CHEERS to 2025 and Beyond
Jan 15, 2025 01:15PM ● By EMILY PARKER
TAPPING INTO CHANGING TASTES
Consumer preferences are evolving,
and Vermont breweries are quick to
adapt. Low-alcohol-by-volume (ABV)
beers are becoming the go-to for
beer enthusiasts who want to savor
flavors without the buzz. Vermont brewers are leading the charge with
everything from refreshing lagers to
sparkling hop waters. At this year’s
Vermont Craft Brewers Conference,
Jack Hendler and Joe Connolly of
Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers shared
their expertise on modern lagers,
captivating a packed room. The buzz
around lighter, “sessionable” beers,
i.e., those with a low alcohol content,
isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Vermont breweries are diversifying beyond beer, crafting hard seltzers, ciders, and even barrel-aged spirits to compete with a growing lineup of alcoholic beverages. This expansion requires investment in new equipment and production techniques, but the payoff is a broader audience and fresh opportunities to surprise loyal patrons.
A COMMITMENT TO
SUSTAINABILITY
In a state where environmental
consciousness is second nature,
Vermont’s breweries are setting the
bar high for sustainable practices. Vermont Brewers Association (VBA)
Sustainability Committee is at the
forefront, helping breweries reduce
waste, compost spent grain, and
improve energy efficiency. Through
partnerships with Efficiency Vermont,
breweries have saved $114,000
annually in energy costs and avoided
over 426 metric tons of carbon
emissions each year since 2020.
These initiatives not only protect Vermont’s natural beauty but also reflect the ethos of the craft beer industry—carefully crafted beer for a carefully cared for planet.
BOUNCING BACK STRONG
The pandemic tested Vermont’s craft beer scene, but resilience and creativity carried the industry through. Taprooms have become hubs of connection, hosting trivia nights, mug clubs, and community events that bring people together. While staffing shortages and supply chain hiccups linger, Vermont breweries continue to thrive, driven by an unshakable love of good beer and great company.
Outdoor events remain essential, though unpredictable weather can pose challenges. Rising costs of ingredients and materials are also squeezing profit margins. Yet Vermont’s brewers aren’t ones to back down, finding innovative solutions to keep their businesses—and their beer—flowing.
BREWING TOURISM AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Craft beer isn’t just a beverage in Vermont—it’s an
economic powerhouse. With a $419 million economic
impact in 2023, Vermont’s breweries lead the nation in production and consumption per capita. Last year
alone, Vermont produced 352,999 barrels of craft beer,
solidifying its status as a beer-lover’s paradise.
The VBA’s Passport Program has turned beer tourism into an adventure. Enthusiasts collect digital stamps at participating breweries, redeeming them for prizes while boosting local business. Over the past year, nearly 14,400 stamps were collected, generating an estimated $5,643 per brewery. And let’s not forget the Vermont Brewers Festival in Burlington—a marquee event that draws thousands of visitors. Featuring exclusive festival beers, creative collaborations, and participation from 46 breweries, the festival showcases the camaraderie and creativity that make Vermont’s beer scene unique.
A TOAST TO THE FUTURE
As Vermont’s craft beer industry heads into 2025, the outlook is bright. The Vermont Brewers Association’s 30th anniversary this year will be celebrated with a special collaboration beer, honoring three decades of innovation and community. Founded in 1995 by Greg Noonan, the VBA has been instrumental in shaping the state’s craft beer culture and championing legislative changes that paved the way for brewpubs and on-site beer sales.
The industry’s history is rich, but its future is equally exciting. Brewers are embracing emerging trends, from low-ABV options to cutting-edge sustainability practices, ensuring that Vermont remains a leader in craft brewing.
As the state continues to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, one thing is certain: Vermont’s craft beer industry will keep raising the bar—and raising glasses—to what’s next.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VERMONT BREWERS ASSOCIATION
VERMONT BREWERS ASSOCIATION
52 Bridge Street
Richmond, VT
