Heady Topper. The Alchemist. Waterbury, Vermont. American Double IPA (DIPA). 8.0% ABV.
As recommended by the labeling on the can, served chilled and consumed straight from the can. Smells are of citrus and lots and lots of hops. Additionally, smells piney and earthy with an incredibly fresh smell. Carbonation and body are on the moderate side. The taste is unlike any other double IPA. The unfiltered nature and freshness of this beer shines through, and though it has over 100 IBUs, seems incredibly drinkable. The aftertaste lingers, and is sweet and bitter at the same time, and is surprisingly refreshing
A huge thank you to Matt C for this gift. This was my first Heady in 4 months, and I have been craving it since first trying it in the spring. There is good reason that this is the number one ranked beer in the world, and why craft beer fanatics make pilgrimages to Vermont to buy it. The beer is not available for retail sale in any state besides Vermont, and many stores will run out of the inventory in the first day.
I had quite a week, being fortunate enough to have both Hopulence and Heady Topper. Both, in my opinion, are the two best DIPAs out there. They both get perfect 100/100s (in my book). Both are fresh, unfiltered and unpasteurized DIPAs that manage to pack an insane amount of hops and bitterness into a crisp, refreshing and unique drinking experience. I don't think I could give the edge to either one anymore. They both are representations of the perfect DIPA.
100/100