Twilight Of The Idols - Hill Farmstead Brewery

Chico1985

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

On-tap at Stoutfest 2013, Armsby Abbey. Served in a tulip glass.

Pour is black with about a half-finger of tan head. It retains as a mostly full cap leaving some good lace behind.

Solid, well-rounded scent with decent potency. Just about even distribution of chocolate, coffee, roasted malts, with a good amount of spices and vanilla.

Taste follows suit nicely. The cinnamon is noticeable but nicely restrained and unique, definitely gives it a 'winter' feel. Cocoa and coffee are just about equal, with vanilla and roasted malts there as well.

Nice, full mouthfeel with highish carbonation. No alcohol, fitting for a highish-ABV porter.

This was quite good, a very stellar porter with a wintery twist - loved the amount of cinnamon used here, just the right amount - though one glass would be enough for me I think. More well-rounded and solid than the bourbon-barrel aged treatment (birth of Tragedy).

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2013 18:01:25 | More by Chico1985

hagbergl

Massachusetts

4.53/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I had a glass of Hill Farmstead's Twilight of the Idols winter porter during a visit to Armsby Abbey in Worcester, MA. What a pleasure it was to have this venerable, rare beer, and served in authentic Hill Farmstead brewery glassware–nice touch, Armsby!

Appearance (5/5): The beer, presented in a Hill Farmstead glass, is deep black and topped by the most luxuriant, pillowy beige head that retains well. A disk of foam sticks with the beer all the way down. Lots of sticky beige-brown residue sticks to the sides of the glass. Twilight of the Idols is one impressive looking brew.

Smell (4.5/5): Twilight has a very roasty aroma complicated by notes of fresh-brewed coffee, dark chocolate, and smokiness (though I don't think there's any smoked malt in the brew). The aroma is definitely more intense than your average American Porter though less dark chocolate going on in the nose of Twilight than in Hill Farmstead's other Porter, Everett.

Taste (4.5/5): Very complex: roasty, dark bread, coffee bean bitterness, a light vanilla sweetness, dark chocolate, a bit of warm spice from the added cinnamon. Twilight is not very sweet; it still features robust and assertive porter flavors. A light alcohol flexes and warms in the finish. Subtle, beautiful, bold–that's what Twilight of the Idols is.

Mouthfeel (4.5/5): Creamy, medium-heavy body, medium-light carbonation, Twilight of the Idols is very smooth going down. Given its strength and overall "big" taste, I can't say it's the most drinkable beer; you probably won't order two in a row at the bar.

Overall (4.5/5): Twilight of the Idols is a great American Porter that features a wide array of flavors perfect for a winter beer. One of the best things about it is that all the ingredients–the vanilla beans, coffee, and cinnamon–seem to mix well together; it's not one of those beers that seems to use additives as a crutch. It also doesn't have that fake spiciness thing going on that some winter beers have (you know who you are). This is a subtle, complex, and very tasty dark ale that really brings the roast. Shaun Hill has done it again–another excellent Hill Farmstead Brewery beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-04-2013 01:47:37 | More by hagbergl

PeterIngemi

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap @prohibition pig in waterbury VT

A: super dark brown, just about black with a nice finger of creamy mocha head, this looks delicious. The head recedes nicley, not much lacing though.

S: I get sweet milk chocolate, with a touch of dark fruit. first off, then coffee with a bit of creamy vanilla, then as the beer warms I begin to notice the cinnamon giving a vague cinnamon teddy graham note.... A touch of alcohol a well. Loving the aroma, particuarly as it warms.

T: milk chocolate coffe and vanill, reminds me of chocolate milk but mocha, the cinnamon comes in a touch on the end.... Sadly I do not get the teddy Graham's I gt in the nose....

M: heavy medium body with lower carbonation... Mouthfeel is slick and velvety with a dry finish. Very full bodied for a 7.5 abv.

O: a really good porter, don't really know what else to say... A touch of sweetness to it for the style and a hint of dark fruit, but overall deffinatly try this if you get the chance.

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2012 00:07:42 | More by PeterIngemi

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

4.48/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A-Looks like chocolate milk right after a violent stir from a spoon. Milk chocolate color with a cluster of large bubbles atop the body. Completely opaque.

S-Nose is not incredibly intense but it displays a perfectly crafted aroma of coffee with cream. Mocha aroma along with some French vanilla. Smells creamy.

T-The flavor is very roasty and delicious. Espresso beans along with both milk and dark chocolate. Bitter coffee notes are balanced by a lactic milky taste. A robustly flavored Porter.

M-Feels like a Stout. Pretty viscous. Full bodied. Carbonation is very soft. Oily and creamy.

O/D-Awesome. Such a treat to try. One of the more imbibable dark brews I have had. Creamed coffee in beer form. Very happy. This brewery cannot do wrong!

Serving type: on-tap

07-21-2012 21:44:55 | More by VelvetExtract

xenjoiii

New York

4.33/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap; poured into a tulip at the Good Life.

A: Black body with a small dark khaki head that quickly faded into a thin layer of film around the side of the glass.

S: Roasted coffee and bitter chocolate

T: A combination of strong coffee and roasted malts dominate the front of the palate. Faint notes of vanilla and cinnamon begin to emerge towards the middle of the mouth. The beer has a nice bitter chocolate finish. Excellent porter.

M: Lightly carbonated. Silky mouthfeel.

O: As previously stated this is an excellent porter. Definitely one of the best I have had to date.

Serving type: on-tap

06-11-2012 20:19:24 | More by xenjoiii

socon67

New York

4.25/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Black pour with a cream colored foam

S - Nice scent of chocolate, coffee, and rown sugar.

T - Hearty, robust porter with plenty of flavor. Malt tastes a bit more like an english porter, but the chocolate and coffee flavors are up front and consistent.

M - This one is very smooth for a hearty porter. Feels lighter than you would think.

O - Liked this one alot. Great example of a porter that could pass for a hearty stout.

Serving type: on-tap

06-07-2012 18:21:35 | More by socon67

axeman9182

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Cafe D'Alsace, and served in a tall thin glass.

Twilight of the Idols pours a solid black, with about a finger of mocha foam left crowning the beer. Head retention is just average, and there's a little bit of lacing left stuck around the glass. The nose is nice, dominated by milk chocolate with a strong spicy cinnamon presence. The flavor profile takes things to the next level though, starting with a creamy chocolate open. Cinnamon comes in for a short time in the mid palate, before coffee and more chocolate close things off. The finish is like the liquid equivalent of snacking on chocolate covered coffee beans. The mouthfeel is also top notch, very full and creamy for a 7.5% beer, with a subtle and understated carbonation. I'd be shocked if there weren't a healthy dose of oats in the grain bill, because the body is just that silky smooth. Twilight of the Idols was the first non hoppy beer I've had from Hill Farmtead, and it left me just as impressed with them as I was by their outstanding IPAs.

Serving type: on-tap

04-08-2012 02:51:04 | More by axeman9182

mltobin

Connecticut

4.43/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Twilight of... was served on-tap in Worcester MA.

Appearance is black with a light brown head. Upon smelling this, you know right away that you are in for a treat. It has vanilla and coffee on the nose, some malts. Then, with a taste and there is more of the coffee and vanilla, along with some cinnamon and some other winter spices. Roasted malts continue in the taste too. This is very well balanced and drinks easy, a smooth texture and finish. It would be great to drink a glass of this alongside chocolate chip cookies. A fantastic porter and well suited to a cold night in New England.

Serving type: on-tap

02-29-2012 23:29:47 | More by mltobin

ColForbinBC

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap, served in a HF stemmed tulip

Pours a near black with a thin dark khaki cap. Bit of a creamy cap as it clings to the sides and leaves faint sip marks.

The aroma is of roast, dark chocolate, vanilla beans, fresh coffee and a faint hint of cinnamon lays low. There is a fresh citrus hop presence that pokes through all of the other aromas.

Up front, the roast, dark chocolate, and fresh coffee take the lead before a rush of citrus and a finish of roast, vanilla, and cinnamon. Some citrus lingers, but the lingering flavors are mainly roast and cinnamon.

Full bodied porter, rich and creamy. The feel is really the best part of this beer. So smooth for how big it is.

This is a fine porter that I would seek out again. Rich, bold flavors, a nice hop profile and the added touch of cinnamon for a little flair.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2012 16:25:14 | More by ColForbinBC

Kegatron

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap @ Lord Hobo (Cambridge, MA) on 2/3/12. Served in a cervoise.

Pours black, with a thin mocha colored head. This retains with some creamy ringing around the edges, leaving back a nice enough looking cascade of spotty lacing behind. Chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon sit right at the forefront, with flavorful roasted coffee flavors moving in next, before it is all undercut by a floral green citrus presence. There’s just a nice ebb and flow to the nose, with the flavors intertwining beautifully here.

The taste is just as rich, with chocolate, toffee, and dark burnt grains spreading out into more of a roasted espresso presence. Hops are bit more assertive here as well, with a profile of green citric bitterness. The vanilla addition really works nicely here, as it helps smooth out some of the rough edges from the hops and roast but they still return in the finish, with a combination of citric bitterness and a dry charred feel. Cinnamon is spread throughout, with me probably picking it up in backend and finish of the profile the most. The mouthfeel is full bodied, with a big mouth filling firm creaminess to the carbonation which pops that roast and hops on the tongue. This gets a much more smooth and silky feeling along the back, combining with that ridiculously well hid ABV to get this a extra creamy feel that goes down effortlessly.

I’ve been anxious to try this one for a while now and man, I was impressed! I just loved the combo of flavors involved here, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, with roast and hops adding a bit of an edge to things. But this was so well balanced and smooth overall. Wow, I love their takes on American Porters from here. Just tremendous stuff!

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2012 15:37:13 | More by Kegatron

Damian

Massachusetts

4.6/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Drank on-tap at Lord Hobo, Cambridge, MA
Served in a cervoise

The beer poured super oily and nearly pitch black. A tight, one-finger head of saddle brown froth topped the liquid. The head quickly dissipated to a clingy ring of foam.

Super strong notes of freshly ground coffee beans dominated the nose. A touch of roast was also noticeable. Hints of vanilla. Straightforward yet so amazing.

The flavor profile was rich and robust. Coffee notes were again quite apparent, but they was more bitter and roasty than in the aroma. Roasted malts came through strong on the front end. Some sweet caramel malts as well. Touch of vanilla and spice in the center. Faint notes of dark chocolate. The finish was roasty and moderately bitter. Overall, this was a very well balanced beer.

The mouthfeel was fuller bodied for the style. Quite slick and oily. Creamy and silky smooth on the palate.

After trying Twilight Of The Idols and Birth of Tragedy (which is the barrel-aged version of Twilight) on back-to-back nights, I can confirm that these beers are entirely different beasts. While I loved the bourbon notes and the overall intensity of Tragedy, Twilight definitely had more coffee and vanilla nuances (and more carbonation). Like nearly all of Hill Farmstead's offerings, this beer is fantastic.

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2012 22:41:29 | More by Damian

andrewinski1

Maine

4.33/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Crop. Served in a nonic glass with a small dark tan head. The color is very black.

The aroma is not very strong, but some mildly sweet chocolate.

The taste is excellently rounded with lots of sweet chocolate and vanilla. The finish has a nice coffee emphasis without leaving any harsh bitterness.

The body is medium with a nice soft carbonation; this is a little smooth.

The flavor is unbeleivable here. Hill Farmstead remains one of my all time favorites.

Serving type: on-tap

01-30-2012 01:54:09 | More by andrewinski1

tempest

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had a glass at the Farmhouse in Burlington VT. Damn, that's a porter. The coffee and vanilla are wonderfully blended into the beer. So many coffee porters and stouts go too heavy on the java, and even get a stale taste. This beer takes a great cup of joe, adds a dash of subtle vanilla, and still brings a great porter. The malt brough a dark, chocolate character with a sharp roasted edge that's balanced by the sweet vanilla. The beer is formidable, but never too heavy. Find this porter.

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2012 03:41:35 | More by tempest

cbutova

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On- tap at Armsby. Reviewed from notes.

A- Black pour into a pint glass. Tan head with good size and retention. A decent amount of lace.

S- Porter base with a pretty big dark fruit, cinnamon and general holiday spice feel. Roast malt, cocoa and coffee in the background.

T- Holiday spiced porter with a nice earthy cinnamon bark and vanilla flavor. The dark fruit flavor is big here once again over cocoa and roast malt.

MF- Silky feel with low but smooth carbonation. Oily and warm feel.

A good porter with very noticeable cinnamon bark, vanilla and spiced feel.

Serving type: on-tap

01-02-2012 16:44:07 | More by cbutova

PorterLambic

Florida

3.73/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Arrives in a snifter with a big ring of foam over a very dark brown liquid. Retention was quite good considering what little there was to start with.
Smell is malt, cocoa, spice that appears coffee at first glance and wet cardboard.
Taste is malt, coffee, cocoa, wet cardboard. Balance is good.
Somewhat smooth while still having a drying finish. Light effervescence with a fairly full body. 7.5% ABV is really well concealed. Not sure if that is a good thing. Overall, a pretty good beer considering my aversion to coffee.

Serving type: on-tap

12-16-2011 18:30:32 | More by PorterLambic

davewlfpckfan29

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

WOW. I am lucky enough to have this brewery so close to me. I have had this on tap both at Hill Farmstead, and now at Parker Pie. I have purchased the 750ml bottle as well because I like this beer so much.

Beautiful dark brown color, tan lacing which sits at the top

The smell of the beer is very pleasing.

Vanilla and coffee. Yes. But also much more taste from spices, such a great balance of so much that is going on in this beer.
Delicious.

Smooth mouthfeel, very easy to drink a couple glasses of this.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2011 21:36:08 | More by davewlfpckfan29

unclejazz

New York

4.53/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap on Sunswick 35/35 last week and have been thinking about it ever since. I have had some good porters since then, but they all bring me back to this.

A-is for alluring. The velveting reddish tan color of the head about a finger thick laid on top of black body with ample carbonation.

S-is for sultry. This mixture of anise, coffee, and cocoa with a roasted smoky background. dang amazing.

T-is for toffee. this came through in taste and i must have missed the smell, but it is delicious. this flavor cuts through me like the wind outside.

O-I had seen good things about Hill Farmstead and thought I would not have a chance to sample their wares. Thanks to the great taps of Queens. Vermont is not too far away, maybe a road trip is in order.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2011 17:18:23 | More by unclejazz

kinopio

Massachusetts

4.97/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On tap at Gingerman in NYC

Appearance was likely altered because it was the end of the keg. Huge foam that was equal in size to the half pour.

The cinnamon and vanilla really come through but at the same time don't overpower the taste one expects from a porter. Tastes like winter in a glass.

Very drinkable for something dark and 7.5%. Since I got the last pour from the keg it was only about 6oz or so and I wish I had the opportunity to order 2 or 3 glasses because it was going down very easily.

One of the best beers I've ever had, just wish there was more of it!

Serving type: on-tap

12-14-2011 16:39:31 | More by kinopio

youbrewidrink

Vermont

4.72/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

All I can say is Christmas in a glass. I had this on tap at both Three Penny & Blackback.

You start with a the darkest of brown color with with a minimal mocha head.

You follow that with a slight coffee/ vanilla nose with some roasty goodness.

Ok taste buds don't let me down, This tastes exactly as it smells and I loved it.

The carbonation was light, but appropriate for the style. The mouthfeel was rich and the proper viscosity in my book.

Once again Shaun has captured the essence of a place in your mind in an outstanding beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-07-2011 11:34:50 | More by youbrewidrink

JizackFH

New York

4/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on-tap at Sunswick 35/35 in Astoria, NY on 11/27/11.
Review taken from notes.

This beer pours a really dark brown color. There is a small finger of light tan head on top of it. The head sticks around for a bit, and it leaves behind a few specs of lace behind as it recedes. The nose is roasty and there are aromas of coffee, chocolate, and a bit of dark fruit. There is also a bit of vanilla and molasses that comes out. The taste starts off with a strong roasted malt presence. There are some good flavors of milk chocolate and coffee that stand out. Also, there are flavors of vanilla, dark fruit, molasses, and a bit of cinnamon. The finish leaves some lingering roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate behind on the palate. This has a medium body and good carbonation. It goes down easy and has a rich velvety feel to it. There a good amount of roasted malt bitterness here, as well a nice dose of sweetness. It coats the mouth nicely and really lets you taste all of it. The roasted bitterness and sweetness sticks to the palate and lingers for a bit. This has good drinkability. It is a really tasty beer, and I could easily have a few glasses of it in an evening. Overall, I think this is a good beer and a good example of the style. This is a solid beer, and I recommend trying it out. I would buy it again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-02-2011 11:44:25 | More by JizackFH

jlindros

Massachusetts

4.45/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Tap at the Hill Farmstead tasting room.

Tap at hf brewery

Big fluffy darker head, lacing, pitch black beer with no light.

Nose lots of dark malts, roast, hint of cocoa, black patent, chalky powdered choc, caramel, lots of oats, espresso fresh coffee grinds.

Taste creamy malts , chocolate milk and milk chocolate, hint of dark, cocoa, then coffee grinds and espresso, roasted malts, oats, caramel, vanilla, deep bakers chocolate, flaked and powdered cocoa and coffee. Finishes a bit bitter, dry, lots more chocolate and roast.

Mouth is med to a bit heavier bodied, decent carb.

Overall really nice, great dark malt flavors without too much bitterness or any burnt flavors, nice and creamy and tasty, drinkable, a big time winner!

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2011 23:07:46 | More by jlindros

thirsty4beer

New York

4.75/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On tap @ Mugs Ale House in Brooklyn, NY

A: Very dark brown pour - bordering on black - with a thin layer of light walnut head that dissipated quickly. Lacing is minimal but present.

S: The nose is dominated by freshly roasted coffee beans and vanilla extract. Dark chocolate and Christmas spices are detected (especially cinnamon) with a bit of roasted malt as well.

T: Amazing! Espresso and creme brulee just made love in my mouth. Bold espresso, vanilla beans, roasted cacao beans, freshly grated cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and notes of dark fruit. Just a touch of burnt toffee. The flavors come together rather smoothly with just the right amount of creamy lactose sweetness. A very faint hop character comes through to perfectly balance this porter.

M: Very smooth, medium bodied, slightly dry with a gentle carbonation.

D: One to remember. Instantly one of my favorites. I could easily drink this all night and would be very tempted to have a few the following morning. Hats off to Hill Farmstead for this winner. Can't wait to get my next Twilight fix.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2011 06:21:03 | More by thirsty4beer

sirsteve42

New York

5/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On tap at Mugs Ale House Williamsburg,Brooklyn,NYC

L-Very creamy tan head and a dark body. Great lacing on the glass.
S-Notes of chocolate,espresso,vanilla,cinnamon, and fruit.
T-Very rich in flavor. There is vanilla,chocolate,espresso and a definite presence of lactose.
F-Nice medium bodied mouthfeel
D-I could drink this guy all night. A truly amazing porter. I will have to continue to hunt down this one for some time.
Cheers

Serving type: on-tap

01-20-2011 21:24:52 | More by sirsteve42

woosterbill

Connecticut

4.43/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the NYC Gingerman into a goblet. Reviewed from notes.

A: Black body with a finger of creamy light brown head; average retention and good lacing. Solid.

S: Rich roasted notes of espresso and dark chocolate, along with some oak, dark candied fruit, and spice - anise and cinnamon. Lovely.

T: Opens with huge, authentic-tasting cocoa, molasses, and anise. Vanilla oak and candied fruit come on strong midway through, leading to a smoothly bittersweet finish. Absolutely decadent.

M: Robust medium body with light, soft carbonation. Pleasant enough.

D: I don't know the ABV, but I could drink tons. Very rich and yet supremely smooth.
[edit: I originally gave this a 5 for Drinkability, but in light of the change to Overall I've lowered the score to a 4.5]

Notes: This was just a fantastic porter. The spice, roast, and sweetness all worked together beautifully, making the whole package one of the most enjoyable and satisfying winter beers I've had. I wish this were more readily available, and count myself lucky to have gotten to try it.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

01-09-2011 16:28:04 | More by woosterbill

GatheringBrews

Vermont

4.9/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On tap and in growler from the brewery, the flavors vary slightly between the two tastings in interesting ways.

It pours a rich, dark brown with a tan head, dissipating slowly into a nice thin foam. Aroma on tap is slightly sharper with a bit more coffee, while from a growler it was a little more vanilla balanced with the coffee.

Taste is outstanding both on tap and in growler, with medium sweet malt backbone, a touch of hop bitterness and coffee, vanilla and just a hint of the cinnamon in the finish, with no discernible alcohol or indication of its ABV. Carbonation is on the money for the style, and it's full bodied without being heavy.

Exceedingly well balanced, this is a wonderful beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-06-2011 01:53:16 | More by GatheringBrews