Ephraim - Hill Farmstead Brewery

omniscientcause

Massachusetts

4.84/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

A - Beautiful color. Really rich nice light golden tinge.

S - Huge citrusy/honey fruit with lots of pine and resin Very very similar to heady in its sweet spot of 2-3 weeks out from being canned.

T - Piney and big flavor, but without being super syrupy and malty. The malt is delicate and really just supports the hopping, which is perfect for a Diipa

M - Again, not thick but is very drinkable. I could drink a lot of these because they go down easy.

O - I have 2 more 750s to try this week to get a better grasp. This is very very good and on par if not surpassing heady. I found that it creeps up on you 20 mins or so after you finish drinking it...I dont experience this with most beers it usually takes less time.

Serving type: growler

Serving type: growler

05-18-2013 03:53:42 | More by omniscientcause

Skrip

South Carolina

4.51/5  rDev -2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

750ml growler poured into a Hill Farmstead oversized wine glass.

A~ hazy golden, glowing copper, nice white head, a little lacing and a good amount of sediment! mmm...! the pieces!

S~ lots of citrus, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, tiny bit of mango. lots of piney earthyness from the hops, and a tad hint of booze on the finish.

T~ extremely complex! with every sip something different comes out, but still very well balanced! follows the nose with all the citrus, plus a ton more pine notes, and different "funk" with every sip. a little white grape funk up in there. it kind of has an Abner thing going on without the saison aspects and minus the slightly boozy smell that you get the whole time as you go for it but its ohh so smooth on the palet.

M~ super nice carbonation, not as dry as i would aspect from all the hops. very refreshing, i could sip on this all day and be very messed up haha and once again sooo smoooth.

O~ yup! amazing! this will some how be added to my top 5 hoppy brews... yeah i don't know how thats gonna happen haha better make it a top 10 or 20 =] but i seriously love it. definitely try it out if you have the chance, highly recommended for sure. its all about the hop funk!

Serving type: growler

05-16-2013 02:47:51 | More by Skrip

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

4.31/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Growler from the brewery filled May 3, Chugged down May 7. From notes.

A - Poured a dark orange colour and cloudy. Two finger pillowy and thick head of an off white persuasion. Great thick rings of lace and a half finger of retention.

S - Similar to other HF pales and IPAs. Tons of citrus and passionfruit. Melon is a nice additions. Grapefruit and mango too. There is a distinct element I can't pin down that I really enjoyed. Sweet fruits, mango, canteloupe, some alcohol. Gorgeous.

T - Much of the same with more grapefruit. Grapefruit pith and pineapple. Less sweet fruit. Some orange. Bit rougher than the aroma leads on. More darker, sweet tropical fruits, and more grapefruit-esque citrus. Less bright citrus in the flavour. Some good maltiness is there. A little alcohol is present. Complex.

M - Gripping bitterness, fairly strong carbonation, medium to full body that seems a bit oily.

O/D - Flavour is weaker than the aroma. But seriously, this is quality. Complex, tasty, and fairly balanced for what it is. Malt shows, but doesn't play too big a role. Well done and easy to drink for what it is.

Serving type: growler

05-08-2013 04:47:43 | More by tbeckett

chuckd123

Connecticut

4.79/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Oh god this stuff is amazing. Had on tap several times in VT bars and at the brewery & it does not disappoint. Only downside (?) is the abv. Tough to drink more than a couple and make it through the night. The aroma is spectacular, and I truly think the only worthy alternative in the 10%+ IPA arena is PTY, which is similarly spectacular. Outrageously hoppy, but balanced as much as it can be with a malt backbone. Citrus, grapefruit and grassy hops are all over the aroma and flavor. A complex brew for sure, sort of an overhopped barleywine, but a class act in the IPA space. If you find it on tap or get a growler of it, do not succumb to letting it be your first beer of the night or you will be doomed. Finish with it when it cannot wreck your palate for whatever comes next.

Serving type: on-tap

03-06-2013 01:05:36 | More by chuckd123

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

4.98/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours a vibrant orange glow, slightly over one inch of head on it. Nose just erupts with the juiciest aromas of tropical and citrus fruits this side of Pliny, maybe even moreso. Its magnificent and owes nothing to nobody. Sliding in with the varied fruits are plenty of pine and soft lemon. Pineapple, pine, apricot, mango, you name it, its there. Yum.

Everything that shows up in the aroma takes on a respectful assault on the palate, again, waves of tropical fruit, citrus fruit and pine envelope the tongue. There's tons of bitterness, but it comes off so smooth, and for being ten and a half percent abv, there sure is no sign on of it, this beer really tastes phenomenal and drinks effortlessly, you don't have to feel like you're getting your big boy drinking jeans on, this one just rocks so easily. The malt is so much a distant memory, but somehow manages to carry the gigantic double dry hopped triple ipa. Really one of the natural wonders of the world I says. Finishes very dry, while keeping the fruitiness and green vegetal hop mouthfeel persistently dominating the mouth. The hops are just so herbal, so tasty per bitterness unit. The best hops in massive quantity, making some great teamwork and love.

What more could a guy want? An ipa that is just bursting with hop flavors reeking of tangerine, orange, pine, lemon, melon, mint, apricot, pineapple, green apple, mango, papaya, you could go on forever.

This is what triple ipas are all about. There's really only one other in its class.

Serving type: growler

12-24-2012 06:23:29 | More by Beerandraiderfan

Amalak

New York

4.68/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had during Hill Farmstead's Harvest Fest in September 2012. This is the only one I reviewed, as I was fairly hammered after trying every other brew on displace. But this was the best, in my opinion, followed by Edward.

A. It has a nice deep straw to red color, with a big white head and a good deal of lacing.

S. It has a fruity, hop scent.

T. As the scent would indicate, this is a nice fruity hop taste. A good bitter bite, with some tangy fruit.

M. It has a nice carbonated, bitter bite.

O. This was so good. I went back for more several times during the event.

Serving type: on-tap

11-28-2012 03:22:40 | More by Amalak

tewaris

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -13%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Mista brought it all to Darkness Day, thanks! My only "tick" from the said event.

Hazy, amber color. Duh. Looks like any and every Hill Farmstead hoppy beer and I am pleased just by the looks! Grainy and piney aroma. Very clean bitterness but well supported by a clean malt base, if that doesn't seem oxymoron-ic. A good hop flavor heavy on pine sap and citrus rind. Glad to have had it. Thank you again!

Serving type: growler

11-07-2012 09:16:29 | More by tewaris

iadler

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Another growler pour courtesy of Mista during Darkness Day. This has been a longtime want of mine.

A- Pours a slightly hazy orange with a thin head that leaves minimal lacing.

S- Tropical fruit upfront with mango, passion fruit and pineapple followed by citrus zest, floral notes, fresh herbs, peppery spice, caramel malt, pine and a touch of heat.

T- An abundant amount of tropical and citrus fruit mixed with pine needles, peppery spice, herbs, floral hops, caramel malt and some heat.

M- Low carbonation with a creamy mouthfeel and a slightly boozy finish.

O- This is one big DIPA. Plenty of dank tropical and citrus hops similar to other HF IPAS. I preferred Abner a bit more, but that doesn't really say much since both are fantastic.

Serving type: growler

10-27-2012 19:04:32 | More by iadler

kevanb

Illinois

4.65/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

750ml growler poured into a Hill Farmstead stemmed glass.

The beer pours a lovely hazy copper color, reminiscent of orange rinds or peach skins. There is a really nice finger of stark white head, good retention, moderate lacing with a light film on top once the head recedes. A fantastic aroma, huge citrus presence, oranges, grapefruit, light floral notes, and a great tropical fruit presence, mangos, pineapples and a touch of alcohol at the end. The flavors are almost as perfect, lovely citrus burst right away, oranges, grapefruits, light lemon zest followed by a tremendous fruit presence, passionfruit, sweet pineapple juice and faint mango. There is a backing of strong bitter earthy hops that bring out a really nice resinous presence that helps counterbalance the bright and vibrant citrus and fruit flavors. A touch of alcohol wraps up an exceptionally complex and balance flavor profile. The body is perfection, smooth, juicy, spot on dry finish, perfect for an IPA.

Verdict: Simply sensational IPA, between this and Abner, there is no clear winner, only incredible beer. My hats off to Hill Farmstead for this, it is just sublime, great complexity on the tongue, awesome dry finish, everything I want in an IPA.

Serving type: growler

10-27-2012 01:06:26 | More by kevanb

Holland

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: golden color, minimal head, very cloudy

S: citrus, grapefruit, peach, pine

T: amazing combo of citrus, sweetness, bittertness, and pine. None are overwhelming but it is bursting with flavor

M: thick and sticky with low to medium carbonation.

O: beats abner for me. Just delicious. If it had bwttwr carbonation I'd put it ahead of heady.

Serving type: on-tap

10-25-2012 21:19:02 | More by Holland

gonzowestwood

Connecticut

4.48/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Hill Farmstead 'Ephraim'
10.3%, 21ºP, 280 Theoretical ibus.

On Tap @ Peekskill Brewery

C- cloudy, light orange,golden color very small head and very light lacing on glass(4)
S- orangey, mango, resin hop with a touch of malt and booze (4.5)
T- citrus, quite bitter. A touch of malt and an fresh resin hop at the end(4.5)
M- silky smooth. Light carnation (4.5)
O- very very good DIPA, has great balance But not my favorite from HF (4.5)

#4> Galaxy>Abner>Ephraim

Serving type: on-tap

10-23-2012 02:08:15 | More by gonzowestwood

FosterJM

California

4/5  rDev -13%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

1579th Review on BA
Growler to HF Stem
750ml

Thanks to Rudzud for this one

App- A bit lighter in the glass than Abner was. This was more yellow tinged in color. A smaller one finger head. This was still a bit hazy but less dense in the glass than Abner was. A couple dots of cling and lace. Falls quickly vs. the fluffy Abner.

Smell- A nice nose for a DIPA. Doesnt blow me away but its solid. A couple notches below Abner but yet better than 90% of other DIPAs. A small bit of creamy hops and a bit of citrus. Not sure what fruit combo this one is. More of a dense/dank aroma.

Taste- This was a good DIPA, not a great one. Better than 90-95% of whats out there. It was a nice creamy flavor with some good hoppy bitter behind it. This one on the others from HF was more dank/and dense on the zest behind it. A bit more grapefruit and peach flavors.

Mouth- A nice body similar to Abner with a bit of creamy hops and some creaminess remaining. A nice amount of bitter zest and fruits remain. Call this a solid medium body DIPA with a nice wet carbonation behind it.

Drink- Well the fearsome twosome from HF have been taken down. I liked Abner more but wont say no to this again.

Serving type: growler

10-22-2012 20:59:01 | More by FosterJM

PeterIngemi

Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap @ blackback pub in waterbury VT

A: hazy golden with a touch of amber, served with about a finger of white head that dissapates nicley and leavs some nice lacing. Looks delicious.

S: wow, this smells so good, loads of grassy and citrusy hops, pleanty of tropical fruit aroma, mango, pinneapple, passion fruit... Smells like citrusy juicy hop deliciousness. Amazing aroma.

T: tastes like biting into a tropical fruit hop salad, some much tropical citrusy hop flavor, oh my, a touch of caramel sweetness. So yummy and resinous and juicy. Loads of grapefruit and pinneapple, and no overly bitter, wonderfully balanced.

M: medium heavy body with a very lush an juicy feel, nice creamy moderate carbonation.

O: this an amazing dipa one of the best I've had hands down. So much hop flavor, so well balanced...

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2012 01:48:57 | More by PeterIngemi

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

First had: on tap at Blackback Pub, Waterbury, VT

I've had my fair share of HF beers, but for some reason this one has eluded me for years. Now I've had it, and despite it's reputation, I must say, I'm not a huge fan. I actually think the bartender may have poured me Arthur instead of Ephraim. And I haven't had Arthur yet, so I can't verify this, but I do have a bottle of the stuff in the fridge. Once I drink it, I'll know for sure, and if it is true I was served the wrong beer, I will delete this review and go back to being Ephraim-less in life.

Appearance-wise, the beer was tremendous. Served in a HF stem glass, slightly hazy, bright amber color with a large, foamy, white head that retained amazingly and left blankets of lacing on the glass. Aroma of somewhat muted tropical and stone fruits, musty grass, somewhat bready; none of the intensity I'd expect from a fresh IPA though. More in line with a Belgian IPA or even moderately hoppy saison (further leading me to believe it could have been Arthur). Unexpected hit of funkiness up front in the taste, soft peach, citrus zest, mango, pear, bready malts, slightly bitter in the aftertaste. Hmm. Yep. This was either a fresh Arthur or an old Ephraim. Medium body, somewhat sticky and chewy. Overall fairly drinkable, but not quite what I expected.

Serving type: on-tap

10-13-2012 19:52:45 | More by Rifugium

silentjay

Massachusetts

4.65/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

pours like all HF pale hoppy beers, hazy golden straw colored with a HUGE off-white head that sticks around forever and leaves chunks of lacing on the glass when it finally recedes.

lots of tropical fruit on the nose, with some dank hops, tons of citrus, a bit earthy with some powdered sugar hiding behind that.

Pineapple, mango, grapefruit, dank and earthy hops just fill your palate. overtake it, one could say. not bitter overly bitter, but jam packed with hop flavor. gets more dank and earthy as it warms and your palate adjusts. wonderfully balanced blend of hops to make this way too drinkable for a beer of this magnitude.

medium bodied and with a pleasant carbonation with a tropical/bitter hoppiness that lingers for a while. a long while.

the first beer from HF that "wowed" me two years ago at the Extreme Beer Fest. probably the only time I've gone up for multiples of one beer at a festival like that. just tremendously balanced, in your face, yet nuanced. genius.

Serving type: growler

10-12-2012 04:15:47 | More by silentjay

Pinknuggets

Vermont

4.43/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 750ml picked up at the brewery last weekend

A: Pours Golden orange honey, super hazy, and completely opaque.

S: THe aroma is strong of peaches or apricots and other tropical fruits. Very citrusy.

T: The taste follows the smell with lots of peaches and fruity citrus up front but then the hops take over and come through with the goodness that comes with a good Imperial pale ale. The high abv is almost unnoticeable as a caught myself drinking it a little too fast. The finish has just the right amount of hoppy bitterness for my liking,

M: THe mouth feel is smooth, oily, and very drinkable

Overall there isn't much more to say another fantastic offering from Hill Farmstead get this if you get the chance, I love Vermont Beers!

Serving type: growler

10-10-2012 01:17:02 | More by Pinknuggets

cbutova

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

750ml growler shared with good friends again. Notes from just a day ago. Great way to sum up a VT weekend.

A- Cloudy as can be, like a murky glass of orange colored swamp juice. Creamy white head forms with a few fingers in size, decent retention. Lace forms immediately and continues down the glass nicely.

S- Big hops lead the way in the aroma. Orange and lemon zest are big along with notes of tropical fruit, pine resin and citrus juice. Slight grains and malts.

T- Hops big here too with lots of fruity things going on. Mango, huge orange juice/zest, citrus bonanza, grapefruit is big, pineapple and some peppery herbal hints. Definitely a bit of sweetness, caramel and alcohol to back those hops up.

MF- Creamy and moderately thick, oily body with a crisp carbonation. Big bitterness and some alcohol warmth.

Big hop blast with tons of nice citrus fruit notes. Really nice use of hops.

Serving type: growler

10-10-2012 00:54:47 | More by cbutova

Chico1985

Massachusetts

4.28/5  rDev -7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 750ml growler straight from the source provided by who else but cbutova. Enjoyed whilst running around changing a car battery.

Pours a super hazy orange, full-a floaties. Small white head retains decently.

Super citrus/orange juice up-front in the scent, lots of earthy fruitiness, a touch of alcohol. Big scent that fades a bit with time.

Taste is where it's at, huge beer. Lots of danky oranges, pine, bright juicy tropical fruit, grapefruit, with big caramel malts and breadiness there too. It is definitely on the sweeter side for an IPA but hops are huge as well.

Good full mouthfeel. High bitterness is balanced nicely by the malts, drinks pretty easy for the ABV - it feels big but there's not much alcohol heat.

I think the sweetness+alcohol could get to be a little much after time, I think as far as DIPA's go I prefer something more like Abner or Heady Topper. But this is without a doubt a crazy good beer.

Serving type: growler

10-09-2012 17:56:21 | More by Chico1985

scottfrie

California

4.48/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2012 release. 750ml swing-top growler generously sent by SneezyAchew as part of a wedding present. You are too kind, sir.

A: Pours a very hazy dark mango color with a couple fingers of dense white head. Head faded into a thin film that lasted the whole beer through. Great sheets of thick lace were left down the glass.
S: A sweet smelling hop bomb full of citrus and tropical fruits. Sweet notes of passion fruit, kiwi, mint, orange juice, mango and grapefruit peel.
T: Follows the nose with sweet hop flavors of tropical fruits and mild citrus. A citrus rind bitterness shows up in the finish, but overall sweet juicy mango, passion fruit and fruit nectar's dominate. I get a touch of mint in the finish as well, and the aftertaste is full of the lingering citrus rind. I get a touch of peach in there as well.
M: Thick for the style with a sweet but not cloying mouthfeel. Carbonation is fine, fluffy, and smooth. Alcohol is completely hidden, although judging by hope good I’m starting to feel, I’d say it’s in the double digits.
O: Better than I expected, although I’m not sure why as all the hoppy beers I've had from Shaun are amazing. I would drink this on the regular if available. The only thing I can even remotely knock is the sweetness; personal preference is geared toward a dryer bitterer feel. This drinks just fine though, and the alcohol is hidden so ridiculously well. Thanks again, Michael; you’re the man!

Serving type: growler

10-09-2012 02:51:16 | More by scottfrie

Kinsman

New Hampshire

4.43/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Grapefruit, lemon zest, pine resins... what more could you want in an IPA? Fills the glass with a nice hazy orange body and a creamy white head. Citrus fruits dominate the initial aroma before the pine notes come through. A hint of alcohol comes through as well as it warms.

On the palate it's more bitter than some other HF IPAs I've had. Still, the citrus punch makes for an incredibly refreshing beverage. Slightly spicy as well and the 10.5% ABV is well noted after the first sip or two.

Overall, truly a top-notch IPA as expected but not quite on the same level as Abner or Heady in my book. The slightly higher ABV is the most notable difference on my tastebuds and I guess I prefer the lower ones.

Serving type: growler

10-08-2012 23:02:18 | More by Kinsman

Gosox8787

New Hampshire

4.5/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Presentation: 2L growler opened the same day it was filled at the brewery. Served chilled into a pint glass. I drank about 2/3 of this myself and split a little with a friend.

Appearance: Bright orange / yellow in color with a nice two finge, creamy thich head with good retention. A bit cloudy throughout but very nice.

Aroma: Tons of tropical fruit and pine notes upfront. The hop aromas are really big and hit hard. Mango, pineapple, grapefruit, lychee and pine notes are all present. Really nice balance of sweetness and bitterness.

Taste: Nice balance of sweet and bitterness here although there is a touch more bitterness than the aroma. Big mango and grapefruit notes countered with honey sweetness. The alcohol is really well hidden. Definitely plays a bit bigger and sweeter than other HF IPA's I have had, but it doesn't get anywhere near cloying. Bitter pine finish. Surprisingly drinkable and really refreshing.

Mouthfeel: Medium to full bodied, but the carbonation adds a crisp character. A bit creamy as well.

Overall, a top notch DIPA and certainly one of the best in this ABV range I've had. I think I prefer Abner and some other HF IPA's to this one just because of the ABV. The hop character is bright, vibrant and complex though and it drinks really easy considering. I definitely will seek this one out again.

Serving type: growler

10-07-2012 16:13:48 | More by Gosox8787

cfrances33

Illinois

4.78/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

750ml growler thanks to ILOVESTOUTS. Thank you so much for hooking me up with my white whale of Double IPAs. Poured into a Hill Farmstead tulip.

Pour: Completely hazy orange with a finger and a half of white, fluffy head. Leaves decent lacing. I love the way Hill Farmstead's unfiltered beers look, and this might just take the cake.

Smell: This beer incorporates all the amazing aspects of a DIPA. All of them. Bursts of grapefruit and orange juice up front, followed by a light lemon zest an white peppercorn. Follows with a clean resinous pine, and light caramel sweetness. I can already tell this beer is going to be big.

Taste: I'm speechless. This beer incorporates so much flavor. Follows the nose to a T, but increases the intensty on everything. Grapefruit and OJ are the overriding flavors that call the shots, with a really, really nice peppercorn spiciness. A light resin lingers around, and the caramel sweetness is pretty substantial, at least for a Hill Farmstead beer. Ephraim needs it - the hop intensity here is not to be trifled with.

Mouthfeel: So incredibly juicy, and so incredibly bitter. This is probably the first Hill Farmstead beer that I am not able to guzzle down should I please. Definitely requires time to enjoy, and that is fine by me, because I don't want the glass to end.

Overall: Wow. I honestly never thought I would get a chance to try this beer, and it did not disappoint. Easily the best "big" DIPA I've ever had, and certainly in my top 5 ever. Hopefully one day at HF, I encounter this beer again.

Serving type: growler

10-05-2012 03:23:40 | More by cfrances33

Gfunk720

Connecticut

4.58/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

2L growler picked up at the brewery. Out of my HFS Stemware.

A- Bright glowing mango/straw color. Very nice slightly off white head with tons of lacing. The beer is definitely pretty murky looking. It almost seems to glow a bit.

S- Lots of tropical fruit, mango/grapefruit/tangerine. There are some nice fresh hoppy scents in here as well, but it is somewhat overwhelmed by the citrus. A hint of sweet malt, and even a touch of booziness.

T- Hints of tangerine and grapefruit immediately enter my mouth. The hoppiness comes through next, with a nice balance of malt and resin. The aftertaste is a slightly dry piney hop flavor, but still with plenty of citrus.

M- Perfect for the style. Nice carbonation and the body is spot on. What more could you ask for.

O- I've been waiting 2 years to try this again, and I just happened to be headed to the brewery on the right weekend. I can't really say enough about this beer. It is up there with the best of the best. Not the dries, hoppiest IPA, but just some balanced and flavorful. If you can get your hands on this, buy as much as you can.

-GFunk

Serving type: growler

10-02-2012 22:20:48 | More by Gfunk720

Gushue3

Massachusetts

4.68/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into Kate bulb

A modest 1 finger white head with good retention is above murky light orange body. some lace is lace is left after the head goes down and a thin layer of foam is above the body. Beer is very lively in the glass.

S Big time tropcial fruits. Tangerine , grapefruit, and a hint of grass. Sweet.

T Bitter upfront with bitter tropical and citrus. Pink grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, some pineapple and grassy hops Sweetness opens up in the middle thats all fruit followed by a piney finish. There's alot going on for a DIPA, serious stuff.

M medium feel that ends a little somewhat sticky. Carbonation feel nice and prickly on the tongue but not too much.

O Great balance between bitterness and the citrus sweets. As my friend described it "Boner milk of Zeus"

Serving type: growler

10-01-2012 23:29:50 | More by Gushue3

SpeedwayJim

New York

4.88/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Finally caught this one on tap. 12oz. pour served out of a tulip at Bridge View Tavern. Reviewed from notes.

1 finger white frothy head with great retention. Beer is a cloudy grapefruit with patchy and stringy lace with good stick. Amazing save for the clarity.

Nose is citrus, papaya, grapefruit, cane sugar, and a creamy, sappy, hop presence. Aromatic and very enticing.

Opens papaya, citrus, grapefruit, and hop resin. More tropical fruit in the middle and end. Finish is cane sugar with a light citrus hop presence. Sappy hop aftertaste. Like an alcoholic tropical fruit smoothie with an added hop kick. Simply amazing.

Light to medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth and quenching in the mouth and smooth going down with a messy finish and a lingering aftertaste. How this could be 10.5% and this drinkable is unexplainable.

If you're a fan of IIPAs with a big malt and citrus presence, it doesn't get any better than Ephraim. A beer that's almost perfect in every way, this offering embodies the Hill Farmstead lineup. Hands down, the best in the style in my opinion.

Serving type: on-tap

10-01-2012 22:16:53 | More by SpeedwayJim