Why does Burlington, Vermont, need yet another brewery?

If you know the craft beer scene you know it is very welcoming and collaborative. We are eager to join it, but also to do things a bit differently by operating as a consumer co-op. If you’re a member of City Market, you’re familiar with the co-op model. Your involvement can be as much as you want it to be - you can vote on what we’re brewing, volunteer for one of our working groups, or just come by and enjoy our beers. You’ll also have full access to our bylaws, financial information, and meeting minutes, and the co-op’s aim will be to operate on a not-for-profit basis in regards to its members.

If you want to learn more about the co-op brewpub model, check out this interview with representatives of Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery in Austin, Texas.

What is a co-op?

The International Co-operative Alliance defines a co-op as “an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.” Tracing its lineage back to a small co-op store founded on Toad Lane in Rochdale, England, today co-ops operate in an enormous diversity of economic sectors and boast over a billion members world-wide.

This looks Amazing! How do I become a member/volunteer?

Great, we'd love to have join our community! Please complete our online membership form.

How much does a membership cost?

At our November, 2014 meeting, we voted that a membership will cost $100, and began officially accepting members on March 1, 2015. Business memberships are $200. Only non-profits and cooperatives may join as business members. You can purchase a membership via PayPal, come to one of our events to purchase your share in person, or mail a check (along with your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number) made out to Full Barrel Co-op to P.O. Box 3358, Burlington, VT 05408. You can also complete your online membership form, within this site...

What if I'd like to brew beer?

If you’re interested in brewing beer, you can join our Brewing Working Group to help develop recipies and participate in our home-brew days. Please be aware that as we progress into a brick-and-mortar space all brewers will likely need to be licensed (but we will still put on plenty of events for homebrewers).

What if I have a great idea/recipe for a beer?

Awesome! You can submit a full recipe or just an idea here. At the very least we need the style of beer. At the moment, we vote on the next beer to be brewed at our homebrew day once a month.

Do you have a physical space?

Not yet. At this time we gather for brew days and member meetings at volunteers’ homes or other locations around town. The most up-to-date information for the next brew day or event is on our Facebook page. Our long-range plan is to move into a permanent location. Have an idea or know of available space? Let us know! Or volunteer to scout locations.

Who do I contact if I have a great idea for an event?

Members can contribute their ideas for member-engagement and public outreach events. Members are invited to share their ideas either via email, via Facebook, or on our member-only Loomio Platform Marketing, Member Engagement, and Events Subcommittee.