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You are here: Home --> Forum Home --> General Forum --> Commercial Beer Reviews --> Heady Topper

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Matt
Charter Member
Normal, IL
341 Posts


I get a good pop upon opening the can, and I'll be the first to admit I'm a bit skeptical of a beer so highly regarded. But I'm trying to go in open minded, and I love Vermont Ale yeast, so we will see! Also, apparently I am a damn barbarian (per a friend who I sent this picture to) for pouring Heady in this glass. 

Aroma
Alright, so I have heard that Heady Topper does not shine in its aroma, and if that is the case I'm incredibly excited because this aroma is great. It is a bouquet of pine, citrus, and peach like characteristics. That classic Vermont Ale yeast is absolutely noticeable. 

Appearance
Pale gold, not much head, good head retention but not great. It is a bit hazy. Not a wonderful appearance overall, but not bad 2/3 if I had to put a number to it. 

Flavor
This is dangerously drinkable, far smoother and balanced than I expected from a IIPA that is 8%. It is a great flavor, with citrus characteristics. Very balanced, and the bitterness from the hops is barely noticeable. It passes from the middle of the tongue to the finish with relative ease. Great beer, finishes dry. 

Mouthfeel
Pretty good, nothing exceptional. it has good carbonation and a thin-medium body (leaning towards thin). 

Overall
I'm not sure that it lives up to the hype, but it really is excellent. The most I am excited about is the yeast strain, for sure, and it being more accessible to homebrewers because it really is excellent. Otherwise, this is a great IIPA, incredibly drinkable and really I really enjoy it. I wouldn't say it is damn incredibly or anything like that, but it is great, and I'm happy to have tried it. Absolutely worth quite a bit of money if you can get your hands on it!




Posted 34 days ago.

KidMoxie
Charter Member
San Elijo Hills, CA
405 Posts


My friend brought me a fresh can of Heady Topper a year or so ago and to be honest, I don't think it was anything better than many of the IPAs in San Diego. I'll guarantee you that I'm notably biased toward San Diego beers, but I think Heady Topper is so prominent because there's relatively less competition for over-the-top(per) IPAs on the Northeast. If you asked 100 folks in New Hampshire 50 of them would say Heady Topper is the best but if you asked 100 folks in San Diego you'd get 100 different answers.

That said, I'd never turn it down if someone offered it to me :)




Posted 34 days ago.

Matt
Charter Member
Normal, IL
341 Posts


Totally agreed, really well put. It is a great beer, I would never say no, but it isn't the end-all-be-all IIPA. 



Posted 34 days ago.

mchrispen
Bastrop, TX
485 Posts


Well you ruined it... poured it in a glass! Didn't John make a huge deal about that it was designed to consume from a can and not a glass? :)

It is not my favorite, but still a tasty drink. I have a hard time deciding between Pliny/Elder and Bell's 2 Hearted... and they are so different.

A buddy just brought me back a 4 pack of Heady - was a unicorn beer for me. Thinking the last two cans might be good for some kind of blog promotion...




Posted 34 days ago.

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