Heady Topper Comparison

GBot is a fantastic IIPA, but there are some very clear flavor distinctions between the two as far as I am concerned. They are both incredible beers, but I have drank them head to head a few times and found them very different.

On advisement from a gentlemen I met at Tree House I did a side by side compare between Heady and Hopslam- both a few weeks out from their initial production. While both sweet and malty (Aging may have been a partial factor), the yeast profile and the hop-forwardness of the HT made it pretty distinct. Still, the closest I have tasted.

 

Exactly this. I loved Founder's recently special release Smoked Porter. But I didn't stock up on it, even knowing it may only be a one-time release, because Stone's Smoked Porter is incredibly similar, available year round, & one-third of the price. Of all the DIPAs I've had, I've had a few I prefer to Heady, but none that I would consider a bona-fide Heady "replacement". It is incredibly unique & standout-ish, especially amongst a somewhat saturated style - you don't become one of the most praised & glorified beers in the nation by accident (or by having readily available substitutes).

 

I'll agree with some of y'all that Jai Alai is as close to Heady as it comes. Not quite as good, but damn close. I'll say the same thing about Hop Drop N Roll. It's close to Heady in taste and quality.

 

This is a tough question because I feel like any other "comparable" beer is also somewhat difficult to get - surly, Alpine, HF, Gandhi Bot, Tired Hands, etc...
regardless, it seems like a good portion of the available stock of HT is bought by people who know nothing of any other great beer and only want it because of its hype/rating. So I feel like if someone is asking, they probably haven't had many other beers at all. Not that its a bad thing, but its kind of like the cronut craze - everyone just wanted to try it to say they've had it. Which is great for craft beer in general...
While Heady is amazing - its not the best DIPA ive ever had.
Id Say HF Ephraim and Tired Hands Cosmic Slop were probably the best - again rare so that doesn't help.
But if I had to try and give one similar - id also say Gandhi Bot is pretty damn close to the same overall enjoyment. Being in VT, id almost just point them to a seasonal otter creek hoppy brew, like kyned rye and citra mantra (haven't had slice yet). What they have been doing lately has been great. Yes, not the same obviously, but at least they will leave with a great VT brew and way more money left in their wallet.

 

I was going to say this but add that it is like Heady Light.

 

I would recommend cans so that it's an apples to apples comparison.

 

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/25314/106819/

This. It might not be Heady but it shares some attributes and is a must try for hop heads. Should be easier to come by, however it is quite pricey.

 

If you dip oranges and soap in a malty and pretty hoppy IPA, you get heady topper

 

Just sell them Limbo. If they're asking that question they're probably more into the VT mystique than the beer itself. Throw in one of those 2oz jugs of syrup.

 

Agree with the DC Brau On the Wings of Armageddon mention earlier. I didn't know what to expect when I first tried it and was immediately reminded of Heady. The malt balance with the pine/resin on the hops was very similar. OTWOA is not widely distributed, but maybe easier for some to get than HT.

 

Surly Abrasive is the closest to Heady Topper I've ever had...

 

Isn't Flower Power readily available up there? It is great

 

Trillium Mettle or Toppling Goliath King Sue. Closest I've found.

 

Just had one. Didn't seem that different from lots of other beers in a similar style. Pleasanty enough, but not particularly special.

Pliny the Elder, on the other hand, had an aroma that really stood out from the crowd, both bottled and draught.

 

I told a buddy that Be Hoppy was as close to a Heady Lite as you could get. Freaking delicious beer.

 

Just in my man cave. Did a Firestone Walker tasting a couple of weeks ago with 9 of their beers. Have done Goose Island, Hoppin', Frog, Three Floyd's, and Maine Beer tastings in the past. I'll stop by the Co-Op to meet you, which I probably have already done, since I do the circuit of micro-brew suppliers quite often.
Rick