Switchback makes one of the most popular draught beers in Vermont. They're not a big brewery, nor do they try to tons of different brews. They just make one good beer, plus one seasonal beer and as for now they pretty much only distribute in Vermont. The brewery offers free tours just one day a week. Saturday at 1:00 or 2:00, so you'd be best off making a reservation before you go.
Our tour guide seemed pretty knowlegeable about the whole beer-making thing. He is one of their actual brewers, not just some random guy they hired off the street to give tours. The nice thing about this tour is that they really bring you up and close to where they make everything. A lot of other tours I've been on just show you a window to look down on the productions, but because this brewery is small enough, they can really show you everything!
And of course, the best part about any brewery tour is the beer tasting. We got to have samples of both their normal brew, plus their seasonal brew.
Switchback has no website, but they do have a facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/SwitchbackBrewingCompany
Tours are at 1:00 and 2:00pm on Saturdays. Call for reservations.
Switchback Brewery
160 Flynn Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
802-651-4114
As someone who loves Vermont and beer, look into getting the VT brewery passport! You collect stamps at all of the breweries you go to, and then turn it in at the end and get free stuff (t-shirts, keychains, etc). It's mostly a fun challenge to visit the breweries. Also, if you're anywhere near Cabot cheese you should stop by their tasting room for many free cheese samples!
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