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brewery in killington vermont

The Best Breweries Near Killington, Vermont

Vermont is known for a few things: skiing, maple syrup, and the home of Ben and Jerry’s, just to name a few. Did you also know that Vermont has some of the very best breweries on the East Coast?

When you need a break from the slopes, it’s always a great idea to take a tour of the top local breweries in Killington. If you try all these local favorites and still want to do more exploring of the Vermont brewing industry, the regional standouts are certainly worth the drive. Your group will love sampling specialty beers that are lovingly crafted using local ingredients.

Long Trail Brewing Company

Eleven miles south of town, just off US-4 in Bridgewater Corners, rests Long Trail Brewing Company, one of the best breweries near Killington, VT. Long Trail has been a Vermont brewery tour staple since 1989. Don’t let this brewpub’s unassuming exterior fool you – they’re making some of the best American IPAs and pub food in Vermont. There’s nothing lavish about this local establishment, but the simplistic charm (including a giant moose head) has won over local beer lovers.

Foley Brothers Brewing

The 28-mile trip from Killington to Brandon is worth the journey for one reason: Foley Brothers Brewing, one of the highest-rated Vermont breweries on Untappd. Foley Brothers aren’t much more than a well-insulated shed near on the edge of a countryside golf course, but boy, can they brew exceptional batches of craft beer. Foley Brothers, known for their high-ABV double IPAs,  offers something uniquely intimate in the Green Mountains.

River Roost Brewery

We saved the best beer for last. River Roost is not only one of the best breweries near Killington VT, but it’s the 41st highest-rated microbrewery in the U.S., according to over 20,000 beer drinkers on Untappd. River Roost Brewery is approximately 34 miles east of Killington, near the New Hampshire border. Many of our visiting skiers grab a pint before or after their stay with The Killington Group. The taproom, unfortunately, doesn’t pour pints, only tasters and growler fills, so make the journey only if you’re planning a day-trip to the Hanover area.

Outer Limits Brew

This family-run business has been concocting exceptional brews for years. They use the Peter Austin Brick Kettle System and a mixed system of open and closed fermentation to create their masterpieces. You can make pre-arranged reservations online to sample their brews. 

Try the Immortal Beloved, an amber-colored lager that exhibits a rich malt aroma balanced out by Hersbrucker hops. For wheat beers, sample the Smoke Some Wheat, a Polish-style beer. The smoke character is subtle, and there are fruity accents of melon and green apple. There are also completely unique house crafts, like The Universe is a Donut Porter. Taking the traditional porter recipe and combining it with flaked white wheat, lactose, and 400 old-fashioned glazed donuts resulted in a semi-sweet, smooth, and creamy beer. 

Combine your drink with a small meal of pizza, wings, pretzels, or salad. Ingredients are locally sourced with the best Vermont has to offer!

Book your reservation today. Opening hours are from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The brewery is located at 60 Village Green, Proctorsville. 

breweries near Killington

Harpoon Brewing 

The Harpoon Brewery Taproom and Beer Garden in Windsor offers an indoor and expanded outdoor space to enjoy a fresh lineup of craft beer, cider, and seltzers. Top that off with a classic burger, fries, sandwich, or pizza from the restaurant, and you’ll be full for the rest of the day!

Featured beers include Harpoon IPA India Pale Ale, Rec. League Hazy Pale Ale, Big League Big & Juicy IPA, and DragonWeisse Session Sour. Some flavors are readily available all year, while others are offered seasonally or for a limited period. No matter what time of year you come, there is always something new available on the menu!

You can reserve your table ahead of time, though this is not required. Drop by during opening hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday or 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The brewery is located at 336 Ruth Carney Drive.

Red Clover Ale 

Named one of the top 10 new breweries in the country by USA Today and hopculture.com, this 3BBL Bradenton brewery and taproom is definitely worth a visit! Their goal is to brew an array of delicious beers with an ever-changing tap list to allow for a new drinking experience. With no fixed list of beers, you’re always in for a surprise. Some of their concoctions have included Gloria Cream Ale, Wandering Glider Table, Black and White Warbler Stout, and King Kestrel IPA. 

Visit the Red Clover Ale at 43 Center Street. They are open exclusively on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call them at 802-465-8412 for more information!

The Alchemist

When you want to visit some of the best breweries within driving distance of many of our Killington rentals, The Alchemist should be high on your list. The Alchemist is a family-owned brewery offering a great atmosphere and even better beers. 

They have a stunning beer cafe that is partially outside, so you can enjoy the greenery and the twinkling lights at night. If you want to visit, we highly recommend taking a brewery tour so you can learn more about the brewery’s history, its process, and its beers. 

The Alchemist enjoys widespread popularity due to its extensive beer selection. Among the favorites are the Alena IPA and Donovan’s Red Irish-style ale.

Fiddlehead 

Fiddlehead has been a player in Vermont’s craft brewery scene since 2011. What started as a small, local operation expanded to a larger brewery in 2017, and their beers started being sold in the surrounding states. 

While Fiddlehead has an excellent selection of beers to choose from, they’re famous for their Double IPAs. So, if you love a hoppy beer, you won’t want to miss visiting this brewery. The Fiddlehead IPA is a classic, but their Second Fiddle IPA is a close second. 

You can always get a flight to sample several of their beers while you’re here. The tasting room is a cozy space you’ll want to spend hours in. During the summer, they have outdoor events and live music in tents for patrons to enjoy. 

Lawson’s Finest Liquids

If you want to taste some of the oldest craft beer in Vermont while visiting Killington, Lawson’s Finest Liquids is where you need to head. What started as a small, home brewery operation in 2008 has grown into a large-scale brewery. 

Lawson’s Finest Liquids has a welcoming atmosphere where you’ll almost feel like family. The staff loves sharing information about the brewery and its beers and talking with visitors about where they’re from. 

The brewery has four signature beers but plenty of state-specific, limited releases and seasonal beers. We suggest trying at least one of their signature beers, like the Scrag Mountain Pils or their flagship, Sip of Sunshine IPA. If you want to try beer, you can only get in the taproom; the Mad River Maple Ale is fantastic.

Foam Brewers

What happens when a group of craft beer enthusiasts and professionals band together? You get Foam Brewers. After years of experience individually, the founders of this Vermont brewery opened Foam Brewers in 2016. 

The reason Foam Brewers stands out as one of the best to visit while you’re staying at one of our Killington rentals is that they do their best to use local ingredients whenever possible. They love their state and honor that by choosing specific ingredients from local farmers. 

While this brewery has a lot of beers to choose from, they’re known for all their hoppy beers. Some to try are their The Nameless and Dead Flowers. If you like sours, the Blushing Fruit Sour is top-notch. 

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

One of the best things to do in Killington is to take a short road trip to Burlington to visit Zero Gravity Craft Brewery. This brewery is committed to sustainability, so you can enjoy delicious craft beer while supporting a great business. 

The brewery is open for more hours than many of the other breweries, giving you more options to visit. The taproom is vibrant and a fun place to hang out and drink beer. 

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery has plenty of beer to choose from, but if you want to try their leading beer, it’s the Green State Lager. Besides that, Little Wolf and Madonna beers are excellent. 

Plan Your Stay

The perfect place to enjoy your freshly-poured growler is in one of our affordable, pristine Killington condo rentals after a glorious day on the slopes. The Killington Group provides sizable homes and affordable condos with hot tubs, fireplaces, and ski-in-and-off capabilities with all the comforts of home for the price of a hotel room.

Where To Stay

If you are looking for more places to wine and dine, there are a number of fun local Killington restaurant options, both fancy and casual. There are also distilleries in Killington you can visit for a selection of wines, cocktails, vodkas, and gins. When staying in Killington, you won’t run out of wonderful places to explore! From the natural beauty to food and beverage, Killington does not disappoint. During your stay, consider booking your Killington lodging with us. Our rentals are centrally located and provide all the comforts of home, with the added benefit of stunning views and luxurious amenities. This includes ski rentals with hot tub access and pet-friendly Killington rentals. Contact us today to make your booking!