All About Beer Magazine - Volume 34, Issue 2
May 1, 2013 By

Hilliard’s Beer

Seattle, WA

Refreshing and complex. The high fermentation temperature used with the Belgian yeast strain allows it to add its unique characteristics to the flavor without the addition of spices.

ABV: 6.3

ABW: 4.9

COLOR: 7.3

BITTERNESS: 20

ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1056

AVAILABLE: WA

This is a canned beer devoid of any information about strength or ingredients. It’s a pale hazy gold in color with a dense collar of foam followed by a superb aroma of rich honey and fudge from the grains, backed by gently fruity and spicy hops. The honey note dominates the mouth, but citrus notes start to develop with a good underpinning of hops. The finish starts with some sweet malt notes, but hops and tart fruit kick in to ensure a dry and satisfying end.
- Roger Protz
We’re always skeptical about Belgian-style beers being brewed outside Belgium, especially a canned saison. But what the hell, this is what American craft beer is about. The brewer says: “We’re getting back to the spirit of a Saison as a beer you can drink every day, not just special occasions.” Surprisingly there’s enough crispness to make this goal happen in a can. Looks like a Saison, too: hazy, bubbly and donning a more than decent lacing. Spice and a faint sour twang in the nose and palate. Fresh hay graininess with a modest hopping in tow. Dried pears and some alcoholic warmth round out the finish. Any doubt was quickly lost after a few sips.
- Jason and Todd Alström

Roger Protz
Author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. Respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and www.protzonbeer.co.uk.

Jason and Todd Alström
Founders of BeerAdvocate and champions of beer, Jason and Todd have been putting the geeks into beer geeks since 1996. Learn more at beeradvocate.com and follow them on Twitter @BeerAdvocate.