COVID Woes & Departed Soles
By Mark Ewald, aka Shep
COVID has certainly had its challenges for our business. One of the biggest challenges to me personally has been the inability to move about the country in search of the finest beverages for us here in VT. Prior to COVID, I had personally visited each and every brewery that we represent. It is one of the founding principles of VT Beer Shepherd and remains extremely important to us.
There is incredible value in visiting potential breweries. You can feel the brewers sense of place, get to see the operation, and get to know the people in the business - from the owners to the brewers to all the other essential brewery peeps. Well, COVID brought all of that to a halt and has made it a little more challenging to find new beverages for us to bring to VT. Rest assured, Shep Never Sleeps, and has still been on the hunt for the best of the best.
This week I’m is stoked to introduce the newest member of the Flocc, Departed Soles! Departed Soles is a microbrewery based in Jersey City who really do it all. Not only do they brew a variety of styles, each as tasty as the last, but they also specialize in brewing gluten free beers. They take extensive measures to ensure there is no cross contamination between GF and non-GF equipment so that their beers can be safely and confidently enjoyed by their gluten-free friends.
We’re super stoked to be offering more gluten-free options to the Green Mountain State!