What's On Tap - Three Penny Taproom, Montpelier

by Mike Pomranz, Posted Mar 4th 2010 @ 5:00PM

A weekly look at the draft selections in beer-friendly bars across the country.

Despite being the second least populous state in the nation (ranking just below Wyoming), Vermont is well-known as a craft beer haven. The state ranks #1 in craft breweries per capita and is home to recognizable brewery names like Magic Hat, Long Trail and Harpoon. So as the state capital, Montpelier, Vt. really has no choice but to represent!

But for years, the minuscule capital (with just over 8,000 people) didn't have a craft beer bar to call its own. Three Penny Taproom came to the rescue.

"We're our country's smallest state capital," says owner Scott Kerner. "The only one without a McDonald's." Now, since May 1, 2009, the city finally has a top-flight beer bar. And though representing this beer-friendly state from its capital might seemingly create some pressure, Kerner believes they've risen to the task, "In our nine months, we've created quite a stir in not just Vermont, but in New England."

Read more about Three Penny Taproom and find their recent draft list after the jump...

That reputation stems from being extremely beer forward: "We have 24 beers on draft and 24 seats," Kerner continues, "so we have as many taps as chairs." But with such a craft brew angle, patrons might be surprised to find only two local beers on tap. "The way I look at it is this is a place for people to learn about the world of beer," Kerner explains. Vermont is such a small area geographically, Vermont beers are easy to find. Three Penny wants to offer something different.

That's not to say they've ignored their home state all together. "We do events where we will bring in a local brewer," says Kerner. "We want people to be able to ask questions of the brewers, not just of us."

But beyond local brewmasters, Three Penny is home to a number of other important conversations as well. "We have a loyal following with the legislature and local business people," Kerner describes. "It makes quite the happy-hour crowd."

Sounds like Vermont's movers-and-shakers like having the occasional "beer summit." And with a great new bar like Three Penny, who can blame them?

Three Penny Taproom's recent draft list:

Stoudt's Fat Dog
Houblon Chouffe
Victory Donnybrook
North Coast Scrimshaw
Anchor Porter
Delerium Tremens
Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge
Dogfish Head Aprihop
North Coast Old Rasputin
Brooklyn Cookie Jar Porter
Brooklyn Brown
Cuvee Des Trolls
Southern Tier Gemini
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot 2008
Hitachino Nest White
Rock Art Vermonster
Shed Three Penny IPA
Saison Dupont
Maredsous 10
Stone Old Gaurdian
Farnum Hill Cider
Chimay Cinq Cents
Dogfish 90 Minute

Filed Under: Drinks, Features
Tags: bars, beer, craft beer, draft beer, Montpelier, Three Penny Taproom, Vermont

Chew on This

Royal Wedding Cake Details Revealed! - YumSugar

Make Your Own Pop Tarts - CHOW
Denny's Introduces a Maple Bacon Sundae - Eater
Whole Foods Opening Bars in Stores - USA Today
Rules Of Bar Etiquette -- For The Bartender - HuffPost Food

Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-04-2010 @5:55PM Barbara said... Beer is great fun and it always good to see more interesting from this great cold drink.
if you looks for many recipes with Beer you can find them here, http://terarecipes.com/recipe_search_engine/specialrecipe/beer
Have fun! Cheers!
Barbara
Reply

Vote upVote downReport

3-05-2010 @12:34PM Steve Koenemann said... I live near Montpelier and I visit the Three Penny Taproom whenever I can. Scott and the rest of his "gang" do a great job... not only with all of the excellent beer that they offer, but with some truly unusual/interesting things to eat as well. I have also attended special events (tasting, pairings, etc.) at the TPT and all of it has been very well done. The TPT is a real gem and we are very lucky to have it!!
Reply

Vote upVote downReport

3-07-2010 @3:32PM Murf said... A testament to the brilliance of the Three Penny is that in a town of just 8,000, it's packed on weeknights. And I'm not talking about Thursday nights. Go there on a Tuesday and there'll be a big crowd. Vermonters love good beer and the 3P serves them well.
Reply

Vote upVote downReport

3-05-2010 @8:05PM Andy said... I love the TPT and I anxiously await the day, hopefully not in vain, when Three Penny expands into a brew pub. I've heard rumours of Matt's brewing prowess for quite some time -- hopefully the existing TPT is just a stepping stone to something bigger and better!
Reply