Hill Farmstead (2019)

I meant not too many new people in back of me since 2:30, but about ten people since I posted

 

I don't come to this thread often so I apologise if this is a consistent or overdone topic, but methinks it's time to seriously expand the retail area.

There was one point of sale when I got up to the counter. One. And I understand it's a special release but I've waited a good 45 minutes before during normal days.

Idk I have no solutions. I'm just saying it's incredibly slow getting beer at HF.

 

I think the solution is to not go all the way to HF if all you are doing is buying their IPA's like you said you were. Just go to any other brewery. They all make mostly interchangeable IPAs these days. The trip to HF is obviously worth it for people who love saisons and such.

 

See I disagree there. HF makes my absolute favorite hoppy beers. S&S4 is at the top of the list.

I also love the draft options. It's a great brewery to visit no matter what styles you enjoy. You just have to wait too damn long to get them.

First world problems.

 

Had 3 POS going when I made it up there. Was pretty long wait. But no line to get beers in Taproom, so I just drank my beer in line.

 

They aren't all interchangeable, S&S #4 is ridiculous.

 

I’m on board with that. S&S #4 is my favorite hoppy beer and imo the best there is.

 

Dude it's so good. I nearly fainted when I saw it was available in cans.

 

I know when it's released at HF, Armsby Abbey isn't far behind. I'm waiting...

 

Now you both have me reminiscing over this beer. My last run of cans was 7/30-9/10/18 batch. But truly fond of first pours off kegs at Blackback, at Armsby when Hill got in state, and fresh growler fills of it long before cans. Special beer.

 

My first growler fill back in 2016 was a religious experience. Oddly enough I chose to get a 2 liter fill of it instead of my usual 750 ml. Best random beer decision I've ever made.

 

It really was.

Although I do remember the old days of HF and going on a Saturday when they had just that small counter for growler fills and bottle purchases. You'd get there at open and would walk out 30 minutes to close. But then I knew what I was getting into.

 

Did I miss the IPA reference? Also, depending on what type of PA/IPA/DIPA you are looking for, HF, Suarez and Fox Farm are exemplary. Soft, crisp and clean as opposed to overhopped "NE style" sludge.

 

Aside of the predictably slow retail line for bottles/cans, it was a pretty great day overall at HF. Weather held up for a comfortable day in Greensboro. Aaron ‘15 on draft, Flora Pear and Damon ‘17 among the on-site bottle offerings. And the pizza truck was really tasty.

 

Traveling to Burlington from Atlanta, and going to be at HF next Thursday, second day of their anniversary week.

Anyone have experience with their anniversary week, specifically during the week (Weds or Thurs)? Is it a complete shit show?

 

Wasn't it Damon Kieni? I think I missed that by a half hour or so. But yeah, overall a fun day. Got there early, they opened early and, relatively speaking, crushed in the retail room with 5 people picking orders, at least for the initial rush.

Sneaky underrated on-site bottle was Norma '16. I love that beer.

 

Hi. I have been on either Wednesday or Thursday since they went to this format. It has not been a shit show at all in my opinion. Pretty chill, especially if the weather is nice and there is room for people to spread out on the deck/field.

They have not had anything crazy at retail the last few years. The retail lines for extremely limited brews seem to drive the most crowds.

I arrive typically at 230-3pm. The initial group of guests are usually gone at this time.

 

They had M&C 9 bottles in the afternoon too.

 

Compared to the Damon FBV release, I thought yesterday's line moved pretty quickly. Definitely more people yesterday for Clover, but the line moved faster since they had 2 registers and 3-4 people boxing orders. Hopefully this becomes the norm for these big hyped release days. Plus they were already open when I arrived at 10:30, which I'm sure helped quite a bit.