Perfect Pairings
Feb 27, 2023 10:04AM ● By Janani Varatharajan
We know it’s cold! There’s snow and frigid temperatures this time of year. But you know what else it is? It’s the perfect time to design your own personal tasting tour. A tour that isn't just the finest brews, ciders, and local spirits made in the state—it's also paired with perfectly delectible dishes so good you won’t even notice it’s five degrees with a wind chill of minus ten!
Get into the incredible food and drink pairings tour! Just don't forget to give us a shout on our social when you do!
PROHIBITION PIG
Spending a Winter afternoon at the “Pig” in Waterbury is an event, not a stop. Check out “Buy the Farm” and pair it with the Pro Pig Original Skiff Lager. It is like a southern vacation on a cold day!
PUBLIC HOUSE AT QUECHEE
Andrew, the Public House owner, brings us Majesty Danish baby back ribs, slow roasted to perfection and served with mashed potato & fresh vegetables. Recommended pairing: Fiddlehead IPA.
IDLETYME BREWING COMPANY
Claudia from Idletyme Brewing Company says, “our shaved prime rib sandwich is thinly sliced on focaccia with Swiss cheese, and sautéed onions. Au jus sauce is served on the side, and it is paired with our lighter beers like Kolsch or Munich Pilsner.”
SHELBURNE TAP HOUSE
Barbara Cote suggests their
Tagine fresh-roasted fall
vegetables and beans that
are served in a roasted acorn
squash w/saffron couscous.
Pair this tasty Moroccan Stew
with Citizen’s Cider “Unified
Press” for its crisp & refreshing
apple notes.
WHIRLIGIG BREWING COMPANY
Chef, brewer and owner, Geoffrey Sewake, of Whirligig Brewing in St Johnsbury, Vermont recently opened his kitchen which highlights familiar yet exciting dishes like the après Swiss dish, Raclette, and baby back ribs glazed in a miso and honey sauce. We recommend you try the smoked baby back ribs, paired with a single barrel wild fermented Of This Place: Local Apple, a collaboration with the East Burke School.
DOC PONDS
The Doc (okay, Eric) sent us their recommendation for next time you’re in. The smoky Vermont half chicken with cabbage slaw and chimichurri. Order it and listen to the next LP dropped. Bartender Tom Rowlett suggests pairing it with Good Measure’s East Street Bitter.
LAWON’S FINEST LIQUIDS
Lawson’s checked in with their Vermont Grilled Cheese. After a day on the hill, warm up in Lawson’s Finest Taproom with a fresh beer and a bite from their expanded menu, which features small plates. Dress up your grilled cheese with pesto and bacon or simply enjoy the gooey goodness of Cabot cheddar cheese. Pair it with a Scrag Mountain Pils or a Double Sunshine IPA to brighten your day
MILL RIVER BREWING
Mill River Brewing has a new tap house! We recommend their classic wood fired pizza, made with pepperoni, sausage, red onions, roasted bell peppers, black olives, mushrooms and banana peppers.
RED BARN BREWING
This is a new menu item! Red Barn nachos! Layered tortilla chips, queso, house- made pulled pork and jalapeños! Toss in BBQ sauce or Buffalo sauce and wash it down with an Iris New England IPA! Nachos and beer equals deliciousness!!
THE BENCH
You had us at wood-fired. Wood fired K duck. Dry rubbed for in a juniper-rosemary seasoning. The breast is prepared to medium rare, with leg and thigh confit, roasted carrots, parsnips, broccolini and fingerling potatoes. Finished with an orange demi-glace. Perfectly paired with a Hill Farmstead Edward.
CALEDONIA SPIRITS
Caledonia Spirits has been collaborating with Jasper Hill in a couple of different ways. But we’re told that pairing a nice Barr Hill gin cocktail with a dive into a Jasper Hill Ginnimere is incredible!
BIG FATTYS BBQ, WHITE RIVER
Go hog wild at Big Fatty’s. Chicken, ribs, brisket. You name it. And what should you pair it with? Take a walk over to their craft store stocked with the best Vermont has to offer!
BENT HILL BREWING
Bent Hill is known for their beer and now it’s time to let you know what to pair it with at their tap room: house-made maple buffalo cauliflower tacos. Battered and fried cauliflower, topped with pineapple salsa and cilantro crema, it pairs perfect with our classic Maple Red Ale!
EDELWEISS MOUNTAIN DELI
Edelweiss Mountain Deli has an Impressive craft beer selection, and food too! This pairing should tell you all you need to know. Grilled Buffalo chicken, Jasper Hill Bayley Hazen Blue, Cabot cheddar & bacon on sourdough. Paired with Foam Brewers’ Champagne from a Paper Cup classic American lager.
RIVER GARDEN MARKETPLACE, BRATTLEBORO
Love this place! Love the vibe! Tim and crew bring us the Muf- fuletta Sandwich, paired with Whetstone’s version of a classic pilsner that plays on the rich, bready character of Pilsner malt and the subtle spiciness of Saaz hops. Crisp & refreshing.
www.rivergardenmarketplace.com
GOOD MEASURE BREWING
Scott from Good Measure brings us his favorite pairing. 1000 Stone Farm (Brookfield) fried mushrooms, with their house American Farmhouse Ale: Barn Coat. They're brilliant together! Check it out. Oh and they've expanded too!
THE RESERVOIR
Love the Rez! And have you checked out Big Tree Brewing? Try the pan seared wild sockeye salmon, served with couscous, heirloom cherry tomatoes, steamed broccolini, and a pan spinach cream sauce. Perfectly paired with a Big Tree Brewing Glampin’ Pilsner.
PARADISO HIFI LOUNGE
Grab some company and head over to the Paradiso HiFi Lounge. How about a braised leek with pickled and charred cipollini onions and Russian black bread? Or a butter poached squid with dashi and crispy kelp? Pair either with a Four Quarters Mazzy Star, or Champlain Orchards Kingston Dry.
DEDALUS WINE SHOP, MARKET AND WINE BAR
This Burlington wine bar is running a special menu drawing inspiration from some of their favorite classic California restaurants. The dish features the Zuni Café Roast Chicken and it’s paired with one of our Dedalus Exclusive projects— Scar of the Sea x Dedalus Chardonnay (from Sonoma County). A wine that has been made specifically for the Dedalus community!
GOOD WATER BREWERY
Buttermilk and herb brined fried chicken sandwich with roasted garlic aioli, iceberg lettuce, house dill pickles, tomato, and brioche. Paired with a Tru Pils pilsner, or InspiRED, dark Irish red go nicely.
BLACK FLANNEL
You know Black Flannel would be ringing in. The Frikadeller Danish Meatballs with caramelized onion and honey-caraway yogurt. Seen paired here with Feats of Strength Festbier. Come try this fantastic dish that holds a special place in the heart of our Executive Chef Christian Kruse.
