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Heady Topper
The Alchemist
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- The Alchemist
- Vermont, United States
- Style:
- Imperial IPA
Ranked #1 - ABV:
- 8%
- Score:
- 100
Ranked #6 - Avg:
- 4.71 | pDev: 7.01%
- Reviews:
- 2,734
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Tuesday at 03:22 AM
- Added:
- Mar 27, 2004
- Wants:
- 9,817
- Gots:
- 6,611
SCORE
100
World-Class
100
World-Class
Notes:
Heady Topper is an American double IPA. This beer is not intended to be the biggest or most bitter. It is meant to give you wave after wave of hoppy goodness on your palate. Tremendous amounts of American hops will creep up on you, and leave you with a dense hoppy finish in you mouth. So drinkable, it's scary. Sometimes I wish I could crawl right into the can.
Freshness and control have always been my main concern when it comes to our beer. We are committed to providing you with an unfiltered and unpasteurized hop experience. Why do I recommend that you drink it from the can? Quite simply, to ensure a delightful hop experience. The act of pouring it in a glass smells nice, but it releases the essential hop aromas that we have work so hard to retain.
If you MUST pour it into a glass, you may find that some of the hop resins have settled to the bottom -- leave them in the can while pouring. This beer is perishable, and at its best when it is young, fresh and hazy. Keep it cold, but not ice cold. Drink this beer immediately, we are always making more. -- John Kimmich
75 IBU
Freshness and control have always been my main concern when it comes to our beer. We are committed to providing you with an unfiltered and unpasteurized hop experience. Why do I recommend that you drink it from the can? Quite simply, to ensure a delightful hop experience. The act of pouring it in a glass smells nice, but it releases the essential hop aromas that we have work so hard to retain.
If you MUST pour it into a glass, you may find that some of the hop resins have settled to the bottom -- leave them in the can while pouring. This beer is perishable, and at its best when it is young, fresh and hazy. Keep it cold, but not ice cold. Drink this beer immediately, we are always making more. -- John Kimmich
75 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by PrimeBeer:
More User Ratings:
Rated by JohnnyjayXL90 from Pennsylvania
4.91/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.91/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
The best beer available without doubt. Feel sorry for those who haven’t the ability to try it. It’s #1 Mr. Krabs
Tuesday at 03:22 AM
Reviewed by dcotom from Iowa
4.79/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
4.79/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
In open defiance of the instructions, I poured this into a Spiegelau IPA glass from a 16-ounce can. Not sorry. Huge burst of piney hop resin upon opening the can. This obtains on the palate as well, with notes of citrus and light caramel and a hint of umami. Exquisitely bitter, with a crisp finish that leaves you wanting more. And more. This maintained its aroma and flavor profiles from beginning to end. Next time I will drink half of it from the can to see whether there is a perceptible difference. For science, of course.
Mar 03, 2023
Rated by Houlio_99 from Connecticut
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
May well be the best IPA I've ever had.
Feb 22, 2023
Reviewed by PJKSR02 from Connecticut
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
We are fortunate that The Alchemist has increased production and distribution of this perfect elixir. While still mostly available in New England, it's found in Southern Vermont, and over the summer, on The Vineyard, of all places. Cheers.
Feb 20, 2023Rated by Jeff-Palmer-11 from Colorado
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
My favorite IPA of all time! Just. So. Amazing.
Feb 04, 2023
Reviewed by superpete93 from New Hampshire
4.87/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
4.87/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I drank this very young--the day after I purchased it from the Stowe brewery. Absolutely the best Imperial IPA I've ever drank. Perfect balance, nice citrus smell, just enough hoppy bitterness to make it perfect.
Jan 28, 2023Reviewed by Hayesbro from Pennsylvania
4.71/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.71/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Looks-wise it's fairly standard for a NEIPA, cloudy gold with a slight head. (Yes, I disobeyed the can and poured it into a glass.) A really strong aroma, grassy, citrusy and hoppy. Complex flavor, as well, citrus and hops and the serious bitterness at the end. Nice filling mouthfeel. It lives up to the hype. Doesn't rely on one note like so many NEIPAs.
Jan 22, 2023Rated by TheWormtownHero
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
It’s the best beer in the USA
Jan 10, 2023
Reviewed by NickSMpls from Washington
4.76/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
4.76/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
Canned on 12/5, so it's fresh. Bought at the Astoria Co-Op in Astoria, Oregon. About as far as you can get from Vermont. Unbelievably tasty and ultra- smooth. 12,000 beer drinkers can't go wrong.
Dec 31, 2022Rated by Cole7
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Never had a beer that came close to this one. Simply amazing.
Dec 29, 2022Rated by J_b0nes
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Simply the best there is.
Dec 22, 2022
Reviewed by TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)
4.61/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.61/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Fresh (canned November 25/22) - found unexpectedly at Chip's Liquor in San Diego.
Pours a bright but hazy golden orange with a finger plus of foamy bubbly white head.
The aroma is a burst of hops on opening the can (yeah I had to pour it out) - citrus, piney, pine resin, and tropical fruit. The grainy malt takes a back seat, but adds to the amazing nose.
Tastes delightfully sweet - orange, citrus hops explode on the palate - pine resin, tropical fruit - there is a touch of pithiness but subtle and adds rather than detracts; pale grainy malt underpins balancing a moderate delicious bitterness.
Smooth with moderate carbonation - medium full mouthfeel with no sense of the 8% ABV and a lingering citrus bittersweetness.
Dec 16, 2022Pours a bright but hazy golden orange with a finger plus of foamy bubbly white head.
The aroma is a burst of hops on opening the can (yeah I had to pour it out) - citrus, piney, pine resin, and tropical fruit. The grainy malt takes a back seat, but adds to the amazing nose.
Tastes delightfully sweet - orange, citrus hops explode on the palate - pine resin, tropical fruit - there is a touch of pithiness but subtle and adds rather than detracts; pale grainy malt underpins balancing a moderate delicious bitterness.
Smooth with moderate carbonation - medium full mouthfeel with no sense of the 8% ABV and a lingering citrus bittersweetness.
Rated by J_Brew_99 from Colorado
4.89/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
4.89/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Amongst the upper echelons of beers! Super smooth and very drinkable
Dec 02, 2022Reviewed by Anders91 from California
4.46/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.46/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Look: nice golden straw like color with a medium white head
Smell: basically all hops, nice citrus notes with some pine as well
Taste: fantastic balance of citrus, pine, and just a little bit of malt on the background. Very clean flavor
Feel: just the right amount of carbonation
Dec 01, 2022Smell: basically all hops, nice citrus notes with some pine as well
Taste: fantastic balance of citrus, pine, and just a little bit of malt on the background. Very clean flavor
Feel: just the right amount of carbonation
Rated by HarlotBronte from District of Columbia
4.45/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
4.45/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
World class for sure. Glad I finally got to try it.
Nov 27, 2022
Reviewed by Hobbs87 from New York
4.49/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.49/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Never heard about this and it was recently recommended out of the blue. Excellent IPA but very difficult to find if not in Vermont. I believe they keep supply purposely low outside the area. Was able to track down and local shop said they don’t put out on the shelves since it would be sold out as soon as it’s up. Delicious tasting. It’s not too bitter nor sweet. Just a smooth enjoyable IPA and can see why it’s rated as one of the best.
Nov 24, 2022
Reviewed by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
4.68/5 rDev -0.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.68/5 rDev -0.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
16oz can. Can bottom is stamped 'Canned On 09-29-22'.
For reference, a couple of ounces have been poured into a glass. The body is partly cloudy, and is straw colored. Looks to be a strong one finger white head. The couple of ounces in the glass left behind a generous ring and other spots of lacing.
Aroma is hop driven - citrus dank and pine resin. Solid toasted malt base.
Taste is grapefruit and orange pith, which melds into the pleasant bitterness. Pine resin is there and expresses more at the end and in the aftertaste. Solid malt base. There is also a resin sweetness that exists more in the front part of the profile.
Mouth feel is more than medium, and has a softer quality. Excellent carbonation in the mouth.
This beer is world class, and will be especially attractive to those IPA drinkers who like some pine resin and bitterness. The beer is truly expressive in the mouth, and is a big reason why it is so well regarded. Really a great tasting IPA.
Nov 02, 2022For reference, a couple of ounces have been poured into a glass. The body is partly cloudy, and is straw colored. Looks to be a strong one finger white head. The couple of ounces in the glass left behind a generous ring and other spots of lacing.
Aroma is hop driven - citrus dank and pine resin. Solid toasted malt base.
Taste is grapefruit and orange pith, which melds into the pleasant bitterness. Pine resin is there and expresses more at the end and in the aftertaste. Solid malt base. There is also a resin sweetness that exists more in the front part of the profile.
Mouth feel is more than medium, and has a softer quality. Excellent carbonation in the mouth.
This beer is world class, and will be especially attractive to those IPA drinkers who like some pine resin and bitterness. The beer is truly expressive in the mouth, and is a big reason why it is so well regarded. Really a great tasting IPA.
Reviewed by te99912_123 from Switzerland
4.43/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.43/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Canned a bit more than 2 months ago, maybe not optimal, but kind of hard to get it here in Europe, so I can't complain.
Hazy yellow-gold, very foamy. Not extremely hazy though.
Onions, pine, dank, you can already smell the bitterness.
Grapefruit, oranges, citrus. Similar to the nose, though opens up a bit and gets a little more tropical, pineapple, and a super tiny hint of mango.
The IBU highly noticeable. I have no idea how high it is though, I've seen numbers from 70 to 120.
Oct 27, 2022Hazy yellow-gold, very foamy. Not extremely hazy though.
Onions, pine, dank, you can already smell the bitterness.
Grapefruit, oranges, citrus. Similar to the nose, though opens up a bit and gets a little more tropical, pineapple, and a super tiny hint of mango.
The IBU highly noticeable. I have no idea how high it is though, I've seen numbers from 70 to 120.
Heady Topper from The Alchemist
Beer rating:
100 out of
100 with
15180 ratings
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