Originally I wanted to push quickly through the Green Mountains to hit Harpoon's Vermont operations before they closed. A brewery sign at a quiet bend in U.S. 4 changed our minds. Passing along the Ottaquechee River in Bridgewater Junction, we decided Long Trail earned a visit.
After sampling a six-pack of their raspberry wheat, it seemed like a solid choice for a few mid-afternoon pours. We opted for a pitcher of their spring seasonal,a Belgian White, and Long Trail nailed the style. Pale orange, the lemon steers the flavor, with supporting roles from coriander, lavender and a bit of licorice on the finish. Cloudy and crisp with a bill of grains presenting complex tones throughout, it was a spring winner.
As the (ahem) designated driver, I went with Long Trail Ale, their original brew. This brilliant amber ale was unlike any I had tasted in recent memory. It lapped Fat Tired by many miles. This English-style amber reminds me of a fresher, tighter Lord Chesterfield from Yuengling. LTA had a nice stiff malt structure, foamy character and a punchy dose of hops on the finish. It was not hoppy by any stretch, but ruby fruits and touches of smoke surround the bittering hop.
The bartender confessed that when he had Long Trail pours at the ski resorts and local bars, the brews never tasted as fresh.
Long Trail earns applause for offering something I wish more breweries chose – a self-guided tour. A second-floor walkway extended over the brewery floor and explained their brewing process. Simple, effective, and the staff can continue [pouring drafts while the interested look around). The brewery floor was quiet but the tour explained everything as well as any of the staff could.
Long Trail has that ethos everyone hopes for in their local brews. They make 75,000 barrels annually, participate in a manure-to-energy project (CVPS Cow Power), and local cows receive their leftover grains.
Situated far from everywhere, it was the perfect setting for afternoon brews a few hours after a half-marathon. Long Trail also became an easy choice throughout the rest of the trip. If a brewer can master session ales, they don't have to answer to anyone.
No comments:
Post a Comment