Heady Topper - The Alchemist

Blanco

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I drank most of this from the can, but also poured enough of it out to see what it looked like and to see what it's like in the glass. Honestly not sure which I like better. It does seem like the aroma is almost too potent in the glass, making the can a nice step back.

Appearance is golden and hazy. Moderate carbonation. Aroma is pure piney hops. I'd hoped for more tropical fruit or citrus, but it's almost one-note piney, though those notes are there. Just not upfront.

Flavor is bitter, very bitter. Dry and woody, it's attack to the palate is relentless. The citrus missing in the aroma appears a little bit in the taste (grapefruit). Malt backbone balance is almost non-existent. I've certainly had hoppier, but the ones I enjoy the most are more balance. Still, the hop presence is impressive and the flavor really opens up and bitterness subsides as the beer warms.

Mouthfeel is actually where the beer stands out. The intense bitterness really creates a lively mouthfeel, with a strong aftertaste.

Overall, this is a very good DIPA. I've had others I prefer, but that in no way is a knock on this beer as the reason I prefer others is balance. I also prefer more hop emphasis on aroma and taste rather than bitterness. That's just personal preference.

Serving type: can

04-22-2012 04:04:27 | More by Blanco

haknort

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev -4.7%

05-19-2013 03:06:12 | More by haknort

Damian74Shensky

South Carolina

4.25/5  rDev -10%

05-19-2013 03:04:36 | More by Damian74Shensky

eyeenjoybeer

Indiana

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-18-2013 16:41:50 | More by eyeenjoybeer

Beer-A-Lot

Virginia

4.46/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Had an unexpected opportunity to buy this from someone so jumped on it. Never thought I'd get a chance.

Drank 1/3 from can, then rest from pint.

A - Cloudy, nice full head. Very foamy head with lots of lacing.

S - An amazing aroma, with tons of citrus/grapefruit/lemony and herbal smells. You could find yourself just sniffing the can or glass for . . . minutes. But then you have to drink.

T - Without a doubt, the least hoppy and bitter DIPA I've ever had. Extremely smooth. Not too carbonated. While this isn't my favorite style, if this were the only IPA I ever drank, it probably would be a favorite style. Almost tastes like a sparkling beverage that's been spiked. But better.

M - Rich, creamy, and very smooth.

O - I can understand why people rave about this beer. I found myself saying several time, "Mmm, this is quite good. I'm really impressed" I rarely say that about IPAs. I'll happily drink this again. And again.

Serving type: can

05-18-2013 15:59:24 | More by Beer-A-Lot

jbarletto

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-18-2013 14:27:02 | More by jbarletto

JonRogers

Massachusetts

4.84/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

I didn't see the beer in a glass as I drank it from the can as recommended, but I imagine it is beautiful judging from the smell. I also drank it a little on the cold side... to thirsty to wait. Taste is fruitful and as smooth as in Imp IPA gets. Hoppy as hell in the best way. Again, very smooth. I drink IPA's 90% of the time and I cant say I have had a better beer.

Serving type: can

05-18-2013 02:56:27 | More by JonRogers

mkirkland80

Virginia

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-18-2013 02:09:05 | More by mkirkland80

timoteo833

New York

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-18-2013 01:55:23 | More by timoteo833

PowderRay

Connecticut

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-17-2013 19:30:05 | More by PowderRay

Glider

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev -10%

05-17-2013 13:34:22 | More by Glider

muzzy

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-17-2013 11:37:09 | More by muzzy

HinghamRick

Massachusetts

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-17-2013 06:43:43 | More by HinghamRick

BillyHayes

California

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-17-2013 06:40:33 | More by BillyHayes

zestar

California

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-17-2013 06:18:00 | More by zestar

myersk27

Indiana

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-17-2013 03:44:23 | More by myersk27

BigStein88

New Hampshire

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-17-2013 02:38:49 | More by BigStein88

ReddMoneyBrown

California

4.5/5  rDev -4.7%

05-17-2013 02:26:08 | More by ReddMoneyBrown

Big_J22

Maryland

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-17-2013 01:38:12 | More by Big_J22

thegoon55

South Carolina

4.91/5  rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Heady is the real deal.

A- standard golden color, big white head disappears into little lacing.

S- wow. Grapefruit bomb. I love.

T- massive grapefruit notes, pipe, little bit of bitter hops. Lovely.

M- medium perfect body medium carbonation

O- understand why this is the number one beer in the world. Is it the best or my favorite beer? No. But there is nothing wrong with it.

Serving type: can

05-17-2013 00:50:09 | More by thegoon55

skyout

Massachusetts

4.53/5  rDev -4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Very smooth on the mouthfeel with excellent golden color. Very complex flavors, including a slight metallic taste which is common to IPA's of this type. Overall, excellent in all categories. The brewer encourages one to drink from the can, which isn't typical, but definitely adds to the experience.

Serving type: can

05-16-2013 23:07:05 | More by skyout

Cdunk11

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-16-2013 23:02:23 | More by Cdunk11

BillRoth

Maryland

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-16-2013 22:28:33 | More by BillRoth

MerriweatherRaven

Maryland

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-16-2013 19:52:24 | More by MerriweatherRaven

JimmyFlatRock

Ohio

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-16-2013 19:16:29 | More by JimmyFlatRock