Hill Farmstead (2019)

Was thinking about making my first trip to HF on Saturday getting there around noon opening. Is the Zwanze event going to make it unbearably busy up there? I'm probably not as deep into the craft beer scene as most here. Just wanted my first HF experience with some cans a few drafts and maybe a growler. Would a different Saturday be better for a more relaxed first time?

Thanks

 

I'm no HF expert but based on posts previous, I would say this Saturday is going to be much busier than usual.

 

It would be more relaxed on a day other than Zwanze. You have a nice little gap before or after peak leaf peeping season and before ski season that is very mellow.

 

100% Yes. Mid-October is a perfect time. Leaf-peeping is over and ski season hasn't picked up yet.

 

Thanks I'm leaning towards hitting multiple spots in Burlington instead with diner at Blackback on the way home. Maybe hit HF on a less crazy day.

 

Really, mid October is too late for leaves? They haven't even begun changing here in CT. I'm headed up the 19th, is that too late?

 

Probably very tail end, but still nice. A little different every year.

 

as far as crowds go, I avoid Columbus day weekend. A couple years ago they even closed for that Saturday.

I'm hoping next week will bring a bottle release as it's been quiet lately with zwanze and the CW pickup weekends

 

It is pretty much over in Central/Northern VT. There should be some color in southern VT. There are a couple of interactive foliage maps that usually predict peak color. I raked leaves today in my front yard... true story.

http://www.foliage-vermont.com/fall_maps.htm

 

Thanks. The wife won’t be thrilled about that lol. I think she wants to go on the trip but the leaves were a selling point by me

 

Used to be $100 a person for Zwanze, which was a filter of sorts. The BA maple syrup is now on offer, on-site Anna, and bottles of Cantillon (which must be shared if they're 750ml format, as always.) Add in the standard Sat. crowd and I'd say it's gonna be very busy...

 

https://punchdrink.com/articles/quiet-genius-wunderkammer-bier-hill-farmstead-brewery/

 

15! growler options. Most I've ever recalled seeing and an absolute embarrassment of goodness top to bottom.

 

THE HOPS ARE COMING THE HOPS ARE COMING!

 

Society and Solitude #4 and Conduct of Life sound delicious. Citra, Galaxy and Amarillo all work great together

 

Best hoppy beer I've ever had. Double Citra/Double Galaxy lovechild.

 

Because "good" beer (of the styles I prefer) is kind of ubiquitous -- that is, if I wanted to drink a beer from Oxbow, Jester King, etc., it's fairly easy to do so -- I very rarely get bummed that I don't get to drink one producer's beer more than I do.

I get that I can go to Armsby and typically enjoy a HF beer. And as much as I love Susan, Edward, Abner, et all., it really bums me out that I can't get Florence, Arthur, Anna, etc. (and for those prices!) unless I head up there.

End [not-really-a-rant-more-of-a-damn-im-craving-a-farmstead-ale] rant.

 

Armsby does occasionally have the shelf farmstead ales on draft, but not really as often as the options you listed and the like.

Best value in beer for that quality at that price and it's not even close IMO.

 

Wonder if they will have anything left over for Midwest visitor coming in next Wednesday, the 2nd? LoL, one can hope some special bottles/taps will be left over from Zwanze day?

Even if there isn't, I'm still really stoaked to be able to finally visit HF

I might as well ask too...do they allow special bottles to be brought in & shared with staff/other visitors?

 

I would imagine they will be bottling/canning fresh offerings weekly/daily as usual