Hill Farmstead (2022)

"Edward (1917-2002) is our grandfather; Hill Farmstead Brewery rests upon the land that was once home to him and his five children. In his honor, this American Pale Ale is dutifully crafted from American malted barley, a plethora of American hops, our ale yeast and water from Edward’s well. It is unfiltered, naturally carbonated, and dry hopped. Aromatic and flowery, with impressions of citrus and pine, this is the ale that I dream to have shared with Edward."

not sure if that holds true for all of their hoppy offerings, or if this is specifically referring to when Edward was draft only and keg conditioned. All Hill Farmstead lagers are naturally carbonated, however

 

Galaxy has had a horrible run. Acreage of it went through the roof and quality suffered. Hop Products Australia also never let any brewers select their Galaxy and would just blend horrible lots with great ones. Lots of brewers are now very scared to use it and I know Shaun has been pretty vocal about the quality of it and has said they’ve dumped their fair share of Galaxy beer. I’ve heard of a few other Northeast breweries who were known for their Galaxy centric beers also having to dump massive quantities of beer.

 

But when it was good, it was so good. As someone who watched Other Half build up from a small brewery to what they are now, I championed every galaxy beer that brewery made, but was truly introduced to all things craft from my first sip of HF double galaxy. That set a kind of high bar standard for me. And as I couldn’t have access to HF being in NY, what OH was doing with their best batches of Space Diamonds reminded me of what I loved about that HF beer. And then it all went downhill. Everywhere I was reading how galaxy crops went bad and it wasn’t the same. I’m still chasing what it once was and remain hopeful that it will have some kind of massive resurgence in the future.

 

I don't know what it is about Hill Farmstead's tap lines but they just hit different. Memoria was incredible on draft, but I didn't really expect anything less. Also the growler of Mary I'm currently enjoying is just ridiculous and I'm really disappointed I only got 1.

 

I am wondering if the natural carbonation is the primary issue with Hill’s cans. I typically buy around a case and drink through it very quickly because I’m excited to have it and want to consume it fresh. Recently though, I ended up with a bunch of Hill cans that I ended up hanging onto for a couple of months. My comment above was made a few days later after having some disappointing initial cans, but I have to say, starting around the end of September they’ve improved noticeably and have a way fluffier head. I’m thinking they may just need time to fully do their carb thing in the cans.

I will say that I have not had that issue before this year, but maybe they used to condition them longer or something. Either way, my cans have been wonderful since letting them sit a few weeks.

 

Pretty sure they’re not can conditioning hoppy beer. If they are naturally carbonating it, which I also kinda doubt but you never know, it would be in a Brite tank before package. It’s a bit easier to do in bottles but cans it’s virtually impossible to do and maintain maximum hop impact.

 

I have no idea, was just basing it off the post above where they refer to Edward as naturally carbonated. My cans were undoubtedly better over time, whatever the explanation.

 

Did you also notice in one of those posts you quoted that the poster questioned whether Edward was only naturally carbonated when on draft?

 

Yep, saw that, but it was a question not a definitive statement. As I said, I’m just raising the possibility; not saying I have all the answers. Thanks for your trademark dickish response though.

 

But the possibility was already raised when you decided to literally repeat it using different words, as if you brought it up first. Maybe further the line of questioning by adding something new, or actually pursue some information directly from the brewery yourself, if you'd actually like to find out and contribute something new to the conversation.

 

They regularly post pictures on Instagram of beers being canned the day before or day of going up for sale. Not can conditioned.

 

Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t naturally carbonated and can conditioned two different things. Naturally carbonated refers to the process of spunding, which if I’m not mistaken, has something to do with capturing the CO2 from fermentation and reintroducing it to the beer. The idea is that this produces a softer carbonation vs just forcing some co2 from a tube of gas into your beer like it’s a damn seltzer.

 

Well...

If a beer is carbonated via spunding the beer is naturally carbonated.

If a beer is carbonated via bottle/can conditioning the beer is naturally carbonated.

So....

Cheers!

 

The online method for these "whale" releases is awesome. Sure, your internet may bone you, but if you do get lucky, you get to show up at 11:20 with four people in line and nary a space heater nor jorts in sight.

And I like the highboy tables in the taproom. Now everyone can lean over and stare at their phones in comfort and they wait for likes on their menu pics.

 

I see HF is doing an online purchase/shipping today to certain states. Any idea what bottle selection they're selling and how much? It's there for prior months but not December. Thanks.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Clj1oFftzi5/

Prices are detailed in a reply by HF below.

 

Just received my box of 6 bottles here in Virginia. Thanks for the heads up!

 

I have a trip to VT planned for mid January. It’s a hit of a hike to HF (2hrs by apple - but potentially more with weather/ground conditions). I haven’t ever been, and I always swore that if I just have the opportunity, I’ll make the effort to go. Even if just to pick up “retail”.

Now, I know they close every year at this time, and from looking at past reports, it seems like they are likely to close 5-7 days before I arrive (trip is ~ 16-20 Jan). Just wondering:
(1) If anyone has heard when they will close this year
(2) Any suggestions on driving there at this time of the year with a rental. I’d obviously not want to go without 4x4 based on some of the posts I have seen.
(3) I can’t recall if ANY cans or bottles land anywhere. I know draft goes to a couple places. I’d be happy if I could pick up literally anything.

Thanks, All.

 

(1) Their last Instagram post says, “We do not anticipate any extended closures in 2023 and will maintain our typical hours throughout the year.”

(2) I think the weather is a bigger factor and something you should be keeping your eyes on the most. If the weather is in your favor leading up and day off, the car really shouldn’t be an issue. Just take it slow.

(3) The Willey’s Store down the road in Greensboro usually has a variety of the “shelf” Hill offerings and occasionally some of their current cans.

 

Looks like your main questions were answered above, but just wanted to chime in that if you’re around you should swing by Waterbury. There, you’ll find (1) some great Hill draft beers at Blackback and other bars nearby and (2) Freak Folk, which is worth a visit in its own right.