Ten years ago, three beer-lovers sat on the porch at Mad River Glen and debated about what to expect at our first SIPtemberfest. Craft beer was certainly becoming more popular. Small batch local brewers were popping up all over the state, putting their own creative stamps on a reenergized industry and brewing up some of the world’s finest beers. MRG was certainly a great venue for a tasting and the weather was looking incredible. But would people come to SIPBeer and would they like our little event?
The answers were YES and YES. SIPBeer has since become a thriving event known for having great beer and the greatest crowd. And today we are seeing the same patterns that lead us to start our little beer fest forming in the coffee scene. Craft coffee is a totally reenergized industry and Vermont is seeing tons of small batch local roasters popping up all over, (several of whom actually have origins in beer brewing!) Each of these roasters are putting their own particular twist on their craft and producing some incredible, high quality brews. So we are taking a leap and starting SIPCoffee and we hope you will join us!
So what’s the deal with SIPCoffee? It will be just like it’s sister: each ticket comes with a tasting mug and tasting tickets. Seven of the state’s finest coffee roasters will be attending, serving both hot and cold brews. Plus you’ll be able to buy beans and other coffee merchandise directly. There will be live music and a chill atmosphere in the Base Area of MRG, and food available for purchase from Village Grocery Donuts and in Mad River Glen’s Stark’s Pub. There will also be some coffee beers on tap in the pub. It all takes place Sunday, Sept 24 from 11am-2pm – a great way to end your SIPtemberfest weekend!
And let’s talk about these roasters, shall we?
- Awake Coffee VT – A lot of love and intention are put into these beans! Located right in Waitsfield, Awake sources fairly traded, organic beans from around the world to create a unique variety of small batch, hand-roasted blends, fresh to order.
- Abracadabra Coffee Co – These are beans roasted by some self-described “weirdos” in Cavendish, Vermont. And they give a damn every damn day. They support the farmers that grow the best coffee in the world, roast that coffee with insane attention to detail, and package it in biodegradable and recyclable material. They want you to drink that liquid magic and continue on your day, givin’ a damn about the whole damn world.
- Brave Coffee & Tea Co. – Located in Waterbury, Brave is a family-owned Vermont coffee roasting company offering freshly-roasted coffee from around the world. It all started in 2009, in the back room of Black Cap Cafe in Stowe, but after working in the coffee business for 13 years in positions ranging from Barista, to trainer and salesman, Scott Weigand took over Brave in 2014, and added roaster to his resume.
- Brio Coffeeworks – Brio is a specialty roaster, retail boutique and tasting counter in the beautiful South End Arts District of Burlington. Brio is a place for coffee professionals and enthusiasts to learn, connect and indulge.
- Carrier Roasting – Carrier Roasting Co. is a micro-roaster and coffee subscription created in the spirit of Vermont’s rich agriculture tradition. Located in a post and beam barn in rural Central Vermont, Carrier shares a space with potters. And while that may seem like an odd match, the requirements for roasting coffee and making pottery are actually quite similar: fire, time and patience. Carrier has ties to Good Measure Brewing, and you might recognize the name from Carrier Mild, a coffee beer made by Lawson’s Finest Liquids.
- First Branch – Another roaster with brewery connections, First Branch Coffee was started by the three owners of Upper Pass Beer Company: Andrew Puchalik, Chris Perry, and Ivan Tomek. Located in South Royalton, they roast ethically sourced coffee focusing on freshly roasted micro batches and cold brew.
- 802 Coffee – When Bob first bought a roaster and opened the cafe in downtown Montpelier, VT good coffee was hard to find. Capitol Grounds Cafe has been a steadfast and diligent fixture in Montpelier for years. Now known as 802 Coffee, they are still the same group of dedicated individuals working tirelessly (and well-fueled with caffeine) to bring you the very best coffee from around the world. The name may have changed but their commitment and their coffee hasn’t!
So we challenge you to kick your hangover while testing out your pallet and seeing if your beer knowledge translates over to coffee! We have plenty of tickets left so grab yours right now! (Online ticket sales end Thursday and tickets will be $5 more at the gate!)
SIPtemberfest 