You know that feeling when you go on a REALLY good first date with someone, the kind of date where you can't stop thinking about the next time you're going to see them?
Well, I went to Hidden River for the first time this past weekend and let's just say that I think I'm in love.
Nowhere in Pennsylvania short of perhaps Tired Hands in Ardmore have I had more delicious beer. And, for those who have been, that's kind of where the comparison of those two breweries end.
Where Tired Hands is cavernous, Hidden River is quaint. Where Tired Hands (or the old-management Tired Hands, I should say, to be fair) felt almost goth-like in its if-you-don't-get-it-whatever ethos, Hidden River is laid back. And where Tired Hands made people line up for hours for can releases, everything Hidden River makes is in cans (at least for now).
I sampled five beers: Templum (an English Bitter that was potently refreshing and served as a nice getting-to-know-you beer), Lava Channel (a 2x IPA that was creamy, fuzzy, and sweet-tart all at once), The Satyr (another 2x IPA with an entirely different vibe--hearty, with backbone, but still bright), Glazing (potent and spicy), and Hold on Fast to Dreams.
And, oh, my aching heart, Hold on Fast to Dreams.
It's the Pale Ale I've been looking for all my life: golden in complexion, endearing in its softness, and demure in its effervescence--confident yet humble in appearance. Our first kiss was life-shifting, a surprisingly full-bodied beer for its petite 4.8% ABV, with worlds of flavors crashing and splashing all over my palate: fresh-squeezed orange juice, perfectly ripe pineapple, something wonderfully soothing, like lemongrass or lavender.
I even think that, at one point, although I am not sure because of the delicate nature of its delivery, Hold on Fast to Dreams may have slipped me some tongue of peppery hops, but just a touch. Just enough to make me want more.
Yes, the farmhouse is beautiful, the can art is gorgeous, the outdoor seating area is lovely, and whoever is doing the music is rad. The food is decent too. Everyone working there seems nice, though the service is basically you.
But all those factors sort of slip away when you drink the beer. They become background.
Because think about it: On really good first dates, it's not the place you want to return to. It's what brought you to the place. read more