Staying closer to home, I visited Idletyme Brewing Company on Mountain Road in Stowe, Vermont. Idletyme Brewing has a fascinating lineage: it is located on the site of the old Shed Restaurant, which sadly was destroyed by fire in 1994. The Shed Restaurant was renowned for the “Shed Burger”, a beer-marinated, truly delectable burger. This must have given the owner an idea, because when the Shed was re-built, it magically included a brewing operation, with the specialty being Shed Mountain Ale. In 2011, Crop Bistro & Brewery took over the restaurant/brewery, and the “Shed” brand moved to a new home in Middlebury, Vermont (look for a future review of the Shed Brewery). Finally, in November 2015, Idletyme took over operations.
You can get a flavor of Idletyme’s beers by ordering the Brewski Sampler, a set of six 4 oz. pours served on an elfin ski. Idletyme’s concoctions range from lagers and pilsners to IPAs and double IPAs. My favorite continues to be the Double-time, a dry-hopped double IPA at 8% ABV. 
Bottles (22 oz.) and growlers are available for purchase.
Of course, Idletyme has more to offer than just beer. It features both a pub-style restaurant (where you can get a “Pub Burger” … I guess the “Shed Burger” has been retired), a traditional restaurant
(fish, steaks), and an outside deck with bar. Generally, the food is fresh and well prepared.
The Cicerone says: Like many of the establishments in Stowe, Idletyme Brewing has cozy spaces where you can host a business event or private gala. I have even seen the outside deck reserved for wedding rehearsal parties … it’s a fantastic spot on a warm evening.
Idletyme Brewing Company
1859 Mountain Rd, Stowe VT
Open daily 11:30am – 9pm (Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm)
Website
Stowe Beer 