Of First And Last Things
Hill Farmstead Brewery
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- IPA - New England
Ranked #293 - ABV:
- 6.5%
- Score:
- 95
Ranked #1,198 - Avg:
- 4.31 | pDev: 6.03%
- Reviews:
- 30
- Ratings:
- From:
- Hill Farmstead Brewery
- Vermont, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 7
- Gots
- 16
SCORE
95
World-Class
95
World-Class
Notes:
A new IPA inspired by years of accumulated experience and an expression of both past, present and future, harmonizing some of our favorite hop varieties into a bright, balanced beer that showcases the beauty of a well-orchestrated chorus.
Reviews: 30
| Ratings: 195
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scotorum from Massachusetts
4.29/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Acquired at the brewery about two months ago, but neglected to review earlier consumption. Poured from the 12 oz. can into a Lawson's Willi.
a: Translucent dark orange with an inch thick white head which receded to thick surface foam and dense lacing.
s: Slight citrus.
t; Fairly strong pine resin on a bready malt base. Mainly dry finish with slight lingering bitterness.
m; Oily medium, very good body and carbonation tingle.
o: A pleasant hoppy pale, flavorful and quite easy drinking.
Nov 13, 2019
4.29/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Acquired at the brewery about two months ago, but neglected to review earlier consumption. Poured from the 12 oz. can into a Lawson's Willi.
a: Translucent dark orange with an inch thick white head which receded to thick surface foam and dense lacing.
s: Slight citrus.
t; Fairly strong pine resin on a bready malt base. Mainly dry finish with slight lingering bitterness.
m; Oily medium, very good body and carbonation tingle.
o: A pleasant hoppy pale, flavorful and quite easy drinking.
Nov 13, 2019
Luscious_Malfoy from Illinois
4.4/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
poured from a 12oz can into a perennial willi becher glass. pours a hazy gold with a tiny bit of white head that leaves ample lacing. smell is a wonderful mix of ripe melon, white wine, grass and a touch of cantaloupe. really excellent nose on this one. taste has more grass, dirt, earthy notes with a hint of white wine. not much of the fruit aspects that the nose has. mouthfeel is excellent. on the thicker/fuller side with nice amount of carbonation. stellar IPA with quite an interesting hop combination.
Oct 12, 2019
4.4/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
poured from a 12oz can into a perennial willi becher glass. pours a hazy gold with a tiny bit of white head that leaves ample lacing. smell is a wonderful mix of ripe melon, white wine, grass and a touch of cantaloupe. really excellent nose on this one. taste has more grass, dirt, earthy notes with a hint of white wine. not much of the fruit aspects that the nose has. mouthfeel is excellent. on the thicker/fuller side with nice amount of carbonation. stellar IPA with quite an interesting hop combination.
Oct 12, 2019
mushroomcloud from Texas
4.28/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12oz canned 9-16-19, opened 10-7-19.
Golden, orange and not quite opaque. 3/4" head falls to 1/4" and then a cap over 3-4 minutes. Nice fresh lacing patterns.
Grapes, weeds, lemon, melon, pine. A very unique nose.
This is a unique and tasty hop flavor combination, grapes, melons, oranges, weeds late in the flavor. Malt isn't prominent or at least to my palate it's all about the hop bill here.
Light to medium body, medium carbonation...soft mouthfeel, light but lingering bitterness.
Very good, and to me for the 3rd time very unique.
Oct 08, 2019
4.28/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12oz canned 9-16-19, opened 10-7-19.
Golden, orange and not quite opaque. 3/4" head falls to 1/4" and then a cap over 3-4 minutes. Nice fresh lacing patterns.
Grapes, weeds, lemon, melon, pine. A very unique nose.
This is a unique and tasty hop flavor combination, grapes, melons, oranges, weeds late in the flavor. Malt isn't prominent or at least to my palate it's all about the hop bill here.
Light to medium body, medium carbonation...soft mouthfeel, light but lingering bitterness.
Very good, and to me for the 3rd time very unique.
Oct 08, 2019
Gatch from Rhode Island
4.69/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
On-tap at Armsby Abbey. I had a feeling about this one and glad I stopped by to try it....two of my favorite NZ hops, Nelson Sauvin & Motueka (plus Simcoe), which put this beer over the top. Like all HF beers, so smooth, so creamy, so perfectly balanced. The hop bill is just so damn delicious! But there’s even a bit of tasty malt in the finish. Wow. Huge fan of this beer.
Sep 30, 2019
4.69/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
On-tap at Armsby Abbey. I had a feeling about this one and glad I stopped by to try it....two of my favorite NZ hops, Nelson Sauvin & Motueka (plus Simcoe), which put this beer over the top. Like all HF beers, so smooth, so creamy, so perfectly balanced. The hop bill is just so damn delicious! But there’s even a bit of tasty malt in the finish. Wow. Huge fan of this beer.
Sep 30, 2019
SABERG from Massachusetts
4.19/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12 oz can dated 9/16/19 into the test glass.
A - Very much in keeping with HFB IPA's Dark straw color, translucence adds cover for the carbonation. Strong white froth cap lacing with every draw.
S - Ripe melon, fresh pineapple, some notes of orange peel, spring pine. green grape
T - Orange creamsicle, again wine grape, some papaya sherbet,
M - Hear the offering shines, pillowy soft on the palate, gentle carbonation is steady and relentless adding to the experience. Semi sweet start then a wave of just enough bitterness parades through cleaning up. The linger is tropical with that melon element is the background
O - A very good IPA from one of the very best at this style.
Sep 29, 2019
4.19/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12 oz can dated 9/16/19 into the test glass.
A - Very much in keeping with HFB IPA's Dark straw color, translucence adds cover for the carbonation. Strong white froth cap lacing with every draw.
S - Ripe melon, fresh pineapple, some notes of orange peel, spring pine. green grape
T - Orange creamsicle, again wine grape, some papaya sherbet,
M - Hear the offering shines, pillowy soft on the palate, gentle carbonation is steady and relentless adding to the experience. Semi sweet start then a wave of just enough bitterness parades through cleaning up. The linger is tropical with that melon element is the background
O - A very good IPA from one of the very best at this style.
Sep 29, 2019
GreesyFizeek from New York
4.5/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This one pours a hazy golden orange color, with a small head, and tons of sticky lacing.
This one smells like candied grape, with clean pine, orange zest, grapefruit, and melon.
This is quite good, with a big charge of Nelson in there - grape and tropical fruit basically. There's some earthy pine and rindiness there in the middle, with a some bitter grapefruit and sweet melon as well.
This is light bodied, and super crisp and clean, with a wonderful drinkability to it.
These are about the only IPAs I actually seek out anymore. This is pretty phenomenal.
Apr 29, 2019
4.5/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This one pours a hazy golden orange color, with a small head, and tons of sticky lacing.
This one smells like candied grape, with clean pine, orange zest, grapefruit, and melon.
This is quite good, with a big charge of Nelson in there - grape and tropical fruit basically. There's some earthy pine and rindiness there in the middle, with a some bitter grapefruit and sweet melon as well.
This is light bodied, and super crisp and clean, with a wonderful drinkability to it.
These are about the only IPAs I actually seek out anymore. This is pretty phenomenal.
Apr 29, 2019
CanConPhilly from Pennsylvania
4.2/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
L - 1-finger creamy offwhite head atop a murky orange body.
S - tangerine, orange flesh, grapefruit, herb, freshly turned earth.
T - follows the nose. Earthier middle than I’m used to with HF. Moderate-low bitterness. No sweetness. Low booziness.
F - medium body and carb.
O - another masterful use of Nelson.
Apr 20, 2019
4.2/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
L - 1-finger creamy offwhite head atop a murky orange body.
S - tangerine, orange flesh, grapefruit, herb, freshly turned earth.
T - follows the nose. Earthier middle than I’m used to with HF. Moderate-low bitterness. No sweetness. Low booziness.
F - medium body and carb.
O - another masterful use of Nelson.
Apr 20, 2019
mdfb79 from New York
4.03/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Looks amazing, bright murky orange color but much more bitter than most of their IPA’s and not up to their standard. Citrus, resin, pine, and lot of bitterness in the taste.
Feb 28, 2019
4.03/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Looks amazing, bright murky orange color but much more bitter than most of their IPA’s and not up to their standard. Citrus, resin, pine, and lot of bitterness in the taste.
Feb 28, 2019
Phyl21ca from Canada
4.25/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Can: Poured a hazy bright orangey color ale with a nice large pure white foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of juicy hops aroma of citrusy with some light tropical notes and some Sauvignon notes as well. Taste is a nice mix of citrusy hops notes with some juicy notes, some residual sugar notes with light Sauvignon notes also perceptible. Body is full with limited filtration and good carbonation. Super enjoyable IPA with nice mix of different hops profile.
Jan 25, 2019
4.25/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Can: Poured a hazy bright orangey color ale with a nice large pure white foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of juicy hops aroma of citrusy with some light tropical notes and some Sauvignon notes as well. Taste is a nice mix of citrusy hops notes with some juicy notes, some residual sugar notes with light Sauvignon notes also perceptible. Body is full with limited filtration and good carbonation. Super enjoyable IPA with nice mix of different hops profile.
Jan 25, 2019
ScaryEd from New Hampshire
3.7/5 rDev -14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured on draft at Armsby Abbey.
Pours a hazy golden orange color with 2 fingers of creamy white head. The head has just absurd lacing as it settles into a thick blanket.
The aroma is faint, bringing notes of candied citrus and grapefruit, with the faintest idea of grape must.
The flavor is very rindy and grainy, with notes of grapefruit, mango, papaya, and grapeskin. Has a nice acidic bitterness on the finish.
The feel is medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Very soft and smooth.
Overall, a good IPA but definitely weaker by HF standards. It's nicely balanced but lacks that punch you get from the typical HF IPA.
Dec 03, 2018
3.7/5 rDev -14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured on draft at Armsby Abbey.
Pours a hazy golden orange color with 2 fingers of creamy white head. The head has just absurd lacing as it settles into a thick blanket.
The aroma is faint, bringing notes of candied citrus and grapefruit, with the faintest idea of grape must.
The flavor is very rindy and grainy, with notes of grapefruit, mango, papaya, and grapeskin. Has a nice acidic bitterness on the finish.
The feel is medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Very soft and smooth.
Overall, a good IPA but definitely weaker by HF standards. It's nicely balanced but lacks that punch you get from the typical HF IPA.
Dec 03, 2018
papposilenus from New Hampshire
4.29/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
From a 12oz can, dated 11/19/18. Served in a tulip.
Pours a heavily hazed, glowing pink-tinged orange, sort of like the color of pee two or three mornings after you got punched in the kidneys, with a half-finger of creamy, off-white suds. Retention is OK, leaving a thick, bubbly curtain and a solid curtain of lacing.
Disappointingly faint nose of something like grapefruit juice. Something zesty and citrusy anyway.
Taste is, in fact, reminiscent of grapefruit juice, your more tart and bitter citrus, grapefruit, blood orange and sappy pine. Pithy, rindy, resinous, oily, citrus peel, sharp mineral water tang. Finishes with mildly boozy white wine-like fumes in the sinuses.
Feel is sharp and oily, medium-hefty body with some chew, and bright carbonation. There's no abv printed on the can but it feels bigger than 6.5%.
Overall, a fairly straight-forward but intense NEIPA with ample, welcome bitterness. I don't know whether the water comes out of the well like this or it's the conditioning but, whatever it is, the water quality is especially evident in this beer.
Nov 27, 2018
4.29/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
From a 12oz can, dated 11/19/18. Served in a tulip.
Pours a heavily hazed, glowing pink-tinged orange, sort of like the color of pee two or three mornings after you got punched in the kidneys, with a half-finger of creamy, off-white suds. Retention is OK, leaving a thick, bubbly curtain and a solid curtain of lacing.
Disappointingly faint nose of something like grapefruit juice. Something zesty and citrusy anyway.
Taste is, in fact, reminiscent of grapefruit juice, your more tart and bitter citrus, grapefruit, blood orange and sappy pine. Pithy, rindy, resinous, oily, citrus peel, sharp mineral water tang. Finishes with mildly boozy white wine-like fumes in the sinuses.
Feel is sharp and oily, medium-hefty body with some chew, and bright carbonation. There's no abv printed on the can but it feels bigger than 6.5%.
Overall, a fairly straight-forward but intense NEIPA with ample, welcome bitterness. I don't know whether the water comes out of the well like this or it's the conditioning but, whatever it is, the water quality is especially evident in this beer.
Nov 27, 2018
cbutova from Massachusetts
4.3/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Draft at Doc Ponds, VT.
A- Murky floury haze tap to snifter pour with a golden apricot orange body. The head rises to two fingers with a thick creamy white cap falling slowly to a puffy wide ring. Huge lacing by the TBSP.
S- Grainy but not in a sweet malty way, more like raw mashed barley with some spiciness to it. The hops are reminiscent of tangerine, orange zest, juicy tropical fruits and pine.
T- Shifts quite a bit as the raw grainy character goes away and the juicy hops open up more. Guava and papaya bubble gum lead into mango, tangerine, grapefruit, orange, pine and floral hop notes. Bready, crackery and a light sweetness from the malts.
MF- Creamy and luscious almost chewy texture to the medium heavy body. High end carbonation and a clean bitterness in the ending.
Very grainy in the nose with some citrus hops leads to a juicier character on the palate with a good balance of strong hops and complimentary grains.
Oct 12, 2017
4.3/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Draft at Doc Ponds, VT.
A- Murky floury haze tap to snifter pour with a golden apricot orange body. The head rises to two fingers with a thick creamy white cap falling slowly to a puffy wide ring. Huge lacing by the TBSP.
S- Grainy but not in a sweet malty way, more like raw mashed barley with some spiciness to it. The hops are reminiscent of tangerine, orange zest, juicy tropical fruits and pine.
T- Shifts quite a bit as the raw grainy character goes away and the juicy hops open up more. Guava and papaya bubble gum lead into mango, tangerine, grapefruit, orange, pine and floral hop notes. Bready, crackery and a light sweetness from the malts.
MF- Creamy and luscious almost chewy texture to the medium heavy body. High end carbonation and a clean bitterness in the ending.
Very grainy in the nose with some citrus hops leads to a juicier character on the palate with a good balance of strong hops and complimentary grains.
Oct 12, 2017
tempest from New York
4.36/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Had a glass at As In in NYC. Wow, this smells like a buried my nose in a handful of hops. It's so vivid it reminds me of a wet hop ale. The flavor can't quite match the intensity, but this is still expertly balanced and delicious.
Oct 06, 2017
4.36/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Had a glass at As In in NYC. Wow, this smells like a buried my nose in a handful of hops. It's so vivid it reminds me of a wet hop ale. The flavor can't quite match the intensity, but this is still expertly balanced and delicious.
Oct 06, 2017
AgentMunky from New York
4.22/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Served in a 12 ounce footed glass at Cooper's.
4.25/4/4.25/4.5/4.25
Hazy, muddy yellow with heavy lacing.
It smells softly of stonefruit and floral hops.
Very full-bodied, luscious with apricot, mild bitterness, and a lingering aftertaste. Notes of citrus and pine on the endtaste, despite the creamy-sweet initial flavors.
A very enjoyable, compelling IPA. Recommended for those who want some chew and fruit without going full DIPA.
Oct 02, 2017
4.22/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Served in a 12 ounce footed glass at Cooper's.
4.25/4/4.25/4.5/4.25
Hazy, muddy yellow with heavy lacing.
It smells softly of stonefruit and floral hops.
Very full-bodied, luscious with apricot, mild bitterness, and a lingering aftertaste. Notes of citrus and pine on the endtaste, despite the creamy-sweet initial flavors.
A very enjoyable, compelling IPA. Recommended for those who want some chew and fruit without going full DIPA.
Oct 02, 2017
JerzDevl2000 from New Jersey
4.31/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Opened a growler of this tonight that my friend bought for me over the weekend up in Vermont. One could make the taste that Heady was one of the beers that ushered in the "second beer boom" for me a few years back, helping me to transition from bottles to cans full of dank, citrus bombs that packed a ton of flavor. This beer continued that trend as it was one of the better-tasting examples of that style that I've and *easily* one of the best-looking hop bombs that I've ever laid eyes on!
Lovely, lovely pour to this as the beer was a bright but dank apricot that quietly shone with brilliant radiance. A near-perfect head held it's own for quite some time before settling down into a perfect, thick, ring of lacing around the top of my pint glass. Stone fruit, melon, and sticky fruit sweetness filled the nose with much of the latter in the taste. Melon rind, light bread, mild booze, and hints of phenol rounded out the taste as this was quite dry to the taste but slick to the mouthfeel, allowing for it to easily slide down. Dry cheese could be found here too along with some vanilla cream, which tied everything in together nicely. A mild carbonation, medium mouthfeel, and plenty of sweetness kept this from getting too dank and heavy.
The amount of alcohol was in line with those characteristics as well. With so many beers like this out there, it's hard for this to fully stand out but this was one of the more subtle and refined examples of the style that I liked, as it didn't hit me over the head. Solid stuff that's proof of why Hill Farmstead is rated so highly. Easily worth driving up to Vermont and getting for those back at home!
Jul 12, 2017
4.31/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Opened a growler of this tonight that my friend bought for me over the weekend up in Vermont. One could make the taste that Heady was one of the beers that ushered in the "second beer boom" for me a few years back, helping me to transition from bottles to cans full of dank, citrus bombs that packed a ton of flavor. This beer continued that trend as it was one of the better-tasting examples of that style that I've and *easily* one of the best-looking hop bombs that I've ever laid eyes on!
Lovely, lovely pour to this as the beer was a bright but dank apricot that quietly shone with brilliant radiance. A near-perfect head held it's own for quite some time before settling down into a perfect, thick, ring of lacing around the top of my pint glass. Stone fruit, melon, and sticky fruit sweetness filled the nose with much of the latter in the taste. Melon rind, light bread, mild booze, and hints of phenol rounded out the taste as this was quite dry to the taste but slick to the mouthfeel, allowing for it to easily slide down. Dry cheese could be found here too along with some vanilla cream, which tied everything in together nicely. A mild carbonation, medium mouthfeel, and plenty of sweetness kept this from getting too dank and heavy.
The amount of alcohol was in line with those characteristics as well. With so many beers like this out there, it's hard for this to fully stand out but this was one of the more subtle and refined examples of the style that I liked, as it didn't hit me over the head. Solid stuff that's proof of why Hill Farmstead is rated so highly. Easily worth driving up to Vermont and getting for those back at home!
Jul 12, 2017
Lone_Freighter from Vermont
4.47/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
The appearance was a glossy burnt orange color with a thin white foamy head that dissipated at a nice pace. Tight stringy lace. The aroma had some light citrus to bitter ruby red grapefruit pulp to rind. The flavor pulled the previously mentioned aromas together practically perfect in it’s bittersweetness, entirely spectacular. Nice crisp fulfilling pulp to rind aftertaste sliding right on into the finish just the way I want it to. On the palate, this one sat about a medium on the body with a fair sessionability as an AIPA. Carbonation felt spot on not disturbing any wanted bittering effects. ABV felt as projected by the brewer. Overall, a spectacular AIPA by Hill Farmstead. Really glad to finally try.
Jun 08, 2017
4.47/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
The appearance was a glossy burnt orange color with a thin white foamy head that dissipated at a nice pace. Tight stringy lace. The aroma had some light citrus to bitter ruby red grapefruit pulp to rind. The flavor pulled the previously mentioned aromas together practically perfect in it’s bittersweetness, entirely spectacular. Nice crisp fulfilling pulp to rind aftertaste sliding right on into the finish just the way I want it to. On the palate, this one sat about a medium on the body with a fair sessionability as an AIPA. Carbonation felt spot on not disturbing any wanted bittering effects. ABV felt as projected by the brewer. Overall, a spectacular AIPA by Hill Farmstead. Really glad to finally try.
Jun 08, 2017
kevanb from Illinois
4.03/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml growler, freshly filled, poured into a Hill Farmstead oversized wine glass. Enjoyed on 12.24.2016, reviewed from Tasting Journal.
The beer pours a hazy and cloudy orange color, tangerine hues with touches of gold and a thick white head, good retention and lace. The aroma is nice, very melon forward, light cantaloupe, tropical mango and passionfruit, green and grassy hop leaf, light pine and sappy resin with the signature Hill Farmstead water character and soft doughy malt. The flavors mirror the nose well, light citrus and tropical fruits with strong cantaloupe, lots of emphasis on melon, wildflower, grassy and green hops, strong piney bitterness grows as it warms up, pale grain and mineral water. The mouthfeel is good, coating and creamy medium body, active carbonation but very gentle, soft finish with a lingering dry sensation.
Verdict: A nice IPA from Hill Farmstead, really refreshing and flavorful. Unusual in that the melon character is most prominent, but generally well balanced. The bitterness does mute some of the flavors as it warms, but this is a very good beer.
Jan 22, 2017
4.03/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml growler, freshly filled, poured into a Hill Farmstead oversized wine glass. Enjoyed on 12.24.2016, reviewed from Tasting Journal.
The beer pours a hazy and cloudy orange color, tangerine hues with touches of gold and a thick white head, good retention and lace. The aroma is nice, very melon forward, light cantaloupe, tropical mango and passionfruit, green and grassy hop leaf, light pine and sappy resin with the signature Hill Farmstead water character and soft doughy malt. The flavors mirror the nose well, light citrus and tropical fruits with strong cantaloupe, lots of emphasis on melon, wildflower, grassy and green hops, strong piney bitterness grows as it warms up, pale grain and mineral water. The mouthfeel is good, coating and creamy medium body, active carbonation but very gentle, soft finish with a lingering dry sensation.
Verdict: A nice IPA from Hill Farmstead, really refreshing and flavorful. Unusual in that the melon character is most prominent, but generally well balanced. The bitterness does mute some of the flavors as it warms, but this is a very good beer.
Jan 22, 2017
Jwale73 from Rhode Island
3.98/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy orange-gold with a quarter inch, bright white head. Nose expresses citrus and rind. Flavors are much more muted in the flavor profile. Mouthfeel is light in body with a mild, even carbonation and a kiss of acidity. Overall, quite good; however, the nose is better than the taste.
Dec 24, 2016
3.98/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy orange-gold with a quarter inch, bright white head. Nose expresses citrus and rind. Flavors are much more muted in the flavor profile. Mouthfeel is light in body with a mild, even carbonation and a kiss of acidity. Overall, quite good; however, the nose is better than the taste.
Dec 24, 2016
cfalls from New York
4.38/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
L - medium orange, medium haze, foamy white head
S - passion fruit, a little grass
T - juicy, grassy, a little crackers malt, piney finish
F - medium thickness, medium plus carbonation
O - nice balance
Dec 23, 2016
4.38/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
L - medium orange, medium haze, foamy white head
S - passion fruit, a little grass
T - juicy, grassy, a little crackers malt, piney finish
F - medium thickness, medium plus carbonation
O - nice balance
Dec 23, 2016
yourefragile from District of Columbia
4.62/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
On tap at HF and from growlers.
Pours a darker hazed, translucent golden orange with a dense bubbly white head. Platonic ideal AIPA nose; grassy, orange, hoppy and fresh. Creamy, smooth body, with a dry fruity finish; grapefruit, orange, trace pine, light grass, and a lingering creamsicle vanilla presence in body. Finish is dry, grassy, citrus rind and clean. Amazing AIPA and (if possible) underrated for HF.
Dec 19, 2016
4.62/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
On tap at HF and from growlers.
Pours a darker hazed, translucent golden orange with a dense bubbly white head. Platonic ideal AIPA nose; grassy, orange, hoppy and fresh. Creamy, smooth body, with a dry fruity finish; grapefruit, orange, trace pine, light grass, and a lingering creamsicle vanilla presence in body. Finish is dry, grassy, citrus rind and clean. Amazing AIPA and (if possible) underrated for HF.
Dec 19, 2016
BoldRulerVT from Vermont
4.44/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from the growler two days after filling into stemmed HF glassware.
Pours a bright and slightly hazy medium blonde with one finger of soapy head.
Aromas a nice mix of eucalyptus, lemon and hops.
Flavor is soft and supple...candied citrus, hops and light bread.
Mouthfeel is so good, so inviting.
This beer is a typical HF IPA, delicate, balanced and delicious.
Dec 18, 2016
4.44/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from the growler two days after filling into stemmed HF glassware.
Pours a bright and slightly hazy medium blonde with one finger of soapy head.
Aromas a nice mix of eucalyptus, lemon and hops.
Flavor is soft and supple...candied citrus, hops and light bread.
Mouthfeel is so good, so inviting.
This beer is a typical HF IPA, delicate, balanced and delicious.
Dec 18, 2016
Hyptochrons from Massachusetts
4.48/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Very juicy and refreshing, clean flavor profile. Juicy Tangerine orange, grapefruit, grassy, peach, minty herbal note, bread malts and that medium-full bodied creamy texture supports the flavors so perfectly. Another super juicy but delicately balanced ale from HF, incredibly drinkable and refreshing - would love to have 4 pks of this in my fridge.
Dec 11, 2016
4.48/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Very juicy and refreshing, clean flavor profile. Juicy Tangerine orange, grapefruit, grassy, peach, minty herbal note, bread malts and that medium-full bodied creamy texture supports the flavors so perfectly. Another super juicy but delicately balanced ale from HF, incredibly drinkable and refreshing - would love to have 4 pks of this in my fridge.
Dec 11, 2016
Zaximus from Colorado
4.4/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
From 350 filled 2/14
L- Hazy orange. Incredible lacing.
S- Subtle citrusy hops. Very nice but not bursting with aroma. Though it is almost two weeks old.
T- Bitter hops up front that quickly give way to big juicy flavor. Tastes like orange juice. Very, very good.
M- Perfectly carbed and drinkable. Finishes dry and refreshing.
O- Another great IPA from HF. This is honestly one of my favorites now. Hope it makes an appearance again.
Feb 25, 2016
4.4/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
From 350 filled 2/14
L- Hazy orange. Incredible lacing.
S- Subtle citrusy hops. Very nice but not bursting with aroma. Though it is almost two weeks old.
T- Bitter hops up front that quickly give way to big juicy flavor. Tastes like orange juice. Very, very good.
M- Perfectly carbed and drinkable. Finishes dry and refreshing.
O- Another great IPA from HF. This is honestly one of my favorites now. Hope it makes an appearance again.
Feb 25, 2016
Rizzy17 from Pennsylvania
4.17/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a 750 mL growler filled on 2/13/16 into a Hill Farmstead stem glass.
A: Opaque and hazy orange with an off-white head that lingers. It looks juicy!
S: Tropical fruits on the nose.
T: Tropical fruits with a somewhat bitter bite on the end. Slightly resinous.
F: Full bodied and very drinkable. Nice and smooth.
O: This is very nice. Not mind blowing, but tasty and super drinkable. Kind of reminds me of Sixpoint Bengali.
Feb 24, 2016
4.17/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a 750 mL growler filled on 2/13/16 into a Hill Farmstead stem glass.
A: Opaque and hazy orange with an off-white head that lingers. It looks juicy!
S: Tropical fruits on the nose.
T: Tropical fruits with a somewhat bitter bite on the end. Slightly resinous.
F: Full bodied and very drinkable. Nice and smooth.
O: This is very nice. Not mind blowing, but tasty and super drinkable. Kind of reminds me of Sixpoint Bengali.
Feb 24, 2016
jhavs from New Hampshire
4.48/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
750 ml swingtop growler poured into snifter.
L = Hazy, orange color, Fluffy white head that takes a while to settle. Lacing clings to the glass.
S = Orange, citrus, tropical notes. Wine like earth hint in there too.
T = Tropical, light sweetness and light toasty flavor. Very refined flavors.
F = Medium bodied with moderate carbonation.
O = Another nice hoppy offering from HF. Very clean and easy to drink.
Feb 19, 2016
4.48/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
750 ml swingtop growler poured into snifter.
L = Hazy, orange color, Fluffy white head that takes a while to settle. Lacing clings to the glass.
S = Orange, citrus, tropical notes. Wine like earth hint in there too.
T = Tropical, light sweetness and light toasty flavor. Very refined flavors.
F = Medium bodied with moderate carbonation.
O = Another nice hoppy offering from HF. Very clean and easy to drink.
Feb 19, 2016
Of First And Last Things from Hill Farmstead Brewery
Beer rating:
95 out of
100 with
195 ratings
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