I first had a can of Heady Topper on February 16th of 2012. I’m pretty sure it was before the serious hype that occurred once Beer Advocate rated it the #1 beer in the WORLD. That first time I popped the can and took the first swallow, I was blown away. The hops. THE HOPS! The smell and flavor seemed to invade my sinuses when I drank this fantastic beer.
After that first can, if I knew someone going up there, I asked for some. I’m pretty sure I’ve had a case or three since then, and every time I drank that beer fresh, it was bliss. A solid 5 stars out of 5 on Untappd.
Until yesterday.
A cousin of mine (actually not really, but we were brought up by parents that were very close) dropped in on me last Wednesday with 2 fresh four packs, and I decided that I would share them. After all, when good fortune lays its hands on you, shouldn’t you share it? So I did share last night with my brother-in-laws.
I was underwhelmed. I don’t know why. Had I killed my taste buds with the glass of Bullet Rye and Coke that I enjoyed before having a can? Has something changed? Are the hops different? Is the water different? The taste just wasn’t the same. It didn’t invade my palate, didn’t fill my sinuses with the fantastic aroma that it once did. Don’t get me wrong, it was still great, but not like that very first one over three years ago.
Sorry folks, I know it’s a great beer and all, but I don’t think I’m going to hound for it anymore. The hype has worn off for me. The craft beer explosion is soo fantastic in New England right now; a person could spend a solid year trying everything in this area that is more readily available, and be just as blown away in some instances.
One of the biggest problems with the Heady Hype at this point; every beer traveler/snob/connoisseur/whatever is driving to Vermont and buying as many cans as they can. But I think the stores have caught on, and are holding back. Store owners know who the locals are, and are probably more inclined to sell to a local rather than someone they don’t recognize. But as I said, there is more readily available beer in this area to be had without having to drive 3-4 hours and risk a store owner telling you he is all out……