[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING HILL FARMSTEAD BREWERY

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, as a Vermonter, it is with great pride that 
I call to the Senate's attention the success of one of Vermont's fine 
businesses, Hill Farmstead Brewery, which was recently named the best 
brewer in the world by RateBeer for the second year in a row and for 
the third time in 4 years. The brewery's success is a testament to the 
hard work and dedication of founder and brewer Shaun Hill, whose 
philosophy revolves around brewing beer as an art rather than solely as 
a business. His drive to brew the best beer in the world has brought 
accolades and interviews in national publications from Vanity Fair to 
the New York Times; yet he remains staunchly opposed to following the 
path of most conventional breweries. Rather than focusing on boundless 
production, his business model gives value to what is created with 
integrity, grit, and perseverance.
  Shaun's approach sets the Hill Farmstead Brewery apart from other, 
more commercial enterprises. Its location in Greensboro, VT, is 
situated in the Hill family's former dairy barn, surrounded by dirt 
roads and rolling hills. Despite its remote geography, beer lovers come 
from far and wide to experience the world-renowned beers, to take in 
the beautiful setting, and to buy some beer to take home. Because a 
visit to Hill Farmstead is a unique and intimate experience, it is no 
surprise that is on the bucket list of beer lovers around the world.
  As members of his team fill orders, it is not uncommon to see Shaun 
buzzing around the brewery, moving grain or stopping to talk with 
visitors. Even if they do not know it at the time, these visitors are 
taking with them something extremely special. Bottled with the beer is 
a taste of something greater: Vermont values, and a celebration of 
life, initiative, and hard work.
  Experiencing dramatic growth in the last decade, the craft beers made 
at Vermont's 40 breweries have a reputation as being some of the best 
in the world. It is not uncommon for people to drive from New York 
City, Boston, or even Washington, DC, to spend a few hours or a weekend 
visiting Vermont breweries. So it is wonderful to watch an entrepreneur 
like Shaun, with such a passion for his work, grow his idea into a 
valued and sought after product from all over the country. While many 
Vermonters still feel the effects of a recovering economy, there are a 
lot of good things happening in our State thanks to people like him.
  When Shaun opened his brewery 5 and a half years ago, he said his 
goal was to brew the best beer in the world. Well, he achieved that 
goal and in an impressive short amount of time. Its consistent and 
exemplary performance over the years, combined with success in creating 
several phenomenal beers across various styles, have this brewery to 
shine above more than 22,500 other breweries worldwide. The distinct 
and nuanced beers pay homage to the art of brewing and to the ambition 
of their creator. They are a testament to the quality products produced 
in Vermont, by Vermonters.

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