HopHead Throwdown (2015)

Did somebody really say that?

 

Yeah, someone did. That was me. A 5 hour drive + hotel + food for a few bottles is no joke. Point is, HF will be at the event on Saturday, so I am saving myself the drive. You should read the entire thread before you pick one post out and try to capitalize on it. Thanks buddy.

 

I actually read most of it. HF is my favorite brewery, so I was taken aback I suppose. As a previous poster mentioned, you could go to Armsby on Saturday instead and see at least 5 HF beers on tap...and a few bottles? There's no limit on shelf saisons which in my opinion are still one of the best deals in craft beer. It's also beautiful up there, with great restaurants, bars and friendly people.

I just can't see how it's a once in a lifetime trip, that's all.

 

I can't make this due to a work commitment, but I'm really curious as to what the "hidden gem" is.

To those that do get in, get the pulled pork. The slaw on it was hellishly spicy, but it was also one of the best pulled pork sandwiches I've ever had. I'm more sad about missing out on that.

 

I in no way was bashing Hill Farmstead. What I was trying to say was that you need a weekend to go up there and enjoy everything, a weekend AT LEAST, especially being 5 hours away. There's a really good HF beer on tap Saturday and if you wait in line for an hour, in great weather, you'll be able to have some. Shelf Saisons are your favorite, they aren't to many others. Don't pick out one comment like mine and try to demean me for it. I said what I said and I stand by it. Re-read what I said. I said HF is a trip people should take once in their lives. I didn't follow that with "And that's all you need because the place blows." If I could go to HF every day, I would. Would I rather drive 5 hours to get some bottles and a growler and than drive 5 hours home OR drive a half hour, wait in line for an hour or so, and enjoy one HF beer and many other amazing ones? You already know my answer.

 

What would be viewed as "better" or "more special" than what they decided to list? Assuming it's a hophead style beer... I'd guess Heady or another big name treehouse hoppy beer.

 

The appearance of a Lawson's beer would be a nice "hidden" gem.

 

True as well. Didn't think of that. A Keg of SoS wouldn't be too hard to obtain.

 

It's Pliny

 

TPH could serve pints of grapefruit juice & soda water and most attendees would be thrilled by the murky concoction.

 

Damn, I just realized that it may be Second Fiddle given that Fiddlehead has the release on Saturday. In which case, I would not be disappointed at all. Only beer I'm really bummed about missing is Focal, which I can get at a bar next time I'm up in Vermont. It's only 3.5 hours away...

 

I'd be surprised. Second Fiddle saw distro to MA last drop. I wouldn't deem that a "gem" compared to that general list and when you are listing focal outright. I'm not PH though so who knows how they are thinking.

 

Just speculating. I wouldn't deem it a gem either.

 

Second Fiddle would be nice but I agree I wouldn't call that a "gem". I also don't think it is heady as I think they would have listed that to get people in the door who aren't familiar with the other great hoppy beers.

On a different point, I was there last night and agree with the earlier comments about the noise level. When it get full tomorrow you won't be able to hear anything.

 

Ha, I know you were (mostly) being sarcastic, but I bet this could actually be true for some people in a blind taste test.

 

I had a 10 or 12 ounce pour of it on draft a while back. I love spicy foods and thought the beer was interesting, but can't imagine I'd ever order it again, and definitely not a whole pint!

 

I'm going to pass on this event...the line alone is not going to make it worth it and they will kick a number of these beers before you get to them just based on people and time. It's a shame since there are so many good beers on that list but good luck to those who attend. I'm interested to hear the results.

 

I bet the Gem is Heady or Cantillon?

 

"Hey Hopheads, here's Iris. Enjoy."

 

Do you think this would be a good event to bring a 1 & 4 year old to? Wife is going to be away and kids are mine this weekend