Hill Farmstead — Art Batch 6 (2016) Wine Barrel-Aged Saison

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Art Batch 6 represents the pinnacle of Hill Farmstead’s wine barrel program, a meticulously blended saison drawn from only a single-digit percentage of qualifying French oak barrels. The nose offers refined notes of cedar, lemon zest, and crushed mineral, lifted by hints of pineapple and lime. On the palate, bright tartness mingles with rustic farmhouse character, oak tannin, and a whisper of wine-soaked fruit. Each sip reveals layered complexity, balancing acidity with restraint and depth. The finish is dry, mineral-driven, and quietly elegant, showcasing why Art remains one of America’s most revered saisons.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged goat cheese drizzled with honey and served alongside crusty sourdough, where the saison’s tart minerality cuts through creamy richness. Alternatively, try grilled lemon-herb chicken with roasted fennel and olive oil; the beer’s cedar, citrus, and oak nuances complement the dish’s bright herbal character beautifully.

About Hill Farmstead Brewery

Hill Farmstead Brewery was established in 2010 by Shaun Hill in Greensboro Bend, Vermont, nestled in the remote Northeast Kingdom region approximately seventy miles from Burlington. Hill’s brewing journey began with a high school science fair project and evolved through professional experience at Denmark’s Fanø Bryghus and Nørrebro Bryghus before he returned to his family’s farmstead to create one of the world’s most celebrated craft breweries.

The brewery has achieved remarkable acclaim for its uncompromising approach to brewing across multiple styles, with particular distinction in American Pale Ales, IPAs, Porters, and Saisons. This dedication to quality has earned Hill Farmstead an extraordinary record of recognition from the global beer community. RateBeer named it Best New Brewery in the World in 2011, followed by the prestigious title of Best Brewery in the World in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, with a second-place finish in 2013. This sustained excellence reflects Hill Farmstead’s commitment to traditional brewing methods and thoughtful innovation, making it a pilgrimage destination for serious beer enthusiasts worldwide.