John and Jen Kimmich originally opened The Alchemist as a 60 seat brew pub in the village of Waterbury in 2003. After eight years of success and growing popularity, they decided to open a small production brewery in Waterbury in 2011.

Not long after, Tropical Storm Irene flooded much of the state, causing widespread damage in downtown Waterbury, including the Pub. Forced to shut the Pub doors, the Kimmichs focused their efforts on the new Cannery and distributing Heady Topper locally.

Pop-up truck sales, long lines in Waterbury, and a booming craft beer scene led up to  the opening of the 2016 Stowe Brewery and Visitor’s Center.

Today, The Alchemist operates two breweries, one in Waterbury and one in Stowe, and distributes Heady Topper and Focal Banger throughout the state (with the occasional out-of-state shipment). The Waterbury brewery is production-only (closed to the public), but you can visit us at the Stowe brewery to purchase beer and enjoy a large selection of limited releases available only for on-site consumption at the Alchemist Beer Cafe.