ABOUT US

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.

Bill hired his second employee, Chris Dooley. Before that, Bill’s dog Piper worked with him, even during the days that lasted 17hrs.

Larger new fermenters were added as well as more employees to keep up with the demand of Switchback Ale.

A 1964 built copper brewhouse from the Braurei Schmucker in Beerfelden, Germany and matching fermenters were installed.

Switchback celebrated its 10th Birthday with the release of 22oz bottles (FINALLY!) and 6 weeks of inventory sold out immediately.

The Tap Room at Switchback opened, giving an outlet to showcase Switchback’s diverse collection of brews.

Switchback released 12oz bottles of Switchback Ale in the iconic stubby shape.

Switchback became the first 100% employee-owned brewery in the Northeast via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

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.

Switchback won the LCRCC Community Impact award for community support for their Switchback Gives Back philanthropic program.

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.

At the World Beer Cup® Switchback won gold in the Historical beer style category for Katie’s Love Poem.

Switchback opened their new Beer Garden & Tap House, with an expanded food and drink menu and more community events.

Switchback Introduces Switchback N.A., the non-alcoholic version of its flagship ale, offering fans a well-balanced option without the buzz.

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 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.

Non-alcoholic production is brought fully in-house with the installation of the BrewVo system, expanding the brewery’s ability to craft high-quality N.A. beer and support partners across the East Coast.

Switchback N.A. continues to grow, with direct-to-consumer shipping launching in select states to reach drinkers beyond our footprint.

The Switchback Spirits line expands with the addition of Vodka, Gin, and our first ready-to-drink canned cocktail, Watermelon Mint Vodka Craft Cocktail.