ABOUT US
Behind the name…
“The name Switchback was first conjured while I was envisioning myself cycling up the Appalachian Gap... I liked the fact that switchbacks are regularly used by hikers, skiers, and cyclists, but also that the term serves as a metaphor for life,in that our path is seldom straight towards our goals.”
-BILL CHERRY CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF SWITCHBACK BREWING CO.
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2002
Switchback Brewing Company was founded in 2002 by Bill Cherry and his longtime friend, Jeff. Using brewing equipment from a defunct brewery in Arizona, the first batch of Switchback Ale was brewed during the summer of 2002. The first pint served was at Ake’s Place in Burlington, VT on October 22, 2002.
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2003
Bill hired his second employee, Chris Dooley. Before that, Bill’s dog Piper worked with him, even during the days that lasted 17hrs.
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2005
Larger new fermenters were added as well as more employees to keep up with the demand of Switchback Ale.
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2008 - 2010
A 1964 built copper brewhouse from the Braurei Schmucker in Beerfelden, Germany and matching fermenters were installed.
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2012
Switchback celebrated its 10th Birthday with the release of 22oz bottles (FINALLY!) and 6 weeks of inventory sold out immediately.
Switchback celebrated its 10th Birthday with the release of 22oz bottles (FINALLY!) and 6 weeks of inventory sold out immediately. -
2014
The Tap Room at Switchback opened, giving an outlet to showcase Switchback’s diverse collection of brews.
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2015
Switchback released 12oz bottles of Switchback Ale in the iconic stubby shape.
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2017
Switchback became the first 100% employee-owned brewery in the Northeast via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
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2018
Switchback installed a state-of-the-art canning line allowing 12oz and 16oz cans to be packaged.
To mark the brewery’s 16th birthday, Switchback hosted a “Name the Yeast” contest. The winning entry, “Brave Little Strain,” submitted by Hannah Burnett, became the official name of the proprietary yeast culture behind Switchback Ale, a nod to Vermont’s nickname, the “Brave Little State.”
This specially cultivated strain has been pitched from every batch since 2002, making it the house yeast that defines the unique character of Switchback’s beers.
2019
Switchback won the LCRCC Community Impact award for community support for their Switchback Gives Back philanthropic program.
2020
At the start of the pandemic, Switchback collaborated with Appalachain Gap Distillery to create Essential Spirits, a project that creatively utilized excess beer from the shut down.
2022
At the World Beer Cup® Switchback won gold in the Historical beer style category for Katie’s Love Poem.
2024
Switchback opened their new Beer Garden & Tap House, with an expanded food and drink menu and more community events.
2025
The Beer Garden expanded into the Beer Garden & Smokehouse, adding house-smoked BBQ to pair with the full lineup of Switchback beer and spirits.
Switchback brought back Switchback N.A., the non-alcoholic version of its flagship ale, offering fans a well-balanced option without the buzz.
Switchback Spirits’ Essential Vermont Malt Whiskey earned top honors, taking Double Gold at the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition and Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Cheers to the future!
Crafted together with our employee-owners, our fans, and our community, here’s to the adventures still ahead.