The Alchemist and Lawson's Finest Liquids To Open New Breweries

Two of Vermont's most revered brewers have announced plans to expand. The Alchemist, known for its hazy Heady Topper, will open a new brewery and visitor's center in Stowe, about 15 minutes south of the original Waterbury facility. Set to open in mid-July, the Stowe brewery will sell Heady Topper and Focal Banger, along with rotating specialty beers. According to a post on The Alchemist's blog, the brewery will continue producing the same amount of Heady Topper with no plans to increase its distribution.

Lawson's Finest Liquids, brewer of the dreamy Sip of Sunshine IPA has announced plans to purchase warehouse space and property in Waitsfield, about 20 minutes north of its current facility, to turn it into a 30-barrel brewery, tasting room and retail location. 

The brewery plans to move from its current 280 square-foot location to the 7,500 square-foot warehouse, while retaining the original facility as a pilot brewery.

“One of the things that’s been missing from our business is that due to our residential location, people can’t get to or see the brewery, and taste the beer or meet the brewer; people really want that,” owner Sean Lawson said. 

If all goes well, Lawson's will have its own destination brewery by 2018.