First and foremost - getting there. I had read reviews on Yelp and other sites about people going to the actual brewery and 2 things kept recurring : 1) do NOT rely on any kind of internet maps program and 2) you will feel totally lost, and that means you're on the right track. I did have a paper map (who uses those anymore?) of Vermont handy, but I disregarded the first rule. Hence, I had my Google maps in hand and had directions ready to go. Once we were about 25 minutes away, everything came to a hault. No reception, no navigation, nothing. Panicked, we stopped at a general store, where no one knew what we were talking about. Thankfully, a mailman stopped by and gave us the scoop. "Stay straight until you see a Y in the road, then take the next left, then right, then left." Sounded easy, right? There had to be 6 different "Y" roads and we had no idea which one was correct! We tried about 3 and found ourselves going vertically straight up a rocky road into pastures, dirt roads that I thought we were going to slide down (we drove our Honda, not exactly off roading material), and found not one person in civilization. We did, however, see many animals, including a turkey!
Finally, while on said dirt road, we passed a small shanty of a house, where 2 men were working on their pick up and drinking beer. They knew exactly where we needed to go, and proceeded to tell us that once we were on the "pavement," we would find our destination. They were right. Once I saw the Hill Farmstead logo, Steve and I both were relieved and excited.
Once we pulled up and got out of the light rain we had been battling all day, it was glorious. There was 2 others inside filling growlers, and quickly we saw Shaun working on his beer. We started qith the samplers, trying Society & Solitude #2 & #3, Anna, Edward, Everett, & What is Enlightenment?
We did, however, read reviews on the cash only statement and brought lots, with enough to tip our awesome bartender.
I ventured outside to take some more photos and came upon Shaun. I introduced myself and asked if he was the brewer. "I am A brewer...." Quite the humble man and we chatted about the upcoming Philly Beer Week, where my husband and I were headed after Hill Farmstead, and his beers. We unfortunately came a day early (the next day they were releasing the highly anticipated E, as well as Art and others), but since he found out it was our anniversary, hooked us up with some of the aforementioned bottles. Score!
The place itself is very laid back, with Shaun playing music from his iPhone in the backround. Steve and I had 3 samplers, not wanting to leave or give up anymore beers. The Everett, their porter, was my personal favorite. Dark, complex flavors of chocolate, cocoa, & malts, it was one of the best porters I have ever tasted. I also really enjoyed Anna, which is their saison brewed with Vermont honey.
After 2 hours of incredible tastings and filling of growlers, we had to depart. One of my favorite breweries was tackled and I couldn't be happier. The only sad thing was leaving, but no fear; Shaun will be making appearances during Philly Beer Week at Theresa's Next Door, The Boilermaker, & Tria, among others.
Up next, Allagash brewing. But first, those of you in the Philly area and beyond, Steve & I are planning a trip to HF for their 2012 Festival of Farmhouse Ales Saturday, August 11. We were told they are planning a VIP session the night before and you can camp out for the weekend for $10. Interested? Email me justanotherword@hotmail.com and when the event gets closer, we will make further plans. Also, look here.
Cheers,
Megan
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