The Alchemist (August 2016)

Well that is exciting news. I am planning to be there for open on Tuesday, could have a nice surprise waiting

 

Also apologies for using palate instead of pallet, oops. Having a couple Focals helps identify your missteps...

 

Great experience at Alchemist yesterday. Arrived little after 10:00, easy parking, got spot easily (may have been due to rain earlier in morning). Were about 50-75 in line. Chatted with some nice folks and gave a few a local GA favorite that we brought along (Creature Comforts Tropicalia). They opened doors little early, got in and out with mixed cases and T shirts in about 30 mins. Enjoyed the samples. New spot is very nice and the beer is excellent!

 

Now that is some good ole Southern hospitality. You Bulldogs are a good lot and Tropicalia is a fine beer. No doubt it was warmly received.

You sure are going to be a big hit with that cargo once you make your way to these parts.

 

I picked up a mixed case at the brewery the last Saturday in July and upon drinking some cans immediately noticed some major differences in all three beers. the hops in heady and focal seem really muted - heady especially tastes really malty with barely any hop presence. I've opened a can every few days since, hoping it may just be some inconsistencies in the batch but seems like they all taste like this.

maybe it was a fluke with this batch and hopefully that's not just how they taste now. I also can't imagine my palate has changed that much since I've last had a heady or focal. kind of bizarre. just wondering if anyone had a similar experience, especially with that particular weekend. thanks!

 

I feel the same way you do. The last few times I've had heady topper, I felt it was not as good as it was in the recent past. Although I did have Focal Banger recently and it was outstanding. I will be going up there in a couple weeks, definitely curious as to how they will taste.

 

Annnnnd here we go.

 

I was personally curious how long after the expansion this would come up. Honestly, we made it longer than expected.

I had Heady and Focal both recently. Nothing has changed according to my palate and the palates of many friends that I trust. I would attribute your perception to palate shift most likely and maybe a touch of lost exclusivity. Heady is not on the forefront of what is popular in hoppy beer these days, so possibly your tastes have left it behind.

 

Had all three at various points this summer-

Focal remains the best and brightest of the three. Have had many times before, and it seems still to be on-point coming out of the new facility

Heady did seem muted to me - I've had it many times before, and the aromas on pre-expansion cans were 10x more intense than the can I enjoyed yesterday.

Crusher I'd never had before this summer, and wow. It is intense.

 

I've had sort of an opposite experience with Heady. First time I had it, 3 years ago or so, it absolutely blew my mind. I had some further batches later on that seemed to be a step down from the first few batches I tasted. However, I recently had a few cans that were purchased from the new brewery (not brewed there, as I understand the Heady is mostly still brewed at the old facility), and it felt like the Heady of old again- just absolutely superb- the dank hop delight I fell in love with.

Most of my changes in perception are probably due to any number of things OTHER than Heady itself changing. My first impression of Heady was opening my first can in Waterbury after a long trip to get there- that experience probably colored it in a super positive light. The next time I had it was about a year later, on my couch, watching TV- the experience was lesser, so my perception was probably lesser.

It's certainly not impossible that it's changed a bit here and there- sourcing that many hops, batch after batch, has to be hard, and maybe changes have to be made batch to batch to make up for shortages of certain types of hops.

But I also find it really hard to believe that any batch of Heady would be "really malty, with barely any hop presence." I'm gonna just guess it's your palate on that day- could have been what you ate, or what you already drank, or any number of things you have no control over.

 

Intense is the best word to describe it. Very good beer I thought, it's a sensory rollercoaster in a glass

 

Went there this weekend. Tasted all three on draft and in cans. I have had all three in the past, Heady pretty regularly over the past 4 years, then Focal and Crusher from the last can sale.

All of them were tasting remarkably well this weekend. Heady was still one of the best beers I have had, and Focal was great.

 

Same location, same equipment, same water, same yeast, same brewers... Heady hasn't changed where it came from since it started getting canned. Only variability is the hop harvest.

I think some of y'all need to put down the hoppy beers some times. Palate fatigue is real.

 

really didn't want to be "that guy". I made a separate thread for that reason and it just got merged here, where I don't think it really belongs (especially since I wanted some opinions on a late July "batch").

I hear you on that but can only speak to my experience with the cans of heady I have and have been drinking, which to me taste as I described (on multiple occasions and different days, without deadening my taste buds with other hop bombs prior to). I was just hoping that it's not that my palate has changed that much and wanted to throw it out there to see if anyone had a similar experience. thinking I can rule out "lost exclusivity" as mentioned since it actually is harder to get than when I first started getting cans in Waterbury. guess I'll have to make another trip up!

 

definitely likely and considered all that but y'know... wishful thinking

 

Was the prior aroma level over 9000???

 

Arrived at 10:02, #60 in line.

 

Wow 22oz of Topper for $12 almost 6 years ago

http://alchemistbeer.com/600-bottles-of-beer-on-the-wall/

600 Bottles of Beer On The Wall
Posted on 11/14/10
So, in case you have been wondering what I was going to announce, here it is.We will be hand bottling a run of Heady Topper in 22 ounce bottles.

I know I said that I would never let my beer go out the door, but the number of requests just can’t be ignored any more. You may or may not know of the problems we’ve had in the past with people taking our beer out the door illegally, but we are hoping that this will take care of that issue.

I will be hand filling 600 bottles on November 30th, and we will be selling them on Saturday December 4th .

This double IPA is sitting on its dry hops as you read this, and it will be presented in the freshest condition possible. We’ve never done anything like this before, so we have no idea what to expect. We only ask that you have patience as we learn. We will be prepared for a line of people, but again, we’ll see…

Q. When will you open up?

A. We will open the doors at 11AM and begin selling. We will have someone at the door checking IDs, and letting people in. You will purchase bottles at the end of the bar right by the entrance.

Q. How much beer will you have?

A. 600 bottles and there will be a 3 bottle limit per customer.

Q. How much will bottles of Heady Topper cost?

A. $12 per bottle CASH ONLY!!! Please have exact change ready for us if you can. If there is a line, we want to keep it moving for the people outside. NO CREDIT CARDS. Sorry.

Q. Will the bar be open for business early?

A. No. However, we will be offering each customer the chance to buy ONE fresh pint of Heady Topper so that you don’t have to open your bottles right away. Heady Topper T-shirts and pint glasses also be available to purchase. We will have a steamer full of FREE local organic hot dogs available to snack on while you drink your pint.

Q. Can I stay and have more than one pint?

A. No. We will be strict on the one pint limit. We have to keep people moving through so that we can close again and get ready for our regular hours of business. If you don’t want to jump in your car right after slugging down a pint, take a walk around. There are several fine options for a full lunch right in town, and plenty to do in the area.

Q. What if all the beer doesn’t sell out?

A. Any bottles that did not sell will be available for purchase during our usual business hours. 3pm – 1am. There will no longer be a limit on the number of bottles you can buy after we open for business. I will post an update on Twitter before opening as to whether or not we still have any for sale. To sign up for the update, follow us on Twitter.

Q. What if I wait in line and you sell out before I get to the door?

A. I’m afraid that you would be out of luck. Like I said, we have no idea what the response will be to this release. We are trying to be helpful with a reasonable limit, so that if it is a big turnout, at least the first 200 people will get beers. Who knows? Maybe nobody shows up and we have plenty….we just don’t know.

Q. If the beer sells out before I get it, can I still come in and buy a pint?

A. Not until we open at 3. Pints will only be available to the people that got in and purchased bottles. There will be plenty Heady Topper available on draft and cask at opening. The cask will NOT be available until 3. So you’ve got that going for you, which is nice.

So here’s to a successful and smooth bottle release on Saturday December 4th at 11 AM. See you there.

John

 

this page was also a nice find. I stumbled upon this when I was researching Holy Cow

http://alchemistbeer.com/what-we-brew/

What We Brew
Posted on 11/1/10
Brewer John Kimmich is committed to creating the tastiest and most exciting brews in New England. Using only the finest imported malts and domestic hops, The Alchemist is proud to offer nationally recognised and award-winning brews right here in Waterbury.

Following below is a not up to date but very indicative list of the brews we have offered over the years. In addition to the five brews we always have on tap, any one of these could also be available, depending on the season and what John has going on downstairs!.

The list would be more accurate if John would only slow down his brewing work and put his imagination on hold for a day!

Accessible Brews

Alesner
This brew is inspired by the refreshing Pilsners of Germany. Alesner is hopped extensively with Saaz and lagered for 12 weeks prior to release. ABV 5.5% IBU 35

Bolton Brown
Our house brown ale. ABV 6.4% IBU 30

Charlie
A robust brown ale with a delicious hop presence. ABV 5.9% IBU 30

Dunkler Stern
A delicious dark ale inspired by the schwartzbiers of Germany. ABV 5.2% IBU 30

Harvest Ale
Rich, malty and full of surprises. This recipe is in a constant state of evolution. ABV 6.5% IBU 30

Onion River Rye
A dry, crisp ale loaded with hops.. ABV 4.7% IBU 4

American Wild Brews

Bacchus

100% Brettanomyces and a massive amount of Concorde Grapes. Dry, sparkling and frighteningly drinkable. ABV 7.0% IBU 2

Darkness
Is an American wild ale fermented with three strains of wild Brettanomyces yeast. This dark ale has a smooth character and a complex profile. Hints of curacao orange and coconut can be detected in the finish. Perfect for those cold Vermont winter nights. ABV 5.8% IBU 2

O Positive
This year’s version of O Positive, and American wild ale, is made with elderberry, pomegranate and red raspberry. Thsi fruit bomb has over six ounces of fruit in every pint! ABV 5.0% IBU 10

Petit Mutant
This American-style wild ale is fermented with 3 strains of Brettanomyces, 1000 pounds of montmorency cherries and aged briefly in Pinot Noir casks. ABV 7.7% IBU 2

Whonky
Our house white beer, Honky, but fermented with Brettanomyces. A wild Honky. ABV 5.0% IBU 5

Wild Child
This Belgian inspired ale is fermented with Brettanomyces Lambicus, a wild yeast strain, and brewed with German Munich malt. This ale is very tart, almost sour, and not for the weak of heart. ABV 6.1% IBU 8

Belgian Inspired Brews

Grote Bruin
A Belgian Style brown ale that gets it’s unique flavor from our house strain of Belgian yeast and a delicate balance of spices. Brewed with candi sugar, Curacao Orange and Thyme. ABV 7.9% IBU 8

Honky
Our house White Ale. ABV 5.0% IBU 2

Menage A Trois
Our take on a Belgian classic. ABV 4.9% IBU 5

Solstice
Light and smooth beer brewed with a touch of coriander for a subtle, spicy aroma. ABV 4.9% IBU 25

Sterk Wit
Gold Medal Winner – 2004 Great American Beer Festival. This double white ale is brewed with a Belgian yeast strain, plenty of coriander and curacao orange peel. ABV 7.3% IBU 10

The Blond
A wonderfully crisp and hoppy ale. The golden color is offset by a generous addition of American hops. A blend of Maris Otter and Vienna malts add just enough to hold up the hops ABV 5.2% IBU 40

Zommer Bier
This is a crisp, refreshing and dry-hopped Belgian-style ale with an American twist. ABV 5.1% IBU35

Farmers Daughter
A rustic ale with a balanced blend of imported and American hops. ABV 6.9% IBU 22

Nightstalker
This Belgian-style dark wit was conceived and brewed by our Executive Chef, Jeff Lang, in honor of 5 years of loyal service. A wheat beer brewed with coriander and Curacao orange, fermented with our house Belgian strain of yeast. We are intentionally allowing this beer to drop to bright and reveal it’s beautiful color as time goes by. ABV: 6.2%

Hoppy Brews

Alena
An American IPA. Classic, hoppy and delicious. ABV 7.0% IBU 100

Broken Spoke
An American pale ale made entirely with Amarillo hops. ABV 5.0% IBU 25

El Jefe
Our annual holiday dark I.P.A. is packed to the gills with Simcoe hops. The aggressive hop character is enhanced by the crisp, dry finish. Black, bold and bitter as hell! ABV: 6.2% IBU: 90

Heady Topper
Is our double I.P.A.! Loaded with hops, this one will put hair on your chest. ABV 8% IBU 120

Heathen
An American IPA brewed with a blend of 3 base malts and a multitude of hops. ABV 6.9% IBU 100

HellBrook
This American double red ale is packed with enough hops to balance the full malty body. ABV 8.0% IBU 60

Mortal Sin
This I.P.A. is so rich and delicious that you’ll need to confess after drinking one! Generously dry-hopped for your olefactory pleasure. Introduced on 6/6/06. ABV 6.66% IBU 66

Piston Bitter
A full bodied special bitter brewed with British malt and American hops. ABV 5.0% IBU 50

Rapture
An American Double IPA, Introduced on 7/7/07. ABV 7.77% IBU 77.7

Revitalization Rye
This IPA is brewed with 35% rye malt. The crisp malt character is layered with Warrior hops. Dry-hopped with Warrior and Simcoe. ABV 6.50% IBU 100

Shut The Hell Up
An American mild ale brewed with Horizon hops. The crisp, bitter finish is held up by a balanced malt body. Served in a nice, tall glass. ABV 3.3% IBU 25

Heretic
The first Barleywine brewed at The Alchemist. This is currently aging in the brewery, and will be introduced on 9/9/09. ABV 9.99% IBU 99.9

Holy Moley
This American Double IPA is the big brother of Holy Cow. ABV 7.8% IBU 120

Nuggets
An old-school American IPA made entirely with Nugget hops. Aggressive yet balanced. ABV 7.8% IBU 90

Ouroboros
Introduced on 8/8/08. This Double IPA is absolutely overflowing with hoppy goodness. Curacao Orange gives it a distinct, fruity twist. ABV 8.88% IBU 88.8

Panty Dropper
Inspired by our friends at Dieu Du Ciel, and brewed for our 5th Anniversary. An American IPA made with 5 kilos of Egyptian Hibiscus. ABV 6.8% IBU 70

The Crusher
An American Double IPA, and the name pretty much sums it up. ABV 8.2% IBU A LOT.

Moose Knuckle
An American Pale Ale made entirely with Warrior hops. Dry and crisp. ABV 5.5% IBU 40

Other Brews

Blackout
A robust, full-bodied stout made with hand-pulled organic espresso from our friends at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. ABV 6.0% IBU 30

Hefty Weizen
This is a German style hefeweizen. A special yeast gives this wheat beer a distinct flavor of cloves and bananas. ABV 5.5% IBU 8

Knuckle Dragger
A Belgian style stout. Full bodied and rich, this stout is inspired by the dark confections of Belgium. Over the years, this has also been fermented with our house ale yeast. The 2009 version will be a Belgian-style Milk Stout. ABV 6.7% IBU 30

Shtupulator
This is a strong German-style lager. It is mahogany in color and full of malt flavor. Brewed entirely with Munich malt and aged 12 weeks prior to release. ABV8.0% IBU 22

Tweiss
Some call this a Weizen Bock, I call it a Double Hefeweizen. A distinct aroma of cloves and bananas is complemented by the spicy flavor of 2 kinds of wheat malt. ABV 7.9% IBU 10

Transubstanciator
This is currently just an evil twinkle in John’s eye. Stay tuned!

FluxCapacitor
A German-style Double Bock aged 16 weeks prior to release. Due out 2/1/09 ABV 8.2% IBU 22

Uncle Daddy
This was an Alchemist first-timer: a pumpkin hefeweizen. Whole nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla bean add a spicey finish to the 75lbs. of locally grown organic sugar pumpkins added throughout. ABV: 7.5% IBU: 8

5th Anniversary Celebration Brews

Grote Bruin
This Belgian-style brown ale was fermented with a blend of 5 yeast strains, and dry-herbed with organic thyme. Aged for 2 years in stainless steel with Lactobacillus. ABV: 8%

O Positive
The base fruit beer for the Wellness, without the herbs and bacteria. 2 years of aging in stainless steel have brought out a wonderfully bright and jammy character. Dangerously drinkable. ABV: 7%

Bacchus
A Concorde grape fruit beer fermented entirely with Brettanomyces. A portion of this 2 year old beer has been aged in oak and blended to produce a beautifully grapey delight. ABV: 7%

Uncle Daddy
This was an Alchemist first-timer: a pumpkin hefeweizen. Whole nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla bean add a spicey finish to the 75lbs. of locally grown organic sugar pumpkins added throughout. ABV: 7.5% IBU: 8

Beelzebub
This American stout has a massive malt presence. It is gently balanced with a huge hop character. ABV: 7.6% IBU: 90

Panty Dropper
This American I.P.A. has had 5 kilos of Egyptian hibiscus added in the kettle. A very balanced brew with a light floral nose mixing with fruity hops. The hibiscus threw a bit of a haze that seems to be slowly dropping out. ABV: 5.9% IBU: 60

El Jefe
Our annual holiday dark I.P.A. is packed to the gills with Simcoe hops. The aggressive hop character is enhanced by the crisp, dry finish. Black, bold and bitter as hell! ABV: 6.2% IBU: 90

Nightstalker
This Belgian-style dark wit was conceived and brewed by our Executive Chef, Jeff Lang, in honor of 5 years of loyal service. A wheat beer brewed with coriander and Curacao orange, fermented with our house Belgian strain of yeast. We are intentionally allowing this beer to drop to bright and reveal it’s beautiful color as time goes by. ABV: 6.2%

 

Doors opened by 10:20, out by 10:40. At 10:45, the line is barely out the front door.