• James Buck
• Dave Rooke

Rookie's Root Beer — Despite the novice status implied in the name, Rookie’s Root Beer is an expert at the bubbly stuff. Rookie’s owners Dave and Jenny Rooke have spent the last decade homebrewing mouthwatering pop with natural ingredients. To locate Rookie’s at the Shelburne and Burlington farmers markets, just look for a giant root beer barrel — and a line. Faithful fans bring their own mugs for reduced prices on drafts and floats. You can’t go wrong with the classic root beer, but the orange cream and ginger beer are also tantalizing options. Need caffeine? Opt instead for the Dark Side, a chilled brew spiked with Uncommon Grounds’ coffee and spritzed with vanilla-molasses whipped cream.

Other Finalists

• Barrio Bakery
• The Doughnut Dilemma
• Full Moon Farm
• Half Pint Farm