They regularly distribute to New York City and have for several years now. Philadelphia as well. They also send some to California on a semi-regular basis. It has also shown up in Denver a few times.
I don’t think they distribute outside of Vermont — if any gets there it’s because someone loaded a truck up
That used to be the case, but they do officially distribute to limited areas. New York primarily has been receiving regular shipments of Heady Topper for several years now. During COVID they sent shipments to California and Denver, and have continued to do so on an occasional basis. Monks Cafe in Philly also has received shipments. All through proper distribution channels.
I occasionally get Heady Topper in New Jersey. The stores usually limit how many you can buy, but it does show up here and there.
There's a handful of bars throughout NY that you can see at least Heady Topper at. In the capital region, Albany Ale & Oyster and The Ruck will have it with regularity. Seeing Focal Banger is much rarer, and then all their other beers are essentially taproom in Stowe only though.
Their beer might be subjectively better in a head-to-head with the dozens of other beers that are just like them, but there are dozens of other beers that are just like them.