Heady Topper Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy

Heady Topper, an infamous double IPA from Stowe, VT, is brewed by The Alchemist brewery. It gained popularity when initially released and is consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated IPAs in the world. This reputation, combined with limited production batches, has made it a highly sought-after beer with a devoted fan base. The beer is packed with hops, showcasing complex flavors and aromas, including citrus, pine, and floral notes. It has an 8% ABV and is best enjoyed fresh. Due to its limited production and high demand, it can be challenging to find outside of the brewery or the local area. However, some retailers, taprooms, and bars in select distribution regions may carry it. The easiest way to get your hands on Heady Topper is to visit the brewery in Stowe, Vermont, or order online for curbside pickup.

Where to buy Heady Topper in Burlington

Heady Topper, the intensely hoppy, grapefruit-flavoured American double IPA by The Alchemist Brewery in Waterbury, Vermont, is famously hard to get your hands on. You can't visit the brewery, and it's sold only at a handful of shops and eateries in central Vermont. However, if you're in Burlington, there are several places where you might get lucky.

The Alchemist Brewery website lists the locations Heady Topper is sold, as well as delivery dates. It's worth paying close attention to those delivery dates, as locations sell out fast.

In Burlington, you could try Burlington Bay, which stocks the beer in the cooler by the front door. The Scuffer on Church Street has also been known to sell it, although this was described as a lucky find by one person. Healthy Living on Dorset Street is another option, although it's not clear how often they restock. If you're looking to get some on tap, try The Farmhouse in downtown Burlington. Trattoria Delia is another restaurant that serves Heady Topper.

If you're willing to travel a little further afield, you could try the Beverage Warehouse in Winooski, just outside Burlington. This shop has been recommended by several people, although it's always a good idea to call ahead to check they have it in stock.

If you're driving, you could also try making a few stops at various locations to buy in larger quantities, as some places limit the number of four-packs you can buy.

Heady Topper's limited production

Heady Topper is a highly sought-after double IPA beer from The Alchemist, a Vermont-based brewery. With a score of 100 on Beer Advocate and thousands of five-star reviews, it's no wonder that demand for Heady Topper often outpaces production.

The Alchemist has recognised this demand by opening a second production facility in Stowe, Vermont, in 2016, which also brews Focal Banger, another full-bodied IPA, and seasonal beers. Despite this expansion, the owners, John and Jennifer Kimmich, have no plans to expand further, choosing to focus on creating an inclusive and equitable brand with a commitment to sustainability.

The unique flavour of Heady Topper comes from a proprietary blend of six hops, each imparting its own distinct flavour and aroma, including orange, tropical fruit, pink grapefruit, pine, and spice. The beer is designed to showcase these complex flavours and aromas, providing a wave of hoppy goodness without the astringent bitterness that can sometimes come with IPAs.

Heady Topper is a year-round beer, but its limited distribution adds to its captivating aura. The brewery's commitment to freshness and control means that they recommend drinking Heady Topper straight from the can to preserve the delicate terpenes, aromatics, and hop essence. While some choose to pour it into a glass, risking the loss of essential hop aromas, the beer is best enjoyed young, fresh, and hazy, as per the instructions on the can.

For those seeking to get their hands on Heady Topper, it is available at the brewery in Vermont, with curbside pickup options, and at select retailers. However, supplies are limited, and orders are typically capped, so eager fans may need to get creative to satisfy their cravings for this elusive and highly-rated brew.

Heady Topper's taste and flavour profile

Heady Topper is an American Imperial or Double IPA, with an 8% ABV. It is unfiltered, unpasteurised, and packed with hops. The beer is not intended to be overly bitter, but rather to deliver wave after wave of hoppy goodness. It is dense and hoppy, with a full-bodied, frothy mouthfeel.

The Alchemist brewery uses a proprietary blend of six different hops in the beer, each imparting its own unique flavour and aroma. The hops used in Heady Topper are a closely guarded secret, but drinkers have reported tasting orange, tropical fruit, pink grapefruit, pine, spice, and even marijuana. The natural fruitiness of the yeast used also helps to balance out the hops, resulting in a beer that is exceptionally well-balanced and delicious.

Heady Topper is best enjoyed straight from the can, as the brewer recommends. This is to ensure the freshest possible experience, as pouring the beer into a glass releases the essential hop aromas that the brewery has worked hard to retain. The beer is perishable and should be kept cold, but not ice cold. It is also recommended to drink it immediately, as it is always being brewed fresh.

Heady Topper is an ultra-intensified version of the New England IPA style. It is hop-forward, with a perfect amount of bitterness and sharpness, complemented by bright and rich citrus aromas. It is also notable for its classic dankness, which is a hallmark of the IPA style.

The Alchemist's taproom and brewery

The Alchemists Taproom and Brewery

The Alchemist is a craft brewery based in Stowe, Vermont, founded in 2003 by John and Jen Kimmich. The Alchemist has gained a reputation for its exceptional craft beers and commitment to quality. Its taproom is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. The brewery has gained popularity for its celebrated beers, including Heady Topper and Focal Banger. Heady Topper is an American Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) with a robust, hop-forward flavour profile and citrus, pine, and floral notes. It has an 8% ABV and is known for its complex flavours and aromas, showcasing the unique characteristics of different hops. The beer is not intended to be the strongest or most bitter DIPA, but rather to highlight the wave after wave of hop flavour without astringent bitterness. The Alchemists use a proprietary blend of six hops, each imparting a distinct flavour and aroma, such as orange, tropical fruit, pink grapefruit, pine, and spice. There is a subtle malt presence that provides backbone without taking away from the star of the show – the hops.

Heady Topper has gained a cult following among craft beer enthusiasts and is consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated IPAs in the world. Due to its limited production and high demand, The Alchemist has become synonymous with exclusivity. The brewery purposely keeps production relatively limited to maintain quality control and high demand. This, coupled with their small distribution footprint and lack of direct shipping to consumers, makes Heady Topper a challenging beer to get your hands on outside of the brewery or the surrounding area.

The easiest way to get your hands on Heady Topper is to visit The Alchemist's taproom in Stowe, Vermont. There, you can enjoy it on tap or purchase cans to go. They also offer online ordering for curbside pickup. If you're not able to make it to the brewery, you can try finding it at nearby craft beer retailers, taprooms, and bars in the areas where it is distributed, such as Vermont and parts of Massachusetts. Keep an eye on The Alchemist's social media and website, as well as those of retailers that carry Heady Topper, to stay up to date on fresh shipments. Additionally, beer trading is an option to acquire this sought-after brew. While it is rare, some small, local retailers may have online stores that ship Heady Topper directly to consumers.

Heady Topper typically costs $13.00 USD for a 4-pack directly from The Alchemist, but you can expect to pay between $15 to $20 USD for a 4-pack from a retailer. Remember, Heady Topper is best enjoyed fresh, so don't try to age it!

Buying Heady Topper online

Heady Topper is an American Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) brewed by The Alchemist brewery in Stowe, Vermont. It has a strong reputation in the craft beer community and is consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated IPAs in the world. Due to its limited production and high demand, it can be challenging to find outside of the brewery or the surrounding areas.

If you're looking to buy Heady Topper online, there are a few options available. Firstly, you can order it directly from The Alchemist's website for curbside pickup. However, they do not ship this beer directly to consumers. Some local retailers may have online stores that ship Heady Topper, but due to shipping restrictions and high demand, it may be challenging to find. It's important to keep an eye on the brewery's social media profiles and website, as well as those of retailers that carry Heady Topper, to stay updated on fresh shipments.

Another option is to consider beer trading, which allows people from different regions to exchange their local craft beers. This can provide an opportunity to get your hands on Heady Topper if you don't live near the brewery or distribution areas. Additionally, some online beer retailers or specialty websites may offer Heady Topper for sale, but availability may vary. It's always a good idea to check multiple sources and compare prices to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

When purchasing Heady Topper online, it's important to be aware of potential scams or counterfeit products. It's recommended to buy only from reputable sources and to be cautious of extremely low prices or unverified sellers. Additionally, keep in mind that Heady Topper is intended to be consumed fresh, so look for sellers who can guarantee the beer's freshness or have a quick turnaround time for shipping.

Lastly, while online options exist, visiting the brewery or nearby craft beer retailers, taprooms, and bars in distribution areas may be the most reliable way to get your hands on Heady Topper. The Alchemist's taproom is renowned among beer enthusiasts, and they offer the beer both on tap and in cans for purchase. So, if you're able to make the trip, it could be well worth the experience.

Frequently asked questions