The Alchemist – Heady Topper

The Alchemist – Heady Topper

Double IPA
Brewed in: Waterbury, Vermont
2015 BJCP Style: 22A – Double IPA
ABV: 8%
Can
Tasting on: 4/22/17
Glass: Shaker
Notes: Despite the brewery’s suggestion, I drank it from a glass.

Aroma: Overtones of moderate floral and lemon hops. Undertones of grapefruit and noble hops. 9/10

Appearance: Hazy yellow to gold. Bright white head with excellent retention and large to fine bubbles. 9/10

Flavor: Moderate hop bitterness and minor lemon and floral hops in the beginning. Moderate hop bitterness continues in the middle along with a low light malt background, a hint of sweetness, and minor orange hop flavor. Moderate-high hop bitterness and minor lemon and floral hops in the end. The aftertaste has lingering moderate-high hop bitterness, minor lemon, and low malt sweetness. 18/20

Mouthfeel: Medium-full body. Low-moderate carbonation. No alcohol. 9/10

Overall Impression: Bright, pleasant hop profile throughout with particularly smooth bitterness. 45.5/50

Final Score: 91% = B+