Switchback Brewing’s Newest Venture - An expansive Beer Garden & Tap House is now open in Burlington
Jul 08, 2024 12:14PM ● By MARIE EDINGER
Switchback Brewing Company is best known for the “unfiltered, undefinable” and, according to the company, “unrivaled” Switchback Ale after which the company is named.
However, the list of things the company is known for could change because of Switchback’s new 3,700-square-foot Beer Garden & Tap House. The expansive new Tap House is located in a 120-year-old historic brick building attached to their current production facility at 160 Flynn Avenue in Burlington and nearly doubles the space of the company’s existing Tap Room. The Beer Garden features a large patio surrounded by an acre of lawn.
A NEW BAR AND A NEW BEER
Plant Engineer Gretchen Langfeldt, the longest-serving employee at Switchback, listed the features of the new space.
“The new bar will feature 20 taps pouring Switchback’s signature beers, including a variety of smoked and barrel-aged offerings and even house-made nonalcoholic hoppy seltzers,” Gretchen says. “Additionally, a few of the draught lines will be dedicated to the employee-owned company’s new side project, Askew Beer Co.,” which will feature products with flavors people have never encountered before.
“It’s a project where the employees can spread their wings and fly and really do whatever they want. More creative styles and thinking outside the box,” says Digital Marketing Lead Amy Lieblein. “Between our creative drink and food offerings, knowledgeable staff, and our expansive lawn for hosting events, we’re looking forward to being a go-to community hub in the South End.”
The Beer Garden & Tap House’s opening coincides with the release of a new beer called Mansfield IPA. Made with mosaic and centennial hops, it is refreshing, somewhat hazy, and easy to drink.
COCKTAILS MADE THE SWITCHBACK WAY
The new establishment’s menu doesn’t stop at the tap list, however. The new joint will also offer cocktails, some made with liquor distilled from Switchback’s own beer. That venture was born out of innovation, a commitment to sustainability, and necessity.
In March 2020, Switchback ramped up brewing for St. Patrick’s Day. But when the pandemic shut them down, they were left with thousands of gallons of beer in kegs that were at risk of going to waste. But Switchback turned that would-be waste into liquor by partnering with Appalachian Gap Distillery.
Switchback now offers Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey, a malt whiskey that’s been aging for over three years. Switchback describes it as having a “beautiful amber hue and delicate notes of caramel and butterscotch.”
They also make Essential Vermont Hopped Gin, “a refreshing spirit evoking notes of fresh flowers, herbs, citrus, and evergreen,” with a prominent hop flavor from the beer.
WE CAN’T FORGET THE FOOD!
Switchback’s newest hire is Executive Chef Chris Cantrell. He is spearheading what Managing Partner Josh Weber describes as a “craft-casual” approach. That means seasonal-based German-inspired American cuisine paired, of course, with spectacular beer. But the beer won’t just be an accompaniment; the goal is to incorporate beer into the food as often as possible.
Executive Chef Chris Cantrell (left)
and Managing Partner Josh Weber “Whether we’re steaming it, sautéing with it, or infusing it within the menu items themselves,” Josh says, “the chef is excited to utilize this beer in various recipes to enhance guests’ enjoyment.”
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR IN A
RELAXED SETTING
You can enjoy all their drinks and food
indoors or alfresco at a variety of
tables meant to encourage interaction including an octagonal one Josh
is particularly excited about.
“The social atmosphere partnered with an elevated menu should encourage a stronger community vibe and stimulate a new level of energy in the neighborhood,” Josh says. “The layout reflects that guests who want to eat alone are just as important as guests who come in for the heightened energy at the community table.”
Wherever you choose to relax with a good beverage or bite, Switchback promises not to lose the character it’s always maintained and that its regulars have come to cherish. They hope to be a community hub and a place where people can feel comfortable.
“I’m looking around, and it’s beautiful here,” Josh says. “We wanted to create a program where we can really play to the community, including everybody from near and far. [We wanted to] create a destination where people can travel from all over to experience.”
SWITCHBACK’S COME A LONG WAY
The new enterprise is a huge leap from Switchback Brewing Company’s roots. The company was founded in 2002, and, at the time, Master Brewer Bill Cherry focused solely on brewing Switchback Ale. For a full decade, the “reddish amber ale” was available only on draft.
The beer’s flavor is so complex that it can’t be narrowed to a single style category for submission to beer competitions. But it’s clearly been a major success. It’s now distributed throughout Vermont, New England, and parts of Virginia and New York State.
A PLACE TO HOST YOUR NEXT GATHERING
When you do visit in person, the Beer Garden & Tap House will also feature regular community events, including movie nights and special dog-friendly gatherings. The current Tap Room and patio are available for rental and to host programming like dinner experiences or community fundraisers.
Marketing Manager Abbe Carroll says the new Beer Garden will also continue the philanthropic programs Switchback supports.
“We open up the space to a lot of organizations so that they have a platform and a place to promote their mission and be able to fundraise,” she explains.
PHOTO BY WINTER CAPLANSON, COURTESY OF NEW ENGLAND FOOD AND FARM
RENDERING BY WIEMANN LAMPHERE ARCHITECTS
