Alchemist Cannery - Craft Beer in Waterbury, Vermont

📜 Short History:

The Alchemist Cannery, now known as The Alchemist, is a renowned brewery located in Vermont, USA. It was founded by John Kimmich and his wife, Jen Kimmich. The history of this brewery is quite interesting and is marked by significant events.

The Alchemist Pub and Brewery was first opened in Waterbury, Vermont, in 2003. It was a 60-seat brew pub that gained a strong local following due to its unique and high-quality beers. The pub was known for its wide range of beers, with John Kimmich producing over 200 different recipes.

In 2004, John Kimmich created the Heady Topper, an American Double India Pale Ale, which would later become the brewery's flagship beer. The Heady Topper quickly gained popularity for its flavor and unique brewing style.

In 2011, the Kimmichs decided to expand their business due to the increasing demand for their beers. They opened the Alchemist Cannery, a 15-barrel brewery and canning line, where they began canning Heady Topper. The decision to can rather than bottle was a conscious one, as they believed it to be the best way to preserve the beer's flavor and quality.

However, in 2011, the original Alchemist Pub and Brewery was severely damaged by Tropical Storm Irene. The pub was closed, but the new cannery survived and became the main focus of their business.

The Alchemist Cannery, now known as The Alchemist, continued to gain popularity, especially for the Heady Topper. The beer was rated as the top beer in the world by Beer Advocate in 2013.

In 2016, The Alchemist opened a second brewery in Stowe, Vermont. This location includes a visitor's center where customers can purchase beer directly from the brewery.

Throughout its history, The Alchemist has maintained a strong commitment to its community, environment, and employees. The brewery is known for its sustainable practices, including recycling spent grain and yeast for local farms and using solar energy. The Alchemist also regularly donates to local charities and community projects.