By Virginia Dean
In the last 30 years, the Long Trail Brewery has come a long way in more ways than one— from a modest brew house tucked into the basement of the Old Woolen Mill in Bridgewater Corners to a farmhouse-turned-pilot-brewing facility with pub and restaurant, from the original name of Mountain Brewers to Long Trail Brewery, from green-colored glasses to more environmentally friendly vessels like cans that will reflect the company’s new branding coming soon.
But one thing has always remained the same: the company’s commitment to sustainable brewing practices and environmental stewardship.
“We’re founded on the principles of being good stewards of the environment in the Vermont way,” said Long Trail Brewery Marketing Director Jed Nelson. ”We take great preference of practicing such sustainable brewing techniques as water conservation, cow power and sourcing environmentally sensitive packaging whenever possible.”
To recognize that underlying philosophy – and to celebrate 30 years on the tap, so to speak – the brewery celebrated at the Inn at Long Trail with owners Patty and Murray McGrath along with about 70 community members on Nov. 21 in the late afternoon.
“We served our famous Guinness stew,” said Patty. “A good time was had by all.”
Killington Pico Area Association Executive Director Mike Coppinger agreed.
“I wanted to give a shout out and say happy birthday to Long Trail Brewing Company,” said Coppinger who related that he “was fortunate enough to be invited to the celebration.”
Coppinger said he learned “a couple of fun facts” he didn’t know before the event. First, McGrath’s was the first pub/tavern to sign on to pour Long Trail ale 30 years ago.
“That relationship and draft line has stood without interruption these past 30 years,” said Coppinger.
Nelson said that there was no better place to have the party.
“It’s a very special place for us, given our long history with them,” said Nelson.
Secondly, the original draft handle is still in place at McGrath’s Irish pub to this day.
“Long Trail Brewery has pleaded with Murray and Patty to ‘buy back’ the handle but they have politely declined the offer,” said Coppinger.
Patty indicated that one of the reasons why is the history behind it.
“Those are the things that are so meaningful,” she said. “We like traditions.”
Besides, said Patty, the handle represents the second first pour of Long Trail ale, the first being Guinness with its own handle.
The flagship brew of Long Trail is a full-bodied amber ale brewed with top fermenting house yeast that yields a clean, complex flavor. It has now become a Vermont tradition as the 273 miles of the Long Trail itself.
The McGrath family took ownership of the inn in July 1977 and restored it to its current rustic look. Hardwood floors with tree trunks, with old wooden beams and supports above, characterize the inside along with classic Adirondack style furniture. The inn lies about 1/3 mile to Pico Mountain and about 5 miles to Killington Ski Area.
