Hyland's Sturbridge Farmhand Ale
Connecticut Valley Brewing

Hyland's Sturbridge Farmhand AleHyland's Sturbridge Farmhand Ale
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From:
Connecticut Valley Brewing
 
Connecticut, United States
Style:
American Blonde Ale
ABV:
4%
Score:
88
Avg:
3.92 | pDev: 14.54%
Reviews:
23
Ratings:
24
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Mar 23, 2013
Added:
Oct 15, 2003
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Jason:
Photo of Jason
Reviewed by Jason from Massachusetts

4.15/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22oz brown bottle with no freshness date. Thin sediment on the bottom of the bottle was left behind while pouring.

A - Exceptional white froth, good head retention. Weathered straw-golden hue with a great clarity.

S – Slight doughy / malted flour aroma with a lemony hop in the back … suggests a little of lemon poppy seed cake.

T&M – A rolling crispness runs the light body across the palate. Solid pale malt flavor throughout, doughy and biscuity. The hop bitterness gets right to the point with hints of lemon zest and dried herbs. Finishes on the dry side.

D – I’ll chalk this one down as an “American Session” beer … enough said.

This is the best out of the litter of brews from Hyland from I have tried to date. If you love extra pale ales / golden & blonde ales this is one to seek out.
Dec 26, 2005
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 2.25 by BGsWo22 from Texas

Mar 23, 2013
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Reviewed by BeerAdvocate from Finland

4.13/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
From BeerAdvocate Magazine Volume II, Issue V:

Pours a beautiful white head with prim lacing on the glass. Crystal clear pale golden color is spot on for the style. Hints of lemon zest, fresh cut grass and a doughy grain--surprisingly extreme aromatics for such a light colored brew. Super deep smoothness pulls at the moderate body to make it seem thicker. The malt has a lot to offer: grassy, cracker-like, bready, doughy, and with all that it stays clean. A prominent but tasty yeast flavor comes through middle to end with a hint of pear-like fruitiness. Hops are very modest with more flavor than bitterness, suggestions of lemongrass and spearmint come to mind. Finishes semidry with a long lingering yeast-malt combo.

Hands down one of the most interesting Blonde Ales (Extra Pale Ale) we've come across in a long while. A perfect example of what the American session ale is. Quaff away!
Sep 10, 2010
Photo of Katahdin
Reviewed by Katahdin from Pennsylvania

4.84/5  rDev +23.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
A delightful interpretation of a farmhouse ale. Very drinkable with smells of alfalfa and timothy hay and a hint of wheat. Taste has a bit of a lemongrass flavor that lingers on the palate. Very smooth in texture, very easy to drink, a refreshing beer for a hot summer day. I cellared my bottle for 2 years and it was still remarkable when I drank it.
Jun 09, 2010
Photo of Gueuzedude
Reviewed by Gueuzedude from Arizona

4.1/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Sampled March 2007
This beer is incredibly well carbonated, with a very careful pour I still manage to get a six-finger thick, pale, white colored head. The head is fairly large bubbled, as it recedes it forms a rocky, varied surface. The beer is brilliantly clear, with a bright, lightly straw colored body. A touch spicy, with a grassy, green herbal note as well as some lemon peel aromatics. The nose on this beer is quite dry and enticing.

Fairly tart tasting, but there is also a biting carbonation, which couples with a light hop bitterness. This beer finishes with a herbal, astringent finish as well as a continuation of the tart flavor. Very light on the tongue, this beer defines a light quaffable, summer beer quite well.

This is quite a bit tastier than I was expecting, it really captures the character of a farmhouse Saison quite well. This is quite a tasty brew, I am really quite pleased to have a chance to drink this beer.
Apr 24, 2007
Photo of numenor1
Reviewed by numenor1 from North Carolina

4.45/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
A glowing light yellow color with the slightest haze. Forms a huge rocky white head. Aroma is slightly nutty, grainy and with a slight touch of lemon.
Palate is fantastic. Very clean, crisp malt. A touch bready. Hay and slightly spicy hops with vague citrusy lemon. Once again a great malty nuttiness impresses itself on the palate. Great purity and balance. Mouthfeel is light and well carbonated, but certainly not overly so. Lawnmower beer at its finest. Really a terrific beer.

Why don't more breweries do a koelsch?
Dec 18, 2006
Photo of plaid75
Reviewed by plaid75 from New York

4.01/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a light straw hue with a two finger creamy white head. There was very good retention and excellent lacing.

The smell featured a light doughy grain and a nice little lemon zest.

The taste was airy and very clean. A light biscuity grain bill with a solid noble hop spiciness. Respectable doughy aftertaste.

The mouthfeel was light and crisp.

Overall a very easy drinking kolsch. Light ABV and clean taste make this one ofthe best session beer I have ever had. Thanks to ppoitras for this one.
Dec 02, 2006
Photo of Stimack
Reviewed by Stimack from New York

4.1/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours to a light yellow/golden color with a thick white head that has excellent retention and leaves chunky lacing down the side of the glass. The aroma has a lemon/citrus quality along with pale malt scent and a little spiciness? The taste is light but has a slight crisp feel on the tongue while having a nice muted hop taste that is in the tail end and leads to a somewhat dry finish. Also noticeable is the carbonation, very bubbly. Over all this is a very good beer and I probably will not rate is as high as I should since it is not a favorite style, but I would get this again. This would be a very nice, refreshing summer brew.
Nov 09, 2006
Photo of neonbrown82
Reviewed by neonbrown82 from Nebraska

3.56/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
This is a pretty decent Kolsch, and the last of my BIF33 cache. Once again, thanks to ppoitras for all the great beers!

This beer pours to a very light and crystal clear golden yellow color. It has a decent creamy white head and a very active carbonation. Leaves a spotty lacing.

The smell is a bit musty and funky. I think it may well be past its prime, or at least lightstruck. Aside from that it's oddly biscuity, though I would expect a much more pale malt aroma. The hops are grassy and possibly skunked.

The taste is a little better. More like a kolsch. Has a good spicy hops flavor, though slightly oxidized. There is a light biscuit malt flavor mixed in with the pale. Still tastes good even though it may not have held up to its fullest.

The body is a bit light and prickly from the carbonation. The taste starts off sweet with a nice balancing bitter with a very feint dry tart in the finish. This would probably be much better and more drinkable if it were fresher. Still an enjoyable brew.
May 30, 2006
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Reviewed by Dithyramb from Maryland

3.45/5  rDev -12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Hazy pale sunny yellow with merangue head. Great retention and lacing. Grassy aroma with a bit of funk.

Didn't see it mentioned anywhere, but this one was either enhanced with Brett or infected. I'll go with enhanced. The chalky/grassy nature with some spicy hops were really punctuated with a bit of farmhouse funk. However, this took away from any kolsch designation. Went down very smooth and clean. Would be quite refreshing after a bit of farm work, or maybe just some gardening. Wouldn't be bad to have again sometime, and see if the funk was supposed to be in there.
May 22, 2006
Photo of kmo1030
Reviewed by kmo1030 from Massachusetts

3.83/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
pale gold with a fairly thick white head.
grainy and lemony faintly floral hop aroma.
toasted malts combine a little bit of grain and a nice lemony hop flavor to nice effect. the hop bitterness dries things out well. i don't have a ton of experience with the style, but this is solid in the taste department.
mudium bodied with relatively strong carbonation. crisp and refreshing.
good drinkability, would be real nice on a hot day.
Apr 30, 2006
Photo of Chadbrew
Reviewed by Chadbrew from Delaware

3.2/5  rDev -18.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Thanks again Pete.
This Kolsch was pretty good. The yellow slightly hazy beer was topped with really good fluffy head that unfortunately didn’t hang around for long. The aroma was pretty clean Pils with a touch of grassy and spicy hops.
The balance is close, although I would have liked a little more finishing hops. There does seem to be an ever so slight "Brett" flavor present. I'll have to keep my eyes open to try this again, see if that's it or if it is part of the design.
Very refreshing beer anytime of the year.
Feb 25, 2006
Photo of clvand0
Reviewed by clvand0 from Kentucky

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
This one pours a very clear and very light yellow color with a tall head that falls fast and leaves a little lacing on the glass. The aroma is very grainy with a lemony hint. That's about it for the aroma - very clean. The flavor is extremely grainy, but not offensive. It also has a very smally spiciness going on. The mouthfeel is quite light and the drinkability is very good. This is a good Kolsch.
Jan 17, 2006
Photo of kmpitz2
Reviewed by kmpitz2 from Tennessee

4.42/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours a very clear rather light yellow color with a 2 finger head that falls to a full finger of head after settling. Nose is lightly grainy and with a moderate peppery hop. There is just a touch of a lemony zing to it as well. Flavor is a light grainy and light lemon with just a touch of peppery spice that hangs lightly into the finish. I like it. Feel is solid moderate with a moderate carbonation. Drinkability is very good. I think the flavor and aroma work well together. Its nice and peppy with the lemon character and the peppery hop. Overall, a very nice beer, and a fair take on a kolsch. This is another one that I would buy if it were on the shelves. Especally in the summer.
Jan 17, 2006
Photo of chOAKbarrell
Reviewed by chOAKbarrell from Maryland

2.57/5  rDev -34.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
Starts off good, with a beautiful, huge head, but unfortunately looks extremely pale and lifeless, much like Budweiser or one of those beers.

The fairly hoppy smell is the best part of this beer.

Ouch, the taste. Extremely light and watery. Grass clippings and straw on the finish. Almost no taste at all.

Mouthfeel is the same as the taste - watery & lifeless.

Well, this is light, and as light beers go down easily in large quanitites, I suppose the drinkability is fairly high. Just dont expect it to taste good.
Dec 28, 2005
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Reviewed by aaronh from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
As I typically do, I ordered this beer purely because it's local and I've never tried it. Well, it was a pleasure. Nice clean aroma from a moderate golden ale. Exceptional clarity with a rather thick head that shows a decent staying power. Nice crisp flavor with a hint of malt, fresh tasting hops on the finish. Refreshing on the palate yet solid, this is an easy drinking beer that was a real treat. One of the best fizzy yellow beers I've ever had. And to think, I was prepared to write Sturbridge off as unlikely to produce any decent beers on this trip. Glad I decided to take a look at the local beer scene. I highly recommend this beer with the fried clams at TJ O'Briens in Sturbridge.
Dec 09, 2005
Photo of Hagbard
Reviewed by Hagbard from Connecticut

4.05/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Pours a light golden straw color and a thick fluffy white head forms from an aggressive pour. There are a few carbonation bubbles rising to the top because the beer is fairly transparent and clean. The aroma is understated, but I catch lemon and grass. The taste is classic kölsch. There is lemon throughout. There are some grassy and herbal elements as the beer sits on your tongue. It finishes with a bit of spiciness, similar to a pilsener. The one thing that keeps this from being a world class kölsch is a bit of diacetyl that creeps into the finish. It prevents the beer from being as crisp and clean as I would like. The mouthfeel is great; heavily carbonated, the way I like kölsch. As everyone else has already mentioned, this beer is extremely drinkable and won't kill you if you consume a lot of it. A great example of a great style!
Aug 29, 2005
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Reviewed by meathookjones from Virginia

4/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Crystal clear light yellow in color with a tall fizzy white head. Some lacing and decent retention. Aroma has some lemon, a little malty sweetness and a nice grainy cereal character to it. The lemon really came out as it warmed up a little. Light hops over a solid grainy and malty backbone. The lemon was in the taste as well. Very clean and crisp stuff all around. Good crisp mouthfeel that is a bit lighter but works well for the style. Good drinkability also. I could see putting down a few of these on a hot day. This could make a good beer to turn people from the usual macro swill. Thanks goes to pete for the bottle.
Jul 14, 2005
Photo of ybnorml
Reviewed by ybnorml from Rhode Island

4.27/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A clean pale yellow beer. Has a big bright white foamy head. The aroma is mostly a lightly roasted cereal grain with a little peppery hops in the background. A good combination of malted grain and a light hop bite in the flavor. Makes this a tasty and refreshing treat. Althought there is plenty of flavor here the mouth feel in nice and light. Just right for a hot weather beer.
Jul 02, 2005
Photo of assurbanipaul
Reviewed by assurbanipaul from Texas

3.97/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5
Pours a very, very pale, clear off-yellow with a tall foamy white head. Aroma is grassy hay and yeast with a touch of malty sweetness.

Taste is delicate and sweet. Very pale malt with only slight sourness from hops. Lemony citrus flavor, but not a lot. Wisps of biscuity, bready flavor, but not a lot. A little sweeter than I would prefer, but I enjoy the sour beers. Mouthfeel is very light, almost macro-thin.

This is a gossamer whisper of a beer, perfect for refreshment on a hot summer workday outside. Don't know if I'd categorize it as a kölsch, though; it lacks the clarity of taste and nuttiness I'm familiar with. This is for drinking after working hard and sweating a lot. It has a rough, homemade delicateness, as opposed to the refinement of a kölsch. I would think it to be a light-bodied wheat ale, although I like the category "farmhand ale."

Many thanks to ppoitras for this one.
Apr 16, 2005
Hyland's Sturbridge Farmhand Ale from Connecticut Valley Brewing
Beer rating: 88 out of 100 with 24 ratings