Hill Farmstead
Hill Tapped
Mary On Tap
Up in the serene and secluded hills of Greensboro Bend, Vermont, Hill Farmstead Brewery is a place of profound purpose and quiet dedication. It's not a destination found on a whim, but a pilgrimage for those who seek to experience the very best example of our modern craft. Founded by Shaun Hill on the very land his family has worked for generations, the brewery's essence is one of terroir—the belief that a product's flavor is a direct expression of its environment. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the brewery, from the well water that is the foundation of every beer to the unique microflora of the surrounding landscape. The result is a culmination of a body of work that has redefined what is possible in brewing, earning the brewery a reputation as one of the world's finest. I can’t say that I disagree.
The journey of Shaun Hill, a friend whose passion and philosophical approach to brewing have been an inspiration to my own beer journey, began with a high school science project. This early fascination with fermentation evolved into a career marked by meticulous travel, education, and an uncompromising pursuit of perfection. He is a brewer who thinks like a philosopher, crafting beers that are not just beverages, but liquid expressions of a place and a person. His work is a meditation on balance, refinement, and the deep connection between a product and its sense of place. The names of his beers, which honor his ancestors, are a testament to this heritage and to the legacy he continues to build on his family’s land.
Among the many masterful creations that have flowed from these hills, there is one that holds a special place: Mary. This Helles lager is a tribute to Shaun’s great-grandmother, a beer that embodies quiet elegance and flawless execution. While many of the brewery's beers are known for their complexity, Mary is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It pours with a gentle, hazy gold and offers a clean, soft malt profile with a delicate floral hop character. It’s a beer of exquisite drinkability, a beacon of refined subtlety. It reminds me that greatness can be found not only in the boldest of flavors but in a perfect, unassuming sip of a light lager, that speaks volumes about its origins and the care with which it was perfected.