Hill Farmstead — Samuel Batch 8 (2023)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Samuel Batch 8 pours with a luminous golden hue and a fine, persistent mousse, releasing aromas of fresh lemon zest, wildflower honey, and gentle oak. The buckwheat and spelt lend a rustic, grainy depth, while extended wine barrel aging contributes a vinous character laced with subtle funk and a whisper of orchard fruit. The palate is bright and tart, with crisp citrus, floral nuance, and a honeyed undertone that softens the acidity. A long, dry finish carries lingering notes of oak, lemon pith, and earthy farmhouse complexity, inviting further cellar evolution.

Food Pairing

Pair with a creamy goat cheese drizzled with wildflower honey atop toasted spelt bread, allowing the saison’s tart citrus and grainy depth to shine. Alternatively, serve alongside pan-seared scallops with lemon-thyme butter, where the beer’s vinous oak character and bright acidity complement the delicate sweetness of the shellfish 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.