The first batch of Long Trail Ale rolled off the line 1989. Back then the brewery—known as the Mountain Brewers—was a modest 45 barrel brewhouse tucked into the basement of the Old Woolen Mill in Bridgewater Corners. Andy Pherson, Long Trail’s founder, embarked on a journey to brew an affordable, American-made alternative to the pricey German and English exports that filled the shelves.
At the time, the craft brewing industry in America was on the rise and Vermont was better known for maple syrup than beer. In 1989, Long Trail Ale hit the taps at local watering holes like the Back Behind Saloon, Inn at Long Trail and 20’s Pizzeria; blazing the trail for Vermont’s craft brewing industry.
Summer Seasonal
An unfiltered golden ale made to chill out summer’s hottest days. Remarkably light on the palate, with a soft Pilsner malt character and a distinct citrus hop aroma deriving from dry-hopped additions of Citra hops. Each sip finishes with a refreshing bitterness that invites another. At 4.3% ABV, this golden beauty is a truly quaffable drinking experience.
Long Trail Ale
First brewed in 1989, Long Trail Ale is a full-bodied amber ale brewed with our top fermenting house yeast that yields a complex, clean flavor. In 25 short years, this flagship brew has weaved its way into the Vermont landscape and become as much a Green Mountain tradition as the 272 miles of the Long Trail itself. Plenty has changed since the first batch rolled off the line, but one thing remains constant, Long Trail Ale’s presence at ski hills cookouts and get-togethers all over the East Coast.
Limbo IPA
A big, mouth-watering IPA, brimming with all the flavors and aromas of the new breed of hops coming from Australia and the Pacific Northwest. Limbo IPA is the first year-round Long Trail offering to be born out of our new Farmhouse Pilot Brewery.IPAs coming out of our Pilot facility were such a success (in both the “Farmhouse Ales” – brewery only – and “Brown Bag” – regionally distributed, draught-only) that it was decided to release Limbo IPA, in package and draught, year-round.
