Hill Farmstead says: "American Pale Ale brewed in honor of our Second Anniversary. Simcoe and Amarillo hops. 5.4% abv"
This is a fun one today! Hill Farmstead Brewery is located in the Middle of Nowhere, Vermont. Check it out:
Their bottles are only available for sale at the brewery, and they do distribute some of their kegs, but it all stays very local. Somehow, by word of mouth, beer geeks across the country have heard about their high quality beers, and they've become very sought after. Basically, you have to be lucky enough to know someone who is willing to make brewery runs for you to try this beer. Today, I am considered lucky, because I have two 750ml growlers in my fridge, and I'm reviewing one of them today!
Appearance: The color of chamomile tea. Almost a slight greenish hue in person. Smallish head with not too much retention or lacing, and cloudy.
Smell: Such a great nose on this -- orange and orange rind, with more floral hop character, sweet malt, and a touch of grass.
Taste: Great balance and complexity! I taste citrus again, and grassy earth, biscuit, and sweet bread. The malt backbone is perceptible here not by a huge contribution of flavor, but by removing any residual bitterness left from the hops.
Mouthfeel: Viscous and slightly chewy, but with a remarkable dry finish. Love that! Full in the mouth, but not heavy or overbearing. It works really well with the subtle flavors on the palate by contributing richness in the body.
Overall: This was definitely crafted with love, and that care is evident in the subtle flavors and balance. Simcoe and Amarillo can be potent hops, but the brewers have managed to tease out their flavors without the beer being too bitter or overwhelmingly hoppy. For a pale ale, this is the right approach. Very well done, and very tasty.
4.5/5
This is a fun one today! Hill Farmstead Brewery is located in the Middle of Nowhere, Vermont. Check it out:
Appearance: The color of chamomile tea. Almost a slight greenish hue in person. Smallish head with not too much retention or lacing, and cloudy.
Smell: Such a great nose on this -- orange and orange rind, with more floral hop character, sweet malt, and a touch of grass.
Taste: Great balance and complexity! I taste citrus again, and grassy earth, biscuit, and sweet bread. The malt backbone is perceptible here not by a huge contribution of flavor, but by removing any residual bitterness left from the hops.
Mouthfeel: Viscous and slightly chewy, but with a remarkable dry finish. Love that! Full in the mouth, but not heavy or overbearing. It works really well with the subtle flavors on the palate by contributing richness in the body.
Overall: This was definitely crafted with love, and that care is evident in the subtle flavors and balance. Simcoe and Amarillo can be potent hops, but the brewers have managed to tease out their flavors without the beer being too bitter or overwhelmingly hoppy. For a pale ale, this is the right approach. Very well done, and very tasty.
4.5/5
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