Breweries and Distilleries

Highland Lodge sits at the epicenter of modern American craft beer—within easy reach of pioneers like The Alchemist and Hill Farmstead, breweries that were miles ahead of the curve and helped shape the industry as we know it today. Long before hazy IPAs and destination breweries became the norm, these trailblazers were setting the standard—earning lasting reverence from brewers and beer lovers alike.

Today, they remain as celebrated as ever, making this corner of Vermont a true bucket-list stop for beer enthusiasts. It’s entirely possible to tackle a legendary brewery tour in a single afternoon: scenic back roads, iconic brewhouses, and some of the most sought-after pours in the country—without spending all day behind the wheel. For groups, shuttle services out of Stowe make it easy to turn the experience into a relaxed, social event. Wrap it all up back at the Lodge with a proper meal, good stories, and a well-earned nightcap.

Hill Farmstead (aka: Our Favorite Neighbor)

Arguably one of Vermont’s most beloved breweries—and conveniently just up the road—Hill Farmstead is practically part of the neighborhood. Tucked into the hills of Greensboro Bend, the tasting room pairs world-class beer with sweeping mountain views and, more often than not, a top-notch local food truck to keep things civilized.

Since opening in 2010, Hill Farmstead has racked up more accolades than we can reasonably list (including multiple Best Brewery in the World titles), helping define modern American craft beer long before it was trendy. From pale ales and IPAs to saisons and porters, everything they make is thoughtful, balanced, and downright excellent.

We’re especially partial to the Society & Solitude series—fresh releases still make us a little weak in the knees. And if you’d rather skip the drive and lay low? Good news: we keep a permanent Hill Farmstead draft line flowing right here in our House Bar. No planning required.

The Alchemist is a family run brewery specializing in fresh, unfiltered IPA's. John and Jen Kimmich originally opened The Alchemist as a 60 seat brew pub in the village of Waterbury in 2003. After eight years of success and growing popularity, they decided to open a small production brewery. Today The Alchemist currently operates two breweries in Vermont and distributes Heady Topper and Focal Banger throughout the state.

THE ALCHEMIST – STOWE

Opened in July 2016, this state-of-the-art facility was designed to be as low impact as possible while providing the brewery with enough space to serve the community and the growing number of beer tourists to Vermont. Their second year-round beer, Focal Banger, is brewed in Stowe as well as seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year. The Alchemist Brewery and Visitor’s Center in Stowe provides samples of beer for tasting, retail beer sales, merchandise and a fun, educational experience.

Barr Hill’s story is deeply rooted right here in the Northeast Kingdom. What began just up the road in Hardwick grew from a love of the working landscape, local agriculture, and the quiet wild places that define this area. The name comes from the Barr Hill Nature Preserve—the trailhead of which begins at the base of Highland Lodge—making the connection to this land both symbolic and literal.

Caledonia Spirits’ original 6,000-square-foot distillery once operated in Hardwick, producing small-batch spirits built around a simple idea: honey belongs at the center. Using raw northern honey in all three of their super-premium spirits, Barr Hill showcases honey as both a natural sweetener and a vessel for botanicals.

Their award-winning Barr Hill Gin is distilled with juniper in a custom-built botanical extraction still, then finished with raw honey to perfectly balance the gin’s piney backbone. Today, Caledonia Spirits operates a solar-powered tasting and touring facility in Montpelier, continuing their commitment to craft and sustainability.

We’re proud to pour their signature Bee’s Knees at our House Bar—and during select months, a portion of proceeds supports pollinators. Drink up. The bees would approve. 🐝🍯

Prohibition Pig (Worth the Drive, Trust Us)

Open seven days a week and just about an hour from Highland Lodge, Prohibition Pig lives in the charming town of Waterbury and delivers on all fronts: brewery, taproom, and restaurant rolled into one very satisfying stop. Out front, you’ll find a lively restaurant serving up elevated BBQ and comfort food classics; out back, a full-fledged brewery and tasting room pouring their house-made beers.

If things are hopping (they often are), snag a seat on the patio, order the nachos, and settle in. Beers can be enjoyed on site, taken to go in cans or bottles, or poured into a growler for later—perfect for post-hike rewards or next-day hair-of-the-dog planning.

Pro tip: if you’re really here for the beer, don’t miss the craft beer bottle shop directly across the street ( Now called Cask & Cork ). It’s one of the best selections in the state—deep cuts, rare finds, and plenty of “I didn’t know I needed this” moments. Come curious… and maybe set a loose budget.

Located on the grounds of Trapp Family Lodge, the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Restaurant is conveniently situated on the cross-country ski and mountain bike trails. The Bierhall is a gathering place for friends to enjoy “a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont,” serving fresh lager beers and a selection of freshly prepared Austrian lunch and dinner selections. Many of the menu items are prepared on the wood fired Parrilla grill that is the showcase feature of the Bierhall. Their beers are true to style and the food is authentic. We almost always order the apple strudel to start.