How many types of craft beer can there be?

Many. Since we lost count of finding them, we offer you the list of some commonly known and must-know types here. Have a look, and you will be astonished.

1. American Lager

American lagers are light with little hop or malt presence. This quality makes them perfect for outdoor events such as fishing, camping, or kayaking. They are straw or golden colored.

It has an alcohol composition of almost 6%.

2. Vienna Lager

Vienna Lager is darker in color, primarily in amber shades. It has a light flavor. It has an alcohol composition of 4.5 to 5.5%.

3. Japanese Rice Lager

Japanese Rice Lager contains rice, as the name suggests. The rice flavor makes it unique with a dry finish and pairs best with sushi. It has an alcohol composition of 4 to 5%.

4. German Pilsner

German Pilsner is sweet and malty. It is flavored with a slight bitterness to balance out the sweetness. It has an alcohol composition of 5%.

5. Helles

Helles German beers are light-colored and sweet. They are slightly spicy, and their malt quality is bread-like. This composition makes them fuller. It has an alcohol composition of 5.5%.

6. Kolsch

Kolsch is spicy with an herbal infusion. They are similar to ales. This similarity is because they are made in ale temperatures using large yeasts.

7. Cream Ale

Cream ales are creamy with lesser alcohol content. They also little on carbonation. They are one of those hybrid beers brewed with ale yeast and finished with lager yeast.

8. Blonde Ale

As the name goes by, Blonde Ale is blonde in color, similar to blonde ales. They are smooth in flavor and have no prominent malt or hop presence. The alcohol content range is from 4 to 5%.

9. Hefeweizen

German hefeweizen beers are 50% barley and 50% wheat. Hence they are light in color with a chewy texture. The yeast has a banana flavor, and some beers have a clove flavor attached. They have a cloudy appearance.

10. American Wheat

The American Wheat is the American version of German hefeweizen beers. They are clove flavored along with extra fruit elements. But they don’t have the cloudy appearance of German hefeweizen beers. Americans add slight bitterness to balance the flavors. They have 4 to 7% alcohol.

11. Belgium Witbier

Belgium’s Witbier is a wheat beer with oats addition. Hence they are dark and pale in color and have a cloudy appearance. The yeast makes it spicy, and the added coriander and orange peel give the fruity feel. The alcohol content can be as high as 7%.

12. Farmhouse Ale

Farmhouse ales are a group of beers. They are farmhouse flavored with a crisp finish and reminders of wet hay. They are funky and low in alcohol.

13. Saison

Saison is a Belgian beer. It is the most popular farmhouse ale. They are extra yeasty-flavored and are generally light and crisp. Their alcohol content can be as high as 8.5%.

14. Session Beer

A session beer can be an IPA, pale Ale, and amber. It is easy to drink, light, and revitalize. They have an alcohol content of 5%.

15. American Pale Ale

American Pale Ale can be dark gold to amber. It is caramel flavored. Their alcohol content is from 4.5 to 6.5%.

The post Types of Craft Beer first appeared on Stowe Oktoberfest.

I found some early foliage while I was out and about in Calais.

last week.

Craft beer is beer not brewed by brewery corporations. Instead, it finds its home in small, independent, traditional breweries. These craft breweries are independent and produce smaller amounts of beer.

History

The art of traditional artisanal brewing began in Europe and spread to other countries. The microbrewery movement began in both the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1970s. These breweries are keen on introducing new flavors and using varied brewing techniques. Then came craft beer.

Microbrew vs. Craft Beer

The small, independent brewers’ crafted beer changed its name from microbrew to craft beer now. The name change is due to the change in the size of the breweries. A Microbrewery must produce a limited number of barrels of beer only.

The age of “Craft” Beer

The Brewers Association defines craft beer. Along with the definition, they also host their annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver.

The Brewers Association helps new breweries with guidance and resource allocation. In addition, they publish beer books on brewing, beer styles, and reports.

The producers

Microbrewery

The microbrewery was the rage of the 1980s and produced fewer than 15,000 U.S. beer barrels annually.

Nano brewery

Nano brewery is a down-sized microbrewery. An independent entrepreneur runs it.

Craft brewery

Craft brewery gains popularity in the late 20th century. It is typically a small, independent commercial brewery. It employs traditional brewing methods and accentuates beer’s general flavor and quality.

Farm brewery

Farm brewery is old and traditional. However, it has a distinct style of brewing and fermenting compared to the larger breweries. This particular style creates unconventional beer flavors.

Brewpub

A brewpub combines a brewery and a pub or a public house. It sells 25 percent or more of its beer on-site, along with selling food. The beer is primarily for sale in the taproom.

New Age Developments

Marketing strategy

Craft beer is successful because of its marketing strategy. Quality and low price make it the winner of beers.

Canned beer

Craft beers adopt new technology to stay ahead in the market. For example, they use cans, which are resistant to oxygen and beer-degrading light and are portable. They also require less area for storage or transportation.

Barrel-aged beer

Craft beers age in barrels. They are called sour beers. This variation is a new trend and gives a twist to age-old technology.

Non-alcoholic craft beers

Some breweries produce unique beers with non-alcoholic elements. There is a massive market for non-alcoholic beer and wine, and this need will grow daily.

Globalization

Craft beers originated in the United Kingdom as microbreweries in the 1970s. Inspired by this, Canada started producing all of its beers by itself. This change became possible by the 1990s. Before all this, the American era of craft beers started as early as the 1960s. Apart from this, craft beers have origins worldwide and are still spreading.

The post Guide to Craft Beer  first appeared on Stowe Oktoberfest.

Vermont’s famous foliage season is quickly approaching! The bursts of color that sweep over the Green Mountain State bring ‘leaf peepers’ from across the world. Being nestled in between the Green and Taconic Mountain ranges makes Manchester, Vermont an incredibly unique place to witness this beautiful change of season. As you stroll along the marble sidewalks, shop our boutiques, or dine al fresco in Southern Vermont’s culinary mecca, don’t forget to stop and take in the pops of yellows, oranges, and reds that can be seen throughout the valley and picturesque mountain ranges that can only be experienced here in Manchester.

With an impressive mix of locally owned boutiques, designer outlets, a famous indie bookstore, artisan galleries, and local cafés and bakeries, you can look fabulous, find great treasures, and dine to your heart’s content, all on a single tranquil and beautiful stroll. Find the latest Fall fashions at many of our local boutiques and designer outlets featuring autumn-inspired clothing, including cozy sweaters, scarves, and other accessories.

For the outdoor enthusiast, stop into locally owned and operated The Mountain Goat. Located on historic Main Street, the Mountain Goat offers the best in backcountry clothing and equipment for travel and trekking. You’ll find jackets and outerwear for rain, casual sportswear in all fabrics, and a full selection of gear which includes backpacks and luggage, sleeping bags, tents, trekking poles, and accessories, including the best footwear. What better way to prepare for Fall’s splendor and outdoor activities? Best of all, they have something for all ages.

If you’re looking for indoor or outdoor Seasonal Décor, stop in at any one of our boutique stores or local artisan galleries and craft shops.  Artists will be showcasing their fall-themed creations, including paintings, pottery, and other handmade items, and browse a variety of Fall-themed decorations, such as pumpkins, wreaths, and other items to help you embrace the Fall spirit.

A visit to the area wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local Farmers Market, especially with the Fall harvest season in full swing. You can pick up fresh apples, pumpkins, gourds, pies, and other seasonal produce and handcrafted items. The Manchester Farmers Market takes place each Thursday from 3pm – 6pm through October 12 on Adams Green, in the heart of Manchester, and the Dorset Farmers Market is every Sunday from 10am – 2pm year-round.

Just a hop, skip, and jump from Manchester Center, kids of all ages, (yes that includes adults) can enjoy traditional Fall activities.  From apple picking at Mad Tom Orchards – pumpkin picking at Equinox Valley Nursery’s Pumpkin Patch, where you can also take a wagon ride with Green and Taconic Mountain Range views or get lost in their expansive corn maze.

There is so much more to EXPERIENCE in Manchester.

Hungry for autumn flavors?  It’s easy to work up an appetite strolling through the many wonderful places to shop and experience Manchester. Stop in at one of our local cafes and bakeries for a delicious breakfast or hearty lunch and indulge in seasonal treats. Conveniently found next to Northshire Bookstore is Charlie’s Coffee House, where not only can you fulfill all your coffee and fresh baked goods needs, but also offer grab-and-go sandwiches, soups, salads, and much, much more! Don’t forget to ask about their seasonal offerings- from pumpkin spice lattes to a Maple Bonfire Latte to other Fall-themed goodies. Take a seat on their front porch or sit at one of the outside tables and enjoy Mount Equinox Views.

For dinner,  enjoy the culinary creations of the Raven’s Den Steakhouse and Taproom. Catering to a variety of tastes – from tender and juicy Black Angus steaks to classic seafood dishes to a salad bar stocked with seasonal produce, handcrafted dressings, Vermont cheeses, and freshly baked bread – there is truly something for everyone. In celebration of the harvest season, enjoy some of their specialty seasonal desserts!

Enjoy your meal in their upscale relaxed dining room, quench your thirst with a custom cocktail in front of the stone fireplace, or enjoy some casual eats including a grass-fed burger in the tavern. Plus, you’ll love their seasonal outdoor seating with beautiful Vermont views to take in all that autumn beauty!

Fall is a popular time to visit Manchester, so it’s advisable to book lodging as well in advance as possible. Offering a wide range of lodging options from grand resorts, boutique hotels, quaint Inns, modern motels, and vacation rentals, Manchester, Vermont has something to fit every taste and budget and they are all ready and waiting to welcome you and your traveling companions to Southern Vermont.

Stay in the heart of historic Manchester Village at Vermont’s premier small luxury hotel, the Reluctant Panther. A quintessential New England getaway known for its historic charm, luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and exceptional service. Guests will have unparalleled views of Equinox Mountain, from their luxurious rooms featuring antique furnishings, fine art, luxury bathrooms, and cozy fireplaces. Whether choosing from their selection of packages or allowing the staff to curate your Vermont experience, The Reluctant Panther provides exceptional service to all who visit. From fly-fishing to skiing, theatre, and the arts, to shopping and farmers markets, the Panther takes great pleasure in making every day an unforgettable adventure!

The North Shire Lodge, nestled in the historic Battenkill Valley, affords sweeping views of the Green and Taconic Mountain Ranges. Guests delight in this special place of tranquility and natural beauty. Set on five-and-a-half acres and surrounded by mountain landscapes, it is suited to host all types of travelers, from singles to couples and families, and friends traveling together. It’s the perfect location for family reunions, getaways, and those attending events at nearby Manchester venues. Each of the 14 “attached cabins” features unique rustic Vermont décor, cathedral ceilings, comfortable beds, an ensuite bathroom, and a private patio to take in the lovely garden, lawn, and mountain views. All the modern conveniences are provided by this top-rated lodging property.

Whether you are just visiting, planning to move, or are already living in the Manchester area, please stop by the Manchester Visitor Center at 58B Depot Street to find FREE brochures, magazines, maps, and a team of local professionals ready to guide and answer all your questions!

The post Experience Autumn in Manchester, VT appeared first on Manchester Vermont.

I thought I would go out yesterday and check on the foliage. It’s still a little early but, it’s starting.

Whether you are traveling to Stowe or another destination, we like to encourage responsible travel. From your transportation choices to avoiding single-use plastics, here are five tips to be a more sustainable traveler.

1. Choose Transportation Wisely

Whether planes, trains or automobiles, there are so many ways nowadays to get from point A to point B. It helps to think like a more sustainable traveler when booking your trip. If you choose to fly, choose a low-carbon airline and try to fly nonstop if you have the option. Pack lighter or only bring a carry-on as heavier luggage contributes to more CO₂ emissions. If you are driving to your destination, carpool if necessary to minimize the number of cars on the road. Once at your destination, try to explore on foot or by bike if possible and only drive when you have to. The Stowe Recreation Path is a great way to explore without your vehicle. Utilize public transportation when available, such as our Mountain Road Shuttle.

2. Pack Reusable Items

Reusable is the name of the game! Travelers will often bring a refillable water bottle for their trip, but other reusable items such as snack bags and shopping bags can also be an environmentally friendly way to travel. Many hotels have incorporated filling stations in common areas for travelers to access water without having single-use bottles available. If a traditional size water bottle is too bulky to pack, there are many new collapsible alternatives that are a lighter option for travel. In addition, Vermont no longer allows plastic shopping bags. While many outlets offer a paper option, it is encouraged to carry your own reusable tote for shopping. Hitting the slopes or the trails while you’re here? Packing snacks in silicone or reusable snack bags can help limit discarded wrappers.

3. Leave No Trace

Carry in, carry out is fairly common practice, but everyone’s collective effort to leave no trace supports a sustainable destination. Help us protect the integrity of our beautiful spaces by picking up after yourself and disposing of waste properly during your visit. Respect our wildlife by observing from a safe distance and do not follow or approach them. Help preserve the ecosystem by not disturbing rocks, plants and other natural objects. Stowe’s vast, extraordinary scenery is what makes our destination truly special so we ask that guests cherish it the same way locals do.

4. Help Preserve Our Trails

Stowe is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Offering a plethora of outdoor recreational activities all year round, it is extremely important to preserve our trail system. The northeast experiences all sorts of weather conditions that impact our trails and knowing how to navigate and respect changing trail conditions will help preserve our trails for the future. Please check trail conditions before heading out: Green Mountain Club, Stowe MTB Trails, Trapp Family Lodge Trails. If trails are very muddy, please do not hike or bike on them. If trails are mostly dried out but have a few puddles, they can be used but hikers and bikers should go through the puddles instead of walking around as that hurts the surrounding vegetation, widens the trail and causes more erosion.

5. Shop Local

Another aspect of sustainable tourism, supporting local businesses is an important part of preserving a destination. Vermont is known for its locally sourced ingredients, handmade goods and artisan crafts. Shopping at the local farmers’ market is common amongst locals and guests, which supports our local farmers and artists. Restaurants all around Vermont often feature local ingredients on their menus as well as local craft beers and spirits. Stowe is home to locally owned boutiques, country stores, galleries, specialty markets, sporting goods stores and more. Be sure to stop by when you’re in town.

The post Five Tips for Traveling Sustainably appeared first on Stowe.