Switchback Brewing Company

Switchback Brewing Company, founded in 2002 in Burlington, Vermont, is a pioneering craft brewery renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and community. As the first 100% employee-owned brewery in New England, Switchback has built a reputation for producing unfiltered, naturally carbonated beers that reflect the unique character of Vermont’s craft beer scene. The company was established by Bill Cherry and his longtime friend Jeff, who began brewing with equipment salvaged from a defunct Arizona brewery. The first batch of Switchback Ale was brewed in the summer of 2002, and the inaugural pint was served at Ake’s Place in Burlington on October 22, 2002.\n\nSwitchback’s flagship product, Switchback Ale, quickly became a staple in Vermont bars and restaurants, celebrated for its distinctive, unfiltered style and balanced flavor profile. Over the years, the brewery has expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of beers, such as lagers, smoked beers (notably the Flynn on Fire series), and seasonal releases. All Switchback beers are unfiltered and naturally carbonated, a process that preserves the full spectrum of flavors and aromas.\n\nThe brewery’s growth has been marked by several key milestones. In 2005, Switchback added larger fermenters and increased its workforce to meet rising demand. Between 2008 and 2010, the company installed a 1964 copper brewhouse from Germany, further enhancing its brewing capabilities. In 2012, Switchback celebrated its 10th anniversary with the release of 22oz bottles, which sold out rapidly. The introduction of 12oz bottles in 2015 and the installation of a state-of-the-art canning line in 2018 enabled the brewery to reach even more customers across Vermont and beyond.\n\nSwitchback’s commitment to its employees and the local community is a core part of its identity. In 2017, the company transitioned to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), empowering its staff and fostering a culture of collaboration and shared success. The brewery has also been recognized for its philanthropic efforts, winning the LCRCC Community Impact award in 2019 for its Switchback Gives Back program.\n\nIn addition to its production facility, Switchback operates a vibrant taproom and beer garden in Burlington’s South End, offering visitors a chance to sample the full range of beers, enjoy southern-style BBQ, and participate in community events. The taproom serves as a hub for local gatherings, live music, and weekly happenings, reinforcing Switchback’s role as a cornerstone of the Vermont craft beer community.\n\nSwitchback’s product portfolio extends beyond beer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the brewery collaborated with Appalachian Gap Distillery to create Essential Spirits, utilizing excess beer to produce spirits and demonstrating the company’s adaptability and creativity.\n\nSwitchback’s dedication to quality has been recognized with numerous awards, including a gold medal at the World Beer Cup® in 2022 for Katie’s Love Poem in the Historical beer style category. The brewery continues to innovate, recently opening a new Beer Garden & Tap House in 2024 with an expanded food and drink menu and more community events.\n\nToday, Switchback Brewing Company stands as a leader in Vermont’s craft beer industry, known for its unfiltered, naturally carbonated beers, employee ownership, and deep community roots. The company’s ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability, and local engagement ensures that it remains a beloved fixture in the region’s brewing landscape.\n\nKey products/services: Unfiltered beers (Switchback Ale, lagers, smoked beers, seasonal releases), canning and bottling, taproom and beer garden, community events, spirits (Essential Spirits).\nYear founded: 2002.\nIndustries served: Craft beer, beverage, hospitality, events.\nNotable clients: Vermont bars, restaurants, and retailers.\nFor CPG: Focus on brands like Switchback Ale and the Flynn on Fire series.\nFor breweries: Focus on beer production, canning, and distribution.\nDistribution: Vermont and regional markets.\nAwards: World Beer Cup® gold medal (2022), LCRCC Community Impact award (2019).\nOwnership: 100% employee-owned via ESOP.\nLocation: Burlington, Vermont.\n\nFor more, visit https://switchbackvt.com.

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