Vermont is a great state for beer enthusiasts. Despite tons of competition, Vermont has the most breweries per capita of any state in America, with one brewery per 26,073 people. Vermont’s wide selection of microbreweries, pubs, taverns, and homebrews are sure to satisfy any hop head.

The following are some of my favorite local brews, arranged in no particular order:

Switchback

One local brewery is , which is based out of Burlington, Vermont. Switchback makes the Switchback line of beer, which was traditionally only sold by the keg or on tap. However, on October 22, 2012 the Switchback line was expanded to include can sales.

Switchback’s pale ale is usually my choice for keg beer. It has a malty taste, that you can drink all night and be satisfied. Switchback’s local charm and higher quality is always more than worth it compared to the macrobrew competition.

Heady Topper

The Alchemist is based out of Waterbury, Vermont and specializes in producing one great beer, Heady Topper.

Heady Topper is my favorite beer at the moment. BeerAdvocate rates Heady Topper 100 / 100, and I have to agree that it is definitely a world-class beer. Heady Topper smells and tastes of citrus, and conceals its 8% alcohol content well. According to The Alchemist, one should drink it straight from the can rather than pouring it into a glass.

Heady Topper has proven to be hard to find, as it tends to sell out as soon as it is stocked in stores. The best way to get this gem is straight from the factory on Mondays and Thursdays. I’ve noticed Finnigan’s Pub in Burlington, Vermont usually has them available as well.

Woodchuck

Vermont Hard Cider, maker of the Woodchuck brand cider, is based out of Middlebury, Vermont. Vermont Hard Cider has plans to be bought out by Ireland’s C&C Group for $305 million.

I’ve always found Woodchuck to be a solid, mainstream cider. It seems to be popular among the college crowd, and among casual drinkers. It’s high sugar content makes the first two go down easy, while drinking more than that tends to upset my stomache with its sweeteners. These days I tend to prefer other local, more natural tasting ciders.

Magic Hat

Magic Hat is based out of Burlington, Vermont and is well known for producing #9, an apricot tasting pale ale.

I used to live down the road from Magic Hat, they have a great deal where you can buy a growler of beer from the brewery, and you can keep getting it refilled for a discounted price.

In addition to their regular lineup, Magic Hat also produces seasonal beers which can vary in quality. Generally they tend to be medium class beers. If you want to try a lot of Magic Hat, I recommend getting their variety pack.

Long Trail

Long Trail Brewing Company is a microbrewery based out of Bridgewater, Vermont and was founded in 1989. Long Trail is known for its environmentally conscious operation and brewing practices.

Long Trail is similar to Magic Hat in that they both produce very solid, middle-class beers with mild fruit flavors. I tend to prefer Long Trail over Magic Hat, but not everyone will agree with that assessment.

Rock Art

Rock Art Brewery is a microbrewery based out of Morrisville, Vermont. They tend to produce medium to high quality concoctions. The beer typically comes in a six pack or bomber but apparently you can get it on tap as well.

A lot of Rock Art’s beers strikes me as thin and floral tasting, especially the barley wine ale, Ridge Runner, that I’m drinking at the moment. Usually I’ll drink Rock Art if I’m looking to mix it up and get something interesting and unusual.

Vermont Pub And Brewery

Vermont Pub And Brewery is located in Burlington, Vermont. They brew a variety of high quality ales, stouts, porters, and more on site. The pub and brewery was founded by legendary brewer Greg Noonan, author of the indispensable . Greg Noonan died recently in 2009.

I actually had my first legal beer at Vermont Pub And Brewery when I turned twenty one. I haven’t been there in a while, but I remember being impressed with the quality and variety. Vermont Pub And Brewery also has an excellent selection of pub food even if you’re not looking for a brew.

Trout River

Trout River Brewing Company is based out of of Lyndonville, Vermont.

They offer solid beers that I find myself picking up occasionally when I get tired of the usual selection. Trout River also allows you to refill your growlers for a discounted price. If you live near Lyndonville, this works out to be a great deal.

Fiddlehead

Fiddlehead Brewing Company is a microbrewery based out of Shelburne, Vermont. Fiddlehead is available on tap across Vermont, and in growlers if picked up from the factory.

I actually haven’t had Fiddlehead in a long time, but from what I remember it is a solid IPA worth seeking out if you are visiting Vermont.

Otter Creek

Otter Creek Brewing is based out of Middlebury, Vermont.

Otter Creek is another beer I haven’t had in a while. Typically, it is something I get when I’m trying to mix it up and go for another local brew.

Conclusion

Heady Topper is the best beer you will find in Vermont. In fact, it may be the best beer you can find in America. It is definitely my beer of choice for canned beer.

Switchback is also my choice of beer when I go to the bars and get something on tap.

Although, Heady Topper and Switchback are two of my favorites, there is room for disagreement. What are your favorite Vermont beers and ciders?