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Heady Topper, or The Alchemist's Heady Topper, is an infamous double IPA from Stowe, Vermont, brewed by The Alchemist brewery. It's consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated IPAs in the world, and its limited production batches mean that demand almost always outpaces supply. The beer is packed with hops, with a robust, hop-forward flavour profile and citrus, pine, and floral notes. It has an alcohol content of around 8%. The easiest way to get your hands on a can of Heady Topper is to visit the brewery in Vermont, but it's also distributed in some regions outside of the state.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Brewery | The Alchemist |
Beer Style | Double IPA |
ABV | 8% |
Calories | ~290 |
Location | Stowe, VT |
Price (from The Alchemist) | $3.25 per 16 oz. can |
Price (from a retailer) | $15 to $20 USD for a 4-pack |
Flavour | Hop-forward with citrus, pine, and floral notes |
Bitterness | Low bitterness |
Malt | Low malt |
Hops | Six different types |
Fruit Notes | Pineapple and tangerine |
Availability | Limited |
What You'll Learn
Buying Heady Topper in-store
Heady Topper is an American Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) brewed by The Alchemist brewery in Stowe, Vermont. It has gained popularity for its robust, hop-forward flavor profile with citrus, pine, and floral notes, and an alcohol content of around 8%. Due to its limited production and high demand, it can be challenging to find Heady Topper outside of the brewery or the surrounding areas. However, here are some tips for buying Heady Topper in-store:
The easiest way to get your hands on Heady Topper is to visit the brewery in Stowe, Vermont. There, you can enjoy it on tap or purchase cans in the taproom. If you're not able to make it to the brewery, don't worry; there are a few other options for buying Heady Topper in-store.
First, check local craft beer retailers, taprooms, and bars in areas where Heady Topper is distributed. This includes states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. You can also try larger liquor stores or beer stores, such as Total Wine & More, that may carry a wider variety of craft beers. Keep in mind that Heady Topper tends to sell out quickly, so it's a good idea to call ahead and check if it's in stock before making a special trip.
Another option is to keep an eye on the brewery's social media profiles and website, as well as those of retailers that carry Heady Topper. This way, you can stay up-to-date on when and where fresh shipments are arriving. Some websites, such as BeerMenus, can also help you locate nearby bars and restaurants that serve Heady Topper.
Finally, consider joining beer trading communities, either online or in-person. These communities allow people from different regions to exchange their local craft beers, giving you the opportunity to trade for Heady Topper if you have something that someone from Vermont is interested in.
Remember, Heady Topper is best enjoyed fresh, so whether you're purchasing it from a store or trading for it, make sure you're getting a can that hasn't been sitting on a shelf for too long.
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Buying Heady Topper online
Heady Topper is a highly sought-after, hop-forward Double IPA brewed by The Alchemist brewery in Stowe, VT. It has gained a reputation as one of the highest-rated IPAs in the world, with its limited production batches leading to a constant demand that outpaces supply. This exclusivity has made Heady Topper a "whale" that many drinkers are eager to get their hands on.
Due to its limited production and high demand, finding Heady Topper online can be a challenge. The Alchemist does not ship Heady Topper directly to consumers, but you can order it for curbside pickup from their website if you're in the area. Some local retailers may also have online stores that ship Heady Topper, but these can be rare due to shipping restrictions and high demand.
If you're looking to buy Heady Topper online, your best bet is to keep an eye on the brewery's website and social media profiles, as well as those of retailers that carry Heady Topper, to catch any updates on fresh shipments. Additionally, beer trading can be an option to get your hands on this sought-after brew if you have something to exchange from your local region.
When it comes to price, Heady Topper costs $13.00 USD for a 4-pack directly from The Alchemist, while retailers typically charge between $15 to $20 USD for the same quantity. So, if you're looking to buy Heady Topper online, be prepared for a challenging but rewarding hunt, and don't forget to enjoy it fresh!
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Visiting the brewery
The Alchemist brewery is based in Stowe, Vermont, and is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. The easiest way to get your hands on Heady Topper is to go straight to the source and visit the brewery, where you can sample the beer on tap or buy cans to take away.
The brewery has gained a reputation for its exceptional craft beers and dedication to quality, with Heady Topper being one of its most celebrated beers, along with Focal Banger. The Alchemist was founded in 2003 by John and Jen Kimmich, and has since become synonymous with exclusivity due to its limited production and small size, which helps maintain quality control.
Heady Topper is an infamous double IPA, packed with a robust, hop-forward flavour profile, including citrus, pine, and floral notes. With an 8% ABV, it packs a punch, but drinks easily. It is consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated IPAs in the world and has a devoted fan base, with craft beer drinkers considering it a rite of passage.
The brewery typically produces Heady Topper in weekly batches, but with such a devoted following, cans tend to sell out fast. So, if you're planning a trip to the brewery, it's worth keeping an eye on their social media and website to stay up-to-date with their stock levels and any new releases.
If you're unable to make it to the brewery, don't worry. Heady Topper can also be found in select craft beer retailers, taprooms, and bars in Vermont and some other areas. However, it's still a challenge to find due to its limited production and high demand, so you'll need to be quick! Alternatively, you could try beer trading, which allows people from different regions to exchange local craft beers.
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Trading Heady Topper
Heady Topper is a highly sought-after beer, with a reputation as one of the best IPAs in the world. Due to its limited production and regional distribution, it can be difficult to get your hands on. So, if you're looking to trade for this elusive brew, here's some information to help you out.
Where to Find Heady Topper
Heady Topper is produced by The Alchemist brewery in Stowe, Vermont. The brewery has a taproom where you can try it on tap, and they also offer online orders for curbside pickup. So, if you're relatively close to Vermont, a trip to the brewery might be your best bet. Outside of Vermont, Heady Topper has slowly expanded to some new markets, but its distribution remains small. You may be able to find it in nearby craft beer retailers, taprooms, and bars in these regions. Keep an eye on the brewery's website and social media to stay up to date with their distribution.
Trading Tips
If you're looking to trade for Heady Topper, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to find trading partners who live in or near Vermont, as they will have easier access to the beer. Websites like Beer Advocate and rbeer.trade (formerly r/beertrade) are great places to connect with potential trading partners. When proposing a trade, keep in mind that Heady Topper is a highly desired beer, so be prepared to offer something equally desirable in return. Local beers that are hard to find outside of your region can be a good option. For example, if you're in Pennsylvania, beers from Pizza Boy or Tired Hands might be good trading options.
Freshness Matters
When trading for Heady Topper, remember that this beer is best enjoyed fresh. The Alchemist does not print dates on their cans, so when trading, try to gauge the freshness of the beer. Look for trading partners who can guarantee the beer is fresh, or propose trades with beers that have clear canning dates.
Online Options
While it's rare, you may be able to find Heady Topper available for purchase online from small, local retailers. However, due to shipping restrictions and high demand, it's unlikely you'll find it from larger retailers. If you do come across it online, be cautious and ensure the seller is trustworthy and reputable.
So, if you're looking to trade for Heady Topper, remember to find trading partners with access to fresh beer, propose trades with desirable offerings, and keep an eye out for online opportunities. With a bit of luck and persistence, you'll be able to get your hands on this sought-after brew.
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Heady Topper's popularity
Heady Topper is an American Imperial Double IPA, first brewed by The Alchemist in 2003. It has gained immense popularity over the years and is consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated IPAs in the world. The beer is packed with hops, giving it a dense, hoppy finish. It has a robust, hop-forward flavour profile with citrus, pine, and floral notes, and an 8% ABV.
The Alchemist was founded in 2003 by John and Jen Kimmich and has since gained immense popularity for its exceptional craft beers and dedication to quality. Heady Topper is one of their most celebrated beers, along with Focal Banger. The limited production of Heady Topper, combined with its high rankings and reputation in the craft beer community, has made it highly sought-after and even exclusive. It is often referred to as a "whale" among drinkers and is considered a "right of passage" for craft beer enthusiasts.
The beer's popularity can be attributed to its consistent high rankings, exclusivity, and reputation in the craft beer community. It has maintained its ranking over the years and has a devoted fan base that appreciates its unique flavour and aroma. The Alchemist's commitment to quality and freshness also plays a role in its popularity, as they purposely keep production relatively limited and do not ship directly to consumers. This ensures that Heady Topper is always fresh and in high demand.
Heady Topper is not just popular for its taste but also for its cultural significance in the craft beer community. It is often referred to as a "game-changer" and a "revolutionary" beer that put modern East Coast IPAs on the map. Its release changed the landscape of IPAs, with many breweries following suit and trying to create similar beers.
The popularity of Heady Topper has led to a devoted fan base, with people travelling to the brewery or trading with others to get their hands on this sought-after beer. Its limited production and high demand have created a sense of exclusivity, further adding to its appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
Heady Topper beer is available at the brewery in Stowe, Vermont, and throughout the state. It can also be found in select locations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Yes and no. You can order Heady Topper for curbside pickup from The Alchemist's website, but they do not ship it directly to consumers. Some small, local retailers may have online stores that ship Heady Topper, but due to shipping restrictions and high demand, it is rare to find.
Heady Topper costs $13 USD for a 4-pack directly from The Alchemist. From a retailer, you can expect to pay between $15 to $20 USD for a 4-pack.
Heady Topper has a malty sweetness at the front, followed by a grassy, hoppy profile that balances it out. It has subtle but clear hints of citrus and fruit notes, mainly pineapple and tangerine. It finishes with a slight tinge of alcohol, but you won't notice you're drinking an 8% ABV beer.
Heady Topper is consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated IPAs in the world, and its exclusivity and reputation in the craft beer community make it highly sought-after. It is known for its complex flavors and aromas, showcasing a proprietary blend of six different hops.