In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated
91
The Alchemist Heady Topper
Aroma: “Grassiness, earthiness, spiciness, sweet tobacco notes, tropical fruit, lemon zest with a touch of leather in the back. Little-to-no malt aroma.”
Flavor: “Had some oddness to it—curry? Complex flavor with some spice notes—smokey, earthy, cheesy, leather. Good sweet hop fruitiness of citrus, orange juice, slight grapefruit with mild notes of pine. Juicy character comes through. Touch of malt backbone. Finish is bitter but not lingering. It’s great how clear the hops were.”
Overall: “An odd, aggressive beer that highlights the complex fruit hop character that is balanced well through the beer. Nice grapefruit lingering in the finish.”