Care of a Iron Sherv (thank you!), Dan and Dad On Tap sample the critically-acclaimed Vermont-style double IPA, Heady Topper from The Alchemist. Previously recorded in 2013.

The Alchemist Heady Topper

Many people make special trips up to Waterbury (or Stowe) for this American Double IPA that easily reached cult status. It contains 75 IBUs, weighs in at 8.0% ABV, is unfiltered/unpasteurized and the brewer recommends drinking directly from the can. For the purposes of our tasting, we poured a little in glasses first and then proceeded with the preferred imbibing method.

Appearance

Plenty of hop floaties and clearly unfiltered. Beautiful head, light lacing and yellow/golden.

Aroma

Hop-forward (duh) with overpowering pine, followed by resin and light straw note.

Taste

Hops continue to dominate the flavor, and at 75 IBUs I am guessing higher alpha acid ones. Aftertaste continues with brilliant and non-cloying hop bitterness.

Mouthfeel

Very dry and the carbonation enhances the mouthfeel even further.

Overall

From the can it tastes way more crisp and cold than in the glass. You won’t see the floaties drinking it that way, and it’s what the brewer recommends. Thanks again to Iron Sherv for the gift, and if you have a chance to try it fresh, it’s definitely worth the experience. Making the pilgrimage is wholly up to you.
Cheers and remember:
Life’s a tap…drink up ’til it’s dry.
All music on this show came to us from the now defunct Music Alley.
Intro: “Meet Me At The Bar” by The Beer Drinking Fools
Outtro: “Bubblegum and Beer” by The Supersuckers

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