newest creations. Mad River Distillers has a tasting room and a distillery you can tour, and with Savor Vermont, you can go on a Micro Brewery Tour to different locations in Waitsfield and beyond.
Pairing Craft Beer with Local Cuisine
No visit to the Mad River Valley would be complete without pairing your beer with food from some of the local eateries. Toast and Eggs is a laid-back place to start each day off with a hearty breakfast. Bobcat Café and Brewery is a local favorite for lunch and dinner, offering a rustic, tavern-like atmosphere where you can enjoy dishes like their famous Bobcat Burger, made with local ingredients and served with hand-cut fries.
If you’re looking for something a little spicier, The Mad Taco serves up bold, flavorful tacos that perfectly match a hoppy IPA. At American Flatbread in Waitsfield, you can enjoy a slice of wood-fired pizza made with local ingredients as the giant stone oven warms the restaurant. Scrag & Roe offers fresh seafood in a stylish setting, and The Blue Stone is great for enjoying pizza and Vermont beer in a laid-back atmosphere.
Events and Festivals
In the Mad River Valley, you’ll also find various events and festivals that unite the community. If you’re visiting in October, the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival offers an assortment of local craft beers and food to try as you view artwork from local vendors. Foliage Weekend is another fun event that allows you to see all of Vermont’s famous fall colors. You can take a foliage lift ride on the iconic Single Chair this special weekend. After your ride, you can unwind over a meal at Stark’s Pub or visit the General Store.
Don’t miss the Middlebury Car Show & Fall Festival, which takes place in Middlebury and showcases 75 classic cars and trucks on Main Street. This lively street show features food trucks, over 50 vendors, live music, raffle drawings, and plenty of activities for kids—all for free!
Mad River Valley Is Calling
Mad River Valley is the place to make the most of the Vermont beer scene. Whether you’re touring different breweries, attending a festival, or pairing pints with food from local eateries, there’s always something new to discover here.