“Do we have to go inside first to sit outside?” I asked Courtney, the effervescent waitress serving tables alongside the Norwich Inn as we walked into the open courtyard.

She refrained from laughing, sported a big grin, and said, “Sit anywhere.”

“Can I get you something to drink?”

We had read that in 1993 Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse began producing traditional English-style ales, ones that are only available at the Inn, either to consume there or to take home in 22-ounce bottles.

We looked over the ales on tap today trying to decide between their signature Whistling Pig Red Ale and the Yankee Wit. ($5 for an Imperial pint of 20 ounces; $2.75 for a 1/2 pint of 10 ounces; or $1.65 for a 5-ounce sample.)

“I suggest our Yankee Wit — it’s light, white.. a Belgian white wheat, with a hint of a coriander aftertaste.”

“Give us just a minute,” I said trying to decide on lunch. We settled on splitting their middle-eastern platter, replete with pita, red pepper baba ghanoush, grilled veggies, mint-infused barley salad, falafel and tossed salad with feta ($11.25). So glad we did, as it was even too much for two, but the Yankee Wit matched the melange perfectly.

Curious to try their first ever brew, I ordered a sample of the Whistling Pig — the red-colored ale arrived in a stout mini-pilsner glass, with just enough brew to experience the slightly malty with a hint of hops flavor. A perfect beer to enjoy when at the Alehouse without food.

The Norwich Inn, Main Street, Norwich, VT 802.649.1143