It’s not often that I’ve gotten to try a beer rated in Beer Advocate’s list of the top 250 beers. Many of the best breweries don’t have particularly wide distribution. In fact, I think that some of their beers end up being overrated on account of their rarity (not to say they aren’t good). Still, when my buddy Steve was able to pick up a can of The Alchemist’s ‘Heady Topper’ in his travels, I was beyond ecstatic. Considering it is number 1 on the aforementioned list, surely I was in for a sublime experience. Did it live up to the expectations?

Yes. Yes it did.

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‘HEADY TOPPER’ – THE ALCHEMIST – Imperial IPA – 8.00% ABV (Eye Choir’s Top Choice)

Appearance: As noted on the can, this beer is not intended to be poured into a glass. However, I am very curious, so I pour some out anyway; the beer pours a light, very hazy orange-touched gold with a white head and vigorous carbonation. N/A/5

Smell: Incredibly strong yet very smooth hop aromas which are primarily tangerine, apricot, herbal hops, bordering on mint, as well as with fainter notes of pineapple, pine sap and must. Pale malt presence is more hidden, but still detectable as a slight sweet breadiness. Totally uncompromising and raw. 5/5

Taste: Moderate to strong bitterness (surprisingly low for the purported 120 IBU) but not without a mild to moderate candy sweetness and touch of carbonic tartness which balance it and further intensify the fruits. Finish is long and mostly dry with a refreshingly tonic-like coolness. Simply unbelievable in both intensity and complexity. 5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body with sticky oil and resin mouthfeel that allows the fruit to cling to the palate. A very subtle alcoholic heat is washed away by substantial carbonation and the intensity of every other flavor. 5/5

Overall: A totally unique hop profile that will rival any other IPA on the planet, yet overall very smooth, balanced, and absurdly – drinkable! One of the best beer’s I’ve ever had a chance to taste. 5/5

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‘SNAKE DOG IPA’ – FLYING DOG – American IPA – 7.10% ABV

Appearance: Poured a moderate (on light to dark scale) orange-yellow with a two finger, light yellow head. Carbonation is apparent but no sediment. 3.5/5

Smell: Primarily a pine resinous hop aroma with light citrus (e.g. grapefruit, lemon) and mustiness. A heap of cereal grain malts and a slight whiff of yeast and floral honey are also present. Aroma is actually fairly subdued overall, though. 3/5

Taste: Mildly sweet, biscuity malts are most accessible, along with leafy and citrus hops. Sees some mild stone fruits as well. Moderately bitter, especially in the dry finish. Doesn’t expand much upon the nose, and the malt character doesn’t seem to mesh particularly well with the hops. 2.5/5

Mouthfeel: Moderately to light body, with alcohol well hidden behind a creamy mouthfeel. A good balance of carbonation combined with the touch sweetness makes this quite drinkable. 4/5

Overall: Fairly balanced, but not very strong, expansive, or well-constructed. Has to the potential to make a good session IPA though. 3.5/5

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‘BREW FREE! OR DIE’ – 21st AMENDMENT – American IPA – 7.00% ABV

Appearance: Poured a brilliant golden-orange with a two finger, rocky white gold head. There is a very faint amount of sediment as well as a little carbonation. Very pretty. 5/5

Smell: Intense floral hops with highlights of citrus and even a little pine. This coalesces with a strong fruit flavor reminiscent of melon or mango, as well as a mild malt character which evokes dry bread and a sort of odd vegetal note. Reasonably balanced and definitely unique. 4/5

Taste: Moderate to mild sweetness impassions the fruit to almost soda-like proportions, but fortunately a moderate to strong bitterness balances this flavor and the honeysuckle and orange-peel hop flavor adds some subtlety there as well. Flavor combinations at times are a little peculiar, but nonetheless dynamic and interesting 4/5

Mouthfeel: Light bodied, with a slightly watery mouthfeel, though it is still quite smooth. Mild carbonation and even a mild alcoholic heat provide some substitute for physical weight here, however. 3.5/5

Overall: One-of-a-kind hop aroma, though there are some notes which seem almost out of place. A touch lacking in malt, but as a result, light enough to be nearly sessionable. 4/5

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‘LAGUNITAS IPA’ – LAGUNITAS – American IPA – 6.20% ABV

Appearance: Poured a honeydew orange-yellow color with a one inch, white head. No sediment is apparent, though there is some moderate carbonation. 4/5

Smell: Hops are at the forefront, with mostly citrus and grapefruit but with hints of tropical fruit like melons as well as some pine. Very mild, light malt odor in the back which carries hints of cotton candy sugar. A good compromise between power and balance. 4/5

Taste: Moderate to strong bitterness which lets the hop character unfold into a spectrum of light fruits counterbalanced by leafy pine needles and even a touch of spice. Bready biscuit malts on the other hand are largely unobtrusive, with only a touch of sweetness present. However, there is also a mild to moderate tartness that adds some sense of refreshment to the beer as well. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body, though with a bite from the acidity and plentiful carbonation make it seem a bit lighter. Alcohol taste is almost untraceable behind a supple, slick mouthfeel that accentuates the oily hop flavors. Really suits the rest of the beer very well. 4.5/5

Overall: Quite refreshing in character with plentifully detailed fruit flavors present. Isn’t quite a ‘kick in the face’ though; simply balanced and somewhat intricate. 4/5