Hill Farmstead (2019)

In the "pound for pound" rankings (no nation wide distribution, etc.), HF is probably in the top 5(3?) grossing craft breweries in the country.

My point was HF and TH are incomparable much like Jacks Abbey would be to Goose Island. They both have their model and are extremely successful at what they do and they produce what their customer base demands.

HF releases a new German Helles and people are giving up first born children. If TH released a German Helles of equal quality, the parking lot would have tumbleweeds blowing through.

 

Agree to disagree. Trillium, for example, currently has 11 IPA/IIPA/Pale Ale options for sale. They also have a Pilsner, a corn lager, a Kolsch, and 4 Wild's. I did not see any tumbleweeds in Canton last time I drove through.

You're also operating under the assumption that they could produce a German Helles of equal quality, which I disagree with. See Trail Magic.

People also shouldn't trade children for beer. That's just wrong.

 

I for one was also pretty annoyed at the one-dimensional nature of 3F's Seasons set. Please Armand, less gueuze and more roggenbier.

 

Lagers are so hot right now

 

Not sure if it plays into people’s mindset, but Shaun is still actively involved with the “special projects” (e.g. experimental lagers) + It’s the first conditioned lager sanctioned for take away

 

The good news is, we'll all get to find out when the Farm is fully operational.

I find it unlikely that Nate could not brew a classical lager if that's what was needed of him. Trail Magic is their "interpretation" of a Pilsner and it's not like it's Bud Light.

Anyway, I'm hyped to the maxxxx for my trip up to HF. Even more hyped that no stout has dropped yet and crossing my little fingers and toes that one is available when I'm there.

 

What is it that they say about an erection lasting more than a four hours?

 

Trail Puncheon was a definitely improvement over the standard trail magic. I have had a few of the Hill lagers, including the draft only ones, and they are quite good. Why anyone would go nuts for them though is beyond me. I can go into any decent liquor store and buy better lagers than either Tree House or HF has made at a much lower cost. In my mind the only benefit of the HF stuff is it is easy to know that it is fresh. I have yet to have a domestic lager that is better than the standard by Notch brewing. Of course that is just my opinion. I am also convinced that HF lagers get a boost in ratings simply because of their provenance, which is dumb. And yes, I know Tree House gets the same boost. Notwithstanding all my comments, I will almost always order a HF beer, IPA or Lager when I am at Armsby Abbey.

 

I would agree to a point. These two places make some damn enjoyable beer that live up the the ratings. However, they can’t all be top 10s, and some of them get totally undeserved ratings based on their name. And vice versa. There’s some great tasting beer from “less than praised” places that get poor ratings based on their name.

 

How long does the BA syrup usually last? Wondering if I’ve got any shot if I’m heading up in two weeks?

 

If I recall correctly, it lasted quite a while last year, starting at 1pp, and eventually ending up with no limit. I'd say you have a good shot at landing some.

 

While it might not be hillfarm Their is plenty of BA maple syrup to be found in vt. Try hitting Willy’s down the road from the brewery or any country store. Heck I saw some in a gas station today.

 

Is there an expectation of a 'limited' release to-go beer this week leading up to Zwanze Day? I've never been to Hill Farmstead for that event but will be visiting the brewery this Thursday and Saturday. Just trying to understand what to expect as far as crowds, etc.

 

Also, is Zwanze always an unticketed free for all at Hill? Seems like it could get crazy that way...

 

They listed the brews being released this week via their social media. I would think the crowd will be pretty solid for the day of the event. The new limited onsite only Anna variant will add to crowds too I think.

 

Not sure when the last time they had it was. At least 3-4 years.

 

Usually release announcements are done on Saturday. No limited release bottle to go this week unless you consider the bourbon barrel aged maple syrup.

Given the seasonably good weather, Hill's foray back into the event, the fact that it is a non-ticketed event, but with the Zwanze pour and other Cantillon bottles available for onsite consumption, I would expect it to be a busy Saturday even if they consider it a normal retail day.

 

Was ticketed in years past, but the event itself was absent from Hill the last few years. So, a new, fresh approach upon its return