A perfect day breaks for the Vermont Brewers Festival along Lake
Champlain. Photos by Charlie Papazian
The 40 days and 40 nights of rain and overcast skies began to break as the beers were set up for the opening of the Vermont Brewers Festival, July 17 and 18. By one hour into the Saturday afternoon session the sod was still soggy but the sun came out to stay and beer enthusiasts rejoiced. The sun set slowly over Lake Champlain to the west and everybody sings.
38 brewers and their beers attended, serving plenty of great and special brews. Often the brewers themselves were on hand to share their brews. The lines were long and thirsty, but no one was complaining. Both classic Witbiers and “black” witbiers seemed to be the most popular style offered, with creative and interesting beers often on other tap handles. Unlike a west coast fest, IPA’s were few and far between.
Vermont brewers were well represented and accompanied by a handful of out of state brewers from as far away as Delaware and California, if you can imagine Delaware as far away. Perhaps a bit off centered as always the beer line was the longest at Dogfish Head, but that’s not to say that there was diminished enthusiasm for the local brewers. Not in the least!
Take a look at the accompanying slide show. Pictures tell the story of thousands of brew; the lord’s work served over the past weekend.
Next: Beyond Burlington beer flows alongside rivers and the Green Mountains
Also see: Vermont brewers fashioning cutting edge beers
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