Heady Topper - The Alchemist

kevanb

Illinois

4.7/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

One of the most revered IPAs on the planet, Heady Topper is often compared with the likes of Pliny the Elder and Kern River Citra, so it begs the question, can an east coast IPA stand up with the hop bombs from the west? Rumor has it the brewers are a bit embarrassed about how cloudy and sediment rich the beer is so they suggest drinking it straight from the can, which has sparked the debate of whether is better from a glass or from a can, I like to get a good look at what I’m drinking, and the best does get served on tap, so I’ll drink it from a glass, maybe next time I’ll do it from the can. Heady Topper pours a very cloudy honey color, hints of orange and soft brown, lots of sediment floating around the glass, much of it sinks to the bottom, a faint head pops up but doesn’t stick around too long, not much of a residual film and some mild soapy lacing sticks to the glass. The aroma is fantastic, big notes of citrus, heavy on the grapefruit, but with a nice amount of tropical fruits, mango, papayas and pineapple come to mind. A healthy amount of grassy and dirtier pine-like hops come through as well, very bitter that cuts the brightness and sweetness very well, almost no malt presence to speak of, some faint biscuit hides in the shadows of huge hoppy aromas. The flavors are wonderful, huge bright notes of citrusy hops, grapefruit, lemon zest, the tropical sweeter flavors are there, some pineapple and mango, but again, a wonderful bitterness from some dry pine and weedy flavors, just a super dank hop profile. Like the aroma, only the faintest biscuity malt can be detected underneath a potent hop forward palate. Nice full body, coats the mouth really well, goes down super easily, remains wonderfully dry and bitter, keeps you coming back without leaving an unpleasant cotton mouth experience.

Verdict: Sublime IPA, I still like Pliny a bit more, but this is just an incredible beer. I like everything that’s happening here, great hop profile, the flavors are balanced exceptionally well, certainly one of those beers where you suddenly look down and the glass is empty, it’s that good. Cheers to The Alchemist, I will definitely have to get a lot more of this.

Serving type: can

04-22-2012 03:46:54 | More by kevanb

Omnium

Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Can > 2xIPA Glass

A - Pours an off color amber, 2 finger white head, minor lacing. Lots of yeast floating around.
S - Very dank hop aromas, some pine & spruce, citrus peels, grapefruit, white grape juice.
T - Those dank hops are intense, lots of white grape flavor, pine, spruce and earthy tones, tart apple, and a little sweet malt.
M - Full and well carbonated, easily drinkable.
O - While I'm not on par with the appearance, everything else is solid about this beer, though its not my favorite, nor do I think its worth all the hype. Compared to Pliny, its a no-contest situation, its thoroughly better. This actually delivers, lots of good aroma and the taste is solid, love the big grape flavor in this. Its a shape Alchemy is being too hipster to expand and make other things, or even distribute more.

Serving type: can

05-19-2013 23:29:30 | More by Omnium

TreeBeard

Ohio

4/5  rDev -15.3%

05-19-2013 20:34:41 | More by TreeBeard

KAP1356

Pennsylvania

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-19-2013 20:23:58 | More by KAP1356

Dyelawn

Maine

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-19-2013 19:09:32 | More by Dyelawn

indybearsfan

Indiana

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-19-2013 17:50:36 | More by indybearsfan

masshlx

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +5.9%

05-19-2013 17:16:12 | More by masshlx

ShawnMH

Indiana

4.75/5  rDev +0.6%

05-19-2013 14:52:25 | More by ShawnMH

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