Tastes bitter to me. According to the BA profile it has 75 IBUs. I recently took a tour of The Alchemist brewery and I purchased a four-pack of Heady Topper (and two four-packs of Focal Banger). FWIW I agree with you that Heady Topper is not a NEIPA because of the elevated bitterness and other reasons. Cheers!
Yeah, I understand why some would object to Heady being mentioned, but I've always found it to be good and bitter, maybe Focal is better at that actually, even if it has its regional association and rep. I guess I was simply throwing a few things out there at first since no one had responded to see what the OP's taste/experience was, so that the chat/conversation could get more focused. But ultimately it's indeed a regional question belong in the NY/NewEngl forum since so many of our choices are constrained by distribution (unless you're a trader). Cheers, all!
Cheers to you too! Distro in New York is surprisingly good — some long reach. Also, it’s super helpful to hear from all regions as we get on the road…
Fat Heads has just released their seasonal IPA: IBUsive. I will be visiting my local supermarket tomorrow to pick up a six-pack (or two?). Cheers!
Unfortunately this won’t make it down to NY, but Idle Hands in Malden just released Alpha Fury and it’s a fantastic throw-back to the early 2000’s teeth melters. Anyone around Boston who loves the old-school IPAs should seek this one out.
Big Axe Agropelter Mosaic Pale Ale. Damn good and dry. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/40627/281018/?ba=LesDewitt4beer#lists
My favs that are fairly widely distributed in the Middle Atlantic: Firestone Walker Union Jack Sixpoint Resin Sixpoint Hi-Res Ballast Point Sculpin SN Torpedo Extra SN Celebration Bear Republic Racer 5
