With a new North Hero taproom set to open this spring, 5-year-old microbrewery Kraemer & Kin will return to the town where it operated its first tasting room. Co-owners Heather Kraemer, her brother Levi and his wife, Christie, are converting a former residential building owned by Hero's Welcome General Store into an 18-seat taproom with seasonal outside seating. The brewery's marketing director, Steve Kuntz, 38, said they aim to open at 3517 Route 2 by the end of April. In November, the Kraemers closed their 100-seat taproom restaurant at the Alburg Golf Links after having leased the space for three years. At the time, Heather, 43, said they had hoped to make it the brewery's permanent home but were unable to close a deal. For now, Kuntz said, the brewing operation has returned to Levi and Christie's Grand Isle garage, where it all began in 2020. The family also does some contract brewing of its signature American IPA and blonde and honey ales at 14th Star Brewing in St. Albans. When the new taproom opens, the menu will star Kraemer & Kin beers, which include seasonal offerings such as a lilac sour and sumac amber brewed with local ingredients. Other beverages will include nonalcoholic options. The food menu will feature wood-fired pizzas baked in an on-site truck, locally sourced salads and housemade desserts… ...read more read less