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Vermont beer

Lawson’s Finest Liquids Achieves 100% Solar Powered Brews

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WAITSFIELD, Vermont – The sustainability-minded team at Vermont craft brewery Lawson’s Finest Liquids are proud to announce that they have achieved their goal of 100% solar powered beer and brewery operations. Following a B Corp certification this year, Lawson’s Finest is continuing to invest in its commitment to earth-friendly brewing. This landmark is the culmination of years of thoughtful planning and investment in sustainable energy, which includes the largest solar canopy in Vermont.

“Brewing delicious beer is a resource-intensive art,” said Sean Lawson, Lawson’s Finest Liquids founding brewer. “But we always knew there were better, greener ways to do what we love. We started investing in solar in 2019 with the ultimate goal of going one hundred percent solar, and now we’re finally here.”

The Lawson’s Finest team installed its first brewery roof solar array in 2019 that enabled them to tap into renewable energy for their production processes. The 43kw AC system and series of over 140 solar panels produce approximately 52,000 kWh of electricity per year.

Additionally, in 2022 they constructed the largest solar canopy in the state of Vermont. The structure features 495 individual solar modules (REC 375W) positioned above 40 covered parking spaces and 12 level-two electric vehicle charging stations. The setup, along with a solar array that generates 215kW across 495 modules, harnesses the power of the sun to offset about 60% of the Waitsfield brewery’s utility bill. In terms of beer, this means supplying enough energy to produce about 2.4 million cans annually of Lawson’s Finest brews.

Lawson’s Finest’s solar initiative is a part of its Social Impact Program or the SIP, as the team fondly refers to the brewery’s efforts to support healthy communities, sustainable recreation and environmental conservation. The SIP has also donated more than $2 million to worthwhile environmental causes and community-building efforts since 2018.

“Over the past 15 years, the Lawson’s Finest team has built a vibrant culture that authentically weaves the Social Impact Program into the core of the brewery,” says Adeline Druart, Lawson’s Finest Liquids CEO. “100% solar powered brews are something to celebrate. Looking ahead, we will continue to reduce our use of wastewater and energies by identifying further opportunities to become more environmentally friendly. It’s all part of a bigger picture to brew great beer and do good in the world.”

Lawson’s Finest’s solar efforts will help the state achieve its goal of reaching 90% renewable energy by 2050. But sustainability doesn’t stop here. The Lawson’s Finest team is dedicated to continuous improvement in the areas of sustainability and community-building.

Visit Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ brewery, taproom and retail store in Waitsfield, Vermont, or find their sustainably brewed beers in the cooler section of your favorite packie. Lawson’s Finest is Cold Stored. Cold Shipped. Cold Shelved. to keep every beer brewery-fresh.

About Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids crafts and delivers the finest and freshest beer possible to delight fans and to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities through its Social Impact Program. The SIP has raised more than $2 Million for important causes since 2018. The brewery is a values-driven business with a commitment to excellence, authenticity, community, sustainability and fun. Founded by Sean and Karen Lawson, the company boasts a growing collection of award-winning beers brewed with passion and precision including the renowned Sunshine family of IPAs. Beginning as a home-based 1-barrel nanobrewery in 2008, Lawson’s Finest expanded production capacity in 2011 and 2014, growing to include distribution across nine states in the Northeast. In 2018, Lawson’s Finest opened its popular destination Brewery, Taproom and Retail Store in central Vermont’s Mad River Valley town of Waitsfield.

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Lawson’s Finest Liquids Launches New Collaboration Beer in Support of Change in the Air Foundation

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WAITSFIELD, Vermont – Lawson’s Finest Liquids, the award-winning Vermont craft brewery, announces a new limited release brewed in collaboration with New England Brewing Co. Change in the Air, a Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango, will be released on draft and in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans in September, for distribution across Connecticut. All proceeds from Tropical Blonde Ale with Mango will support the Change in the Air Foundation and its mission to create a more inclusive beer industry.

A Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango, Change in the Air mixes bready malt and honey flavors with a juicy tropical twist. If a Hawaiian shirt was turned into a beer, it would be this one. Citra and Mandarina hops brighten the brew with lively tropical fruit and orange citrus notes that complement the use of mango. The colorful can artwork on the label is designed by New Haven, Conn.-based Black artist Allen Jackson, aka Dooley-O.

The beer’s beneficiary, Change in the Air Foundation, works to make education in the brewing sciences more accessible to Black and Brown brewers. To provide a pathway to resources, New England Brewing Co. and The Connecticut Brewers guild, along with Sacred Heart University, created the CT Brewers Guild African American Brewers Scholarship. Proceeds from the beer’s sale will benefit the Change in the Air Foundation and the scholarship fund.

“What does beer have to do with a better world?” asked Jamal Robinson, Change in the Air co-founder and director of sales and marketing at New England Brewing Co. “The beer industry is a huge economic force in the United States, yet less than 5% of craft beer professionals are people of color. Our goal is to create opportunities and increase accessibility for everyone who wants to participate in the art of brewing.”

Change in the Air Foundation also hosts a yearly beer festival filled with music, art and delicious local craft beers. A celebration of beer and black culture, the Change in the Air Festival will be held on Oct. 14 at Bear’s BBQ in New Haven.

Similarly to how the Change in the Air Foundation and the CT Brewers Guild African American Brewers Scholarship works to create inclusion in the craft brewing industry by providing opportunities to Black and brown brewers, the Change in the Air Festival’s mission is to diversify the spaces where we enjoy craft beer. “If we are going to diversify who is brewing, we are also going to have to diversify who is drinking craft beer, so the festival is meant to create a space for Black and brown people to experience and enjoy craft beer in a comfortable, safe setting along with everyone else,” says Robinson.

“Our Good Brews for a Cause initiative is focused on creating special limited release beers and small-batch collaborations that raise funds for causes we care about,” said Sean Lawson, founding brewer of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. “We’re proud to partner with Jamal and New England Brewing Co. for the release of this delicious beer to raise awareness and resources for Change in the Air.”

You can support Change in the Air Foundation and find Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango at Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ brewery, taproom and retail store or find Lawson’s Finest in the cooler section of your favorite retail store throughout the Northeast. Lawson’s Finest is Cold Stored. Cold Shipped. Cold Shelved.™ to keep every beer brewery-fresh.

About Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids crafts and delivers the finest and freshest beer possible to delight fans and to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities through its Social Impact Program. The SIP has raised more than $2 Million for important causes since 2018. The brewery is a values-driven business with a commitment to excellence, authenticity, community, sustainability and fun. Founded by Sean and Karen Lawson, the company boasts a growing collection of award-winning beers brewed with passion and precision including the renowned Sunshine family of IPAs. Beginning as a home-based 1-barrel nanobrewery in 2008, Lawson’s Finest expanded production capacity in 2011 and 2014, growing to include distribution across nine states in the Northeast. In 2018, Lawson’s Finest opened its popular destination Brewery, Taproom and Retail Store in central Vermont’s Mad River Valley town of Waitsfield.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Whetstone Beer Co. Launches “Pints for Parks” Supporting VT State Parks

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BRATTLEBORO, Vermont— “Brewing up adventure” isn’t just a motto for Whetstone Beer Co., it’s a way of life. Partners David Hiler, and Tim and Amy Brady were brought together by not just a love of beer, but also a love of adventure. Their years of exploring the beauty of Vermont State Parks has led them to launch the Pints for Parks project, a partnership benefitting Vermont State Parks through Vermont Parks Forever. Pints for Parks kicks off on May 6, at Jamaica State Park.

Pints for Parks is a collaboration between Whetstone Beer Co. and Vermont State Parks, where twice per year Whetstone will focus on a different State Park to create a unique, limited-edition beer celebrating that specific park. In addition, Whetstone will donate proceeds from all Pints for Parks beer to VT State Parks’ partner charity, Vermont Parks Forever.

“We are very excited about the Pints for Parks program and the opportunity to partner with Whetstone Beer Co. This program is a terrific way to celebrate Vermont’s amazing state park system and encourage folks to get outside” said Nate McKeen, Director of Vermont State Parks. “Whetstone is a terrific company to work with who understands the value of outdoor recreation and connecting people to the parks.”

The inaugural Pints for Parks launch celebration will take place on May 6th, 2023, from 12 pm to 4 pm at Jamaica State Park: 48 Salmon Hole Ln, Jamaica, VT 05343, with the release of a limited-edition Jamaica State Park Kolsch beer inspired by the park’s iconic Hamilton Falls, and the spring Whitewater Release on the West River.

“Jamaica State Park is the perfect park to showcase a Kolsch. This spring beer style is warm fermented – a nod to the tropical island which shares the park’s name – and cold conditioned like the West River which is fed by the park’s Hamilton Falls in springtime,” said Whetstone partner Tim Brady. “Somewhere between a lager and an ale, this Kolsch is well-balanced and subtle. It’s perfect for a warm spring day while relaxing after whitewater rafting or exploring your favorite state park. We couldn’t think of a more fitting brew to launch for our Pints for Parks program supporting all VT State Parks.”

“We are grateful for this creative partnership that will showcase Vermont’s beautiful state parks and raise awareness of Vermont Parks Forever (VPF), the foundation for Vermont’s state parks,” said Sarah Alberghini Winters, Executive Director, Vermont Parks Forever. “The support from Whetstone Beer Co. will bolster VPF’s efforts to expand nature education in the parks and provide more free entry through the Park Access Fund. Thanks Whetstone!”

About Whetstone Beer Co.

Whetstone Beer Co is a part of the Whetstone Brands family established in 2012, including The Station at Whetstone Beer Co., and River Garden Marketplace in Brattleboro, VT, and Kampfires Campground Inn & Entertainment with Scoops Ice Cream Shop, Putter’s Mini Golf, and the Pit Amphitheater in Dummerston, VT.

About Vermont State Parks

Vermont State Parks provides environmental education and information and supports the economies and values of local communities. Additionally, state parks promote, operate, and maintain a large and complex system of conserved lands, as well as both historic and modern facilities that are enjoyed by over half a million visitors every year. We work towards ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for our staff, volunteers, and visitors.

About Vermont Parks Forever

Vermont Parks Forever is the nonprofit foundation for Vermont’s 55 state parks. VPF was founded in 2013 to enhance and protect Vermont’s state parks by inspiring stewardship of natural places, providing educational experiences, and improving access for those who would otherwise be unable to experience all the benefits the state parks have to offer.

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Switchback Brewing Releases Dooley’s in 16oz Cans

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BURLINGTON, Vermont – Switchback Brewing Co., home to Switchback Ale — Vermont’s #1 draught beer, has released their cult favorite, Dooley’s Belated Porter, in 16oz cans for the first time. The move marks the first of many Switchback Specials that will transition their way from 12oz bottles to cans throughout 2023.

With the addition of a new high-speed labeling system, the brewery can now apply custom labels onto cans in-house. “We love the accessibility that putting our beer into cans brings,” says Brewery Founder, Bill Cherry. “The new equipment has opened the door for us to reimagine some of our classics and to introduce new beers from our innovative Brewers and Employee Owners.”

Dooley’s Belated Porter (named after the brewery’s first employee) was first brewed in 2009 and quickly became an annual favorite for die-hard Switchback fans. It features a blend of roasted and caramelized malts giving it a luscious malt signature that has an earthiness derived from the non-traditional use of flaked barley. The bold use of Simcoe hops for both bittering and aroma highlights this hop varietal and balances the malt to create a robust, yet smooth finishing American porter. The newly designed label embodies the dark, snowy nights of Vermont’s coldest season – the perfect time to enjoy a Dooley’s.

Find 16oz cans of Dooley’s Belated Porter in limited quantities at the brewery and at select stores throughout Switchback’s distribution footprint.

Quick Facts:

Name: Dooley’s Belated Porter

Available: December-February

Web: https://www.switchbackvt.com/dooleys-belated-porter

Stats: 5.7% ABV | 43 IBU

Packaging: 16oz 4pks & draught

Availability: At the brewery and in select stores in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and parts of New York and Virginia.

About Switchback Brewing Company

Switchback Brewing Company was founded in 2002 by master brewer Bill Cherry and his longtime friend Jeff Neiblum. To maximize complexity and flavor, the beer is left unfiltered and carbonated during fermentation by the yeast itself, creating a 100% naturally conditioned beer. In 2017, Switchback Brewing Co. officially became the first 100% employee-owned brewery in Vermont via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), keeping the brewery locally owned and operated at its original home in Burlington, VT. Switchback beers are distributed throughout Vermont, New England plus parts of New York and Virginia.

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