The Alchemist (2020)

Paragon Boardwalk, Nantasket Beach

 

The Wegmans in Westood, MA had both Heady Topper and Focal Banger when I did my grocery trip today! One 4pk per customer, apparently they're getting semi-regular shipments of it on Thursdays. Absolutely wonderful surprise in another otherwise depressing grocery trip.

 

From what I’ve read and been told it will be about every 4-5 weeks but could change.
With that said, south shore got it as well today!

 

Anyone end up making the trip to Alchemist from out of state today? Did you get stopped at the state border and get told to turn around and go back home? Were you taken against your will for the purpose of locking you up for your mandatory 14 day quarantine? Any beer-run success stories from today? Please share!!

 

To preface, I have had Focal Banger plenty of times since 2015 or so .

My last batch ( before the 5.27 one) was in March. That batch had a weird soapy taste to it ( I didn't check the date on the can, but bought it straight from the brewery). It made me not buy the initial drop of it in NJ


I decided to get last week's drop of The Alchemist in NJ. This batch is something else. I don't know what it is (maybe it's me) but this batch is really fucking good. Just the body itself has more ooomph to it than what I remember. I'm enjoying every sip of it, without any soapy flavor like mentioned before.

You know when you really had a good lunch and you keep savoring the taste afterwards? This is how I feel with the 5.27 batch. I should have gotten more than 1 4 pack.

 

Howdy - New Englanders - never posted here, but just poppin in to say - I had my first Focal Banger moments ago and it's damn good. Glad to finally try it. 6.3.20 canning.
What really surprised me was less the grapefruit on the nose, palate, and nose - but the "everything bagel" impact of this beer was a complete WTF moment. And I'm good with that.
Because I fucking love everything bagels. Cheers!

 

I like your analogy. And one thing is for sure: there is absolutely nothing like Heady Topper. To me, it remains a singular creation. Many wonderful hoppy beers out there and plenty of lively discussion about which one is the best. That argument never made sense to me, as we can enjoy all of them. To me, Heady Topper is a treat every time I have one.

 

He’s been doing it for a few years anyway, but I still LOVE watching the clips of John Kimmich introducing and sampling his beers. The faces he makes...the eyes...it’s awesome. His reactions are priceless.

 

best thing going in beer several years running at this point

 

I scooped a 4 pack a few weeks ago for the first time in... 2 years? and this beer holds up so hard. The body is just right, the hop profile is just right, it drinks so easy for 8%. HT and Lawson Double Sunshine are probably my 2 favorite hoppy beers. Just perfect specimens.

 

What are the chances of extending hours to include Monday or Tuesday by 7.13, 7.14?

 

No sure on expanding the hours but Alchemist has been sending more heady and focal out into the wild. They have been easy to find in grocery stores and gas stations

 

just announced that as of 7/1 they will be open 7 days a week

 

Being a little lazy here.....

Where are the Heady/Focal drops in Southern Vermont?

Appreciate some help!

Was really hoping they would send some to CT...Bummer.

 

I get mine at the Brattleboro CoOp. It drops at noon on Thursdays. (Usually a little before noon).

Also the Market 32 right off 91 has it. Not sure when it drops, but likely same day as the CoOp.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the info. Looks like friday if I make it up there.

 

https://www.facebook.com/alchemistbeer/photos/a.379823342052625/3376837802351149/

 

I wonder what this means for the MA drops we've been seeing.

 

"Our July newsletter is here! Company updates, John’s Beer notes, 2020 scholarship awards and more."

http://mailchi.mp/alchemistbeer.com/july-2020-newsletter

 

Latest FB post ...

"We were honored to be a part of getting these classics into cans for the first time ever. Looking like a beautiful weekend to grab some cans at the VPB. Call 802-865-0500 x 2 Thurs thru Sun to pre-order cans and set a pick up time, or make a reservation to enjoy a snack and a can in the beautiful and expansive beer garden. Curbside pickup is also available, just ask!"
#alch3mistb33r
#vtpubandbrew

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=290710928784908