On Denmark’s tiny island of Fanø, in the days before Hill Farmstead, Shaun Hill and Ryan Witter-Merithew worked closely to develop new, novel beer concepts. The partnership bore forth several notable beers and planted the creative seeds of future others. With nearly two decades of experience and friendship, the opportunity to revisit and reclaim these touchstone creations has arrived:

Once Upon a Time in Denmark…

Springing forth from the conception of Twilight of the Idols—in its original incarnation as Fanø Julebryg more than a decade ago—each of the beers in this collection is a creative expression of whimsy and friendship, guided by experience and committed to pushing boundaries while upholding the highest standards.

This imperial stout was aged in a combination of Heaven Hill and Baker’s Bourbon barrels—as well as a portion simultaneously aged in Cognac barrels—for more than two years. Following its recombination, the blend was conditioned with a whimsical range of additions originally conceived by Ryan Witter in honor of his migration from Vermont to North Carolina: Alchemy Espresso Blend, roasted by George Howell Coffee in Boston; organic Madagascar vanilla beans; fresh cacao nibs sourced and processed by Colombia’s Tibito Chocolate and imported by Maine’s In situ Food Co.; and certified organic roasted pecans, sourced by Tierra Farm.