The Alchemist

John and Jen Kimmich originally opened The Alchemist as a 60 seat brew pub in the village of Waterbury, Vermont in 2003. After eight years of success and growing popularity, they decided to open a small production brewery nearby in 2011.

Not long after, Tropical Storm Irene flooded much of Vermont, causing widespread damage in downtown Waterbury, including the pub. Forced to shut the pub doors, the Kimmichs focused their efforts on the new brewery/cannery and distributing their flagship Heady Topper double IPA locally. Pop-up truck sales, long lines in Waterbury, and a booming craft beer scene led up to the opening of the 2016 Stowe Brewery and Visitor's Center.

Today, The Alchemist operates two breweries, one in Waterbury and one in Stowe, and distributes Heady Topper and Focal Banger throughout the state (with the occasional out-of-state shipment). The Waterbury brewery is production-only (closed to the public), but the Stowe brewery welcomes visitors to purchase beer and enjoy a large selection of limited releases available only for on-site consumption at the Alchemist Beer Cafe.

 

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