A friend of mine was going to bring back a case of Heady Topper for me from Vermont. Unfortunately, he got called out of town on business. I'm visiting a big beer store in Albany (Oliver's) next week. I know this question has been asked before, but for those of you in NY who's had Heady, what beer can I pick up locally, or from another brewer outside NY, that comes close, or even exceeds Heady? And this question is for those of you who weren't overly impressed with HT. I gotta admit.... I was looking forward to trying HT. But if there is something close to it or (in your opinion) a bit better as a DIPA, please share your feedback. I am going to the beer festival in Burlington this summer, so maybe I can sample a can or two at some local beer spots. Thanks!
Not looking for a Vermont DIPA here in NY, but something comparable or better, according to my BA friends who've tasted HT. Sorry for the confusion in my original post...
Hard to compare so many of them b/c of how dramatically different the hop profiles are. But, if you get down to NYC at some point look out for Barrier's Daddy Warbucks. It's really, really juicy and one of my all-time favorites.
While no one is actually answering the OP's question about something that's available in Albany I also think it speaks to the fact that there isn't anything mass produced or that gets to NY frequently that's going to taste like HT. The VT beers are in another league (Barrier, Peekskill and Other Half have some that run a close 2nd). Fresh Dirtwolf is good (emphasis on fresh) but still not in the same class. Just a suggestion if you have to pick something up. Mass Rising is also a good DIPL if available. Sorry none of these are HT class.
Agreed, nothing that's available in bottles or in cans really comes close. The ones that come to mind are Flower Power and Stone Enjoy by. Perhaps you can find some SingleCut Full Stack bottles somehow... not sure they make it that far up though.
In the albany area you're not going to find rivals but various bars carry Peekskill and other half brews that are quite good in their own right.
You are under 2 hours from Tree House brewing. Probably 90 minutes if you haul ass. They have been canning lately(not sure of current availability) and might be comparable.
I think I saw Oliver's just got Omnipollo Fatamorgana- that one really reminded me of Heady. A little pricey, but really really tasty.
Evil Twin Molotov Lite. Think it's definately a bit rougher around the edges. But it has some of the juicyness that imo separates heady topper from other great dipas
Heady is still unique in the IPA world. It may not be the best but it's sure up there. There are a ton of really good IPAs being brewed in NY but not many "great" ones. In NYC I really like the beers Singlecut is making. I second the Maine beers - they are widely distributed and really good but not better than heady.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to Oliver's and see if they have Fatamorgana. I have tried Evil Twin and it was just too oniony. Yes, I agree about MBC beers. Dinner is probably the best beer I've ever had. DIPA or otherwise. I'm going to see if Lunch is available at Oliver's. Beer 1 is also a great MBC beer. I think they are carrying it. I've never tried Stone's Best BY, so I'll see if I can get a six pack. I'd love to try some of these great Mass. beers, but I just can't seem to find them. I'll probably seek out some Sunglecut offerings in NYC. Thanks again, and keep the suggestions coming.
Anything Singlecut in bottles is nice - 2x TnT, Half Stack, Full Stack, Soulbender. They're pretty well priced too.
I don't care for Heady. Even if it was regularly on shelves locally I wouldn't be buying it that often. Singlecut however I have been thrilled with. Bon Bon and full stack are excellent. And their draft only 200 watt was phenomenal.
I'd also suggest going a slightly different route and picking up Jack's Abby Hoponius Union and/or Mass Rising (and Kiwi Rising is outstanding too, if you can find it). Their lagers are super hoppy and really, really tasty - "East Coast" hopping but in pale lagers.
