Whilst in Vermont, soaking up the rays on the shores of Lake Champlain, Ashton, Scott, and I took a respite from our lounging and planned a brewery tour day for ourselves at the some of the finest (and closest!) breweries in Vermont. This is part One of the Vermont Brewery Tour day, and Part 4 in the Vermont Series. Needless to say, Otter Creek was simply our first stop, but what a great place to start!
Home to Otter Creek and Wolaver's Organic beers, this hidden gem is tucked in a small industrial area of Middlebury, Vermont, directly next to the Cabot dairy! We were lucky enough to get a tour right away, with only 2 other guests. Steve was our extremely hospitable and knowledgeable guide on this semi-private tour through the facility, which you can follow below. Also be sure to check out their site for upcoming events, history of the brewery, directions, hours, and beer information!
We're heeeeeeeere! Where's the beeeeeeeeeer?
I have no idea what a "firkin" is, but if it involves free beer samples then sign me up as an enthusiastic participant!
View of the brewery- beer lies within.
Glimpses of the working floor from the lobby.
First sight in the actual brewing area.
Scott and Ashton are PUMPED ON BEER. As are we all.
From the viewing platform, you can see the entire working floor, vats, hoses, storage, assembly, etc.
Here's my cup, where's yours?
This holds 1,200 gallons of delicious substance that will soon be tickling my tastebuds in delight!
Ashton approves of the hop sample.
After taking us through the working assembly area, we re-enter the lobby with Steve to view the final stages of bottling, packaging, and shipping.
A one-of-a-kind automated assembly machine. Great stuff for a small but delicious brewery, run by beer connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike!
I'd only ever had Golden Ales, which were a little hoppy for my taste, but their Copper Ale was just scrumptious. The consensus was "Tastes like pennies, but in a good way".
$1 per beer for a delicious microbrew straight from the plant? Yes please!
Read it carefully... you will be both tickled pink at their whimsy and respectful of their space!
How to decide what to take home?? The only answer is one of each. Actually, make it two...
It was the IPA special day, but they also had one of the first kegs of Octoberfest of the season on draft! Needless to say, I was ecstatic and very receptive to this early-season surprise.
Great stuff coming up, so if you have the chance to stop by be sure to catch what's going on!
The "sample" bar was a great place to mingle and talk beer.
I don't look as pleased as I actually am... beer blogging is serious business.
Otter Creek Brewing
793 Exchange St
Middlebury, VT 05753
(802) 388-0727
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