Hermit Thrush Brewery is a craft brewery located in Brattleboro, Vermont. The brewery was founded in 2009 by Christophe Gagne and Amelia Slayton. Hermit Thrush Brewery started as a nanobrewery, producing beer on a very small scale, but has since expanded production and distribution significantly.
Opening and Early History
Christophe Gagne had been homebrewing beer as a hobby for several years when he decided to turn his passion into a business. He partnered with Amelia Slayton, who brought marketing and business operations expertise, to open Hermit Thrush Brewery in 2009. The brewery was named after the hermit thrush, a songbird native to Vermont.
Hermit Thrush Brewery began operating on a very small 3.5 barrel system in the lower level of the Latchis Theatre building in downtown Brattleboro. The brewery started with just two flagship beers available on draft at local bars and growler fills at the brewery. Within the first year, Hermit Thrush Brewery beers were available on tap at over 50 establishments in southeastern Vermont.
Expansion and Growth
As demand for Hermit Thrush Brewery beers grew, the brewery expanded production capacity. In 2011, a 15 barrel brewhouse was installed, increasing output over four-fold. The brewery also started bottling some of their beers in 22 oz bombers for retail sales. Several specialty brews were added to the portfolio alongside the core lineup of IPAs, pale ales, and stouts.
In 2015, the brewery moved to a new production facility located just outside of Brattleboro in Dummerston, VT. This larger space allowed for installing an even bigger 30 barrel brewhouse system and increasing fermentation tank capacity. A tasting room was added at the new location where customers can sample beers straight from the source.
Distribution of Hermit Thrush Brewery beers has grown to span Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. While the brewery struggled to keep up with demand in the early years, the expanded capacity has allowed for increased production volume to around 15,000 barrels in 2019.
Current Ownership
Hermit Thrush Brewery continues to be owned by the founding team of Christophe Gagne and Amelia Slayton. Gagne serves as head brewer and recipe creator, while Slayton runs the business operations and marketing. They have not brought in any outside investors or sold any ownership stake of the company.
In a 2017 interview, Gagne said “We’ve had some offers, but we’re not really interested in selling out. We like being small and local. And we have complete control over everything we brew.” It appears the couple intends to hold onto full ownership control as the brewery continues growing organically.
Brewery Details
Here are some key facts about Hermit Thrush Brewery:
- Founded: 2009
- Location: Brattleboro, VT
- Key People:
- Christophe Gagne – Co-owner, Head Brewer
- Amelia Slayton – Co-owner, Business Operations
- Annual Production: ~15,000 barrels
- Distribution Area: New England and Mid-Atlantic states
Hermit Thrush Beer Brands
Some of Hermit Thrush’s most popular beer brands include:
Year Round Beers
- Party Jam IPA – A hazy, juicy New England IPA.
- High and Dry IPA – Crisp, dry-hopped IPA with notes of citrus and pine.
- Dark and Curvy Stout – Roasty oatmeal stout with hints of coffee and chocolate.
- Über Pils – Award winning German-style pilsner.
Seasonal Beers
- Rye’d On Pale Ale – Spicy rye pale ale released in winter.
- Belgian Single – Fruity, yeast-forward Belgian pale ale released in spring.
- Lights Out IPA – Juicy, hazy double IPA released in summer.
- Festbier – Traditional amber lager for fall.
Specialty Beers
Hermit Thrush also produces small batch specialty beers and limited releases. These have included a brown ale aged in bourbon barrels, a brettanomyces-fermented sour ale, and an imperial stout brewed with coffee.
Hermit Thrush Brewery Tasting Room
The tasting room at the Hermit Thrush production brewery in Dummerston, VT is open to the public for samples and growler fills. Key details about the tasting room include:
- Open 7 days a week
- Typically 10-12 beers on tap
- Flights and pints available
- Growler and merchandise sales
- Light snacks available
- Family- and dog-friendly
- Outdoor patio seating
The tasting room gives visitors a chance to see where the beer is brewed while sampling fresh offerings straight from the source. It has become a popular destination for both locals and travelers visiting the Brattleboro area.
Hermit Thrush Beers Abroad
While Hermit Thrush distributes its beer within the United States, some of its sought-after brews have made it across the pond. Limited amounts of Party Jam IPA and Sour Times have been exported to Europe. At festivals and specialty beer bars in places like Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Brussels, you may encounter Americans making pilgrimages to taste a taste of home.
The brewery’s cult following among American beer nerds has led to these overseas sightings. Fans advocate spreading the word and reputation of their favorite Hermit Thrush brews. While an obscure find, encountering a VT IPA or sour when least expected can certainly make an expat’s day.
Hermit Thrush Brewery Community Involvement
Hermit Thrush Brewery makes an effort to support its local community in Vermont. Some of the ways the brewery gives back include:
- Sourcing ingredients from regional farms when possible.
- Hosting events to benefit area nonprofits and charitable causes.
- Sponsoring events like arts performances and food festivals.
- Printing tap handles made by local artisans.
- Donating beer to fundraisers and nonprofit galas.
- Offering its space for community group meetings.
Supporting local businesses and getting involved with community happenings is an integral part of the brewery’s ethos. Hermit Thrush wants to help foster the vibrant scene in southern Vermont that has welcomed their growth over the years.
Awards and Recognition
Hermit Thrush Brewery has accumulated impressive accolades and recognition during its relatively short time in business. Some highlights include:
- Über Pils won a silver medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival.
- RateBeer Best New Brewer in New England 2010.
- Number 21 on Paste Magazine’s Best Breweries of the 2010s.
- Dunkel lager won gold at the 2014 Brussels Beer Challenge.
- Party Jam IPA named one of Draft Magazine’s 100 best beers of 2019.
Earning honors at prestigious American beer festivals and publications confirms Hermit Thrush’s place among the country’s very best craft breweries. The brewery’s success stems from unwavering commitment to quality without compromising accessibility.
Future Outlook
The future appears bright for Hermit Thrush Brewery as consumer demand for their products remains high. Their reputation for outstanding beers has enabled sustainable growth. Expanding availability via increased production capacity and wider distribution remains a priority.
While regional dominance provides a solid base, Hermit Thrush may look towards expanding nationally in select markets. However, the focus will remain on providing the best experience through quality over quantity. Promoting their home state of Vermont remains central to their branding and ethos.
Owners Christophe and Amelia show no signs of selling their successful business. Their passion remains invested completely in the brewery they built from the ground up. With experienced, steady hands at the helm, Hermit Thrush seems poised for continued prosperity as a top New England craft brewer.
Conclusion
Hermit Thrush Brewery remains independently owned by its founders Christophe Gagne and Amelia Slayton a decade after its founding in Brattleboro, Vermont. Strategic expansion paired with creative, high quality beers has fueled the brewery’s rise to become a respected regional craft beer powerhouse. The future looks bright for Hermit Thrush as their stellar reputation resonates with consumers looking for the next great beer.