Heady Topper & Focal Banger (Channel's 6th Anniversary!) | The Alchemist | Beer Review |

[@jsenigaglia]

Dude, congrats on 6 years! What a fun side by side. This is one I've always wanted to do, but I've never had both of these at the same time that are around the same freshness. Both of these beers are legendary, and will have their place in the IPA world so long as we're all breathing. So many new school dudes will message me and tell me they don't "get" these beers, but they weren't there when these guys were THE IPAs, ya know? Best part about this video is I just got some Focal in the mail from a buddy, so I get to sit with it again (its been SO long) so Im so freaking pumped to drink it again. Mosaic + Citra = #BEERBONER. Cheers to another 6 years amigo!

[@averagejoe716]

Thank you, Joe! Much appreciated, good sir. Whenever I review or talk about Heady (and Pliny), I think it's hard for folks to understand the base recipe for these beers are literally 20 years old, even if they've potentially been tweaked/refined over the years. It's hard to compare beers from yesteryear to the new hyped hazies because, as you said, it was a different time. Not everybody's local brewery was kicking out five hazies per week. I also think, that no matter where you lie in regards to beers like these, you need to respect the OGs. Goes for most things in life. Even if it's not your bag, and you don't "get it," you should still respect them. I've seen folks straight up shit on Heady and/or Focal -- and even Pliny -- and it's unreal to me that you can't comprehend where these beers came from and why they're important to craft beer history. Anyway, looking forward to you revisiting Focal, assuming you're doing a review on it. If not, I'm just happy you got your hands on another can! Cheers, brother!

[@arigo2k2]

Woooo, happy anniversary, Joe! It's an awesome way to celebrate, for sure. Although I've been regularly checking only for the past 2-3 years, your channel is now top of my YT for recommendations. You are laid-back and honest about the beers you're reviewing, always being insightful and geekin' through and through on what happens in your glass. Cheers, good man! PS. I am also team Heady; I find it more flavourful and interesting among the two.

[@averagejoe716]

Thank you so much, Dan! Always love your positive and uplifting comments. I'm also happy that my channel is a go-to for you. Between you and Sierra Hotel, you guys are who I look to when it comes to all the hyped stuff nowadays. It's hard to keep up, so when I see an Untappd check-in or IG post from you, I'm always curious to see what you say, regardless of whether or not I can get the beer. You've put stuff on my radar before, as has SH. As for these two beers, I'm right there with you. I think Heady is more of what I want nowadays, but I do think if I did this again a year or two from now, it might change. Who knows? All I know is that it was a lot of fun. Cheers, brother!

[@frasermacdonald3202]

Cheers on 6 years! Your channel really is a must-watch...

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, Fraser! I appreciate the kind words, man. Cheers!

[@dangruhn9838]

Happy 6th year anniversary and to many more! Two great beers to celebrate with. I drank these back to back last summer. For me Heady Topper is the slightly better beer for many of the same reasons you mentioned. Overall both beers are excellent! Cheers to you 🍻!

[@averagejoe716]

Thank you, man! Awesome you were also able to do the side-by-side. It's a damn fun experience overall. They're definitely both awesome beers, but you can tell the unique differences between the two when you're comparing them. I had a lot of fun doing the review, even if it was substantially long, haha! Cheers again, brother!

[@hopdemon1027]

Happy 6th year anniversary! Also, great side by side. As someone who loves modern haze, I think Heady is an amazing beer. I dont get how any hop heads would dislike this beer. I’m going to Vermont in May and I’m super pumped. Never had Focal…

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, man! Yeah, I think most folks who dig the new school hazies would dig Heady, but I know of a few people who don't. They much prefer Focal. Have fun in Vermont, dude! I'm sure you'll be able to grab some Focal on your trip, so when you do, I'll be looking forward to your thoughts! Cheers!

[@cutlerylover]

ahh 2 of my grail beers lol I say grail becasue ive had hundreds of craft brews but never got a chanced to try either of these yet and remember the craze when guys would drive 10+ hours to go get some lol...so 1st off congrats on the anniversary and second thanks for letting me enjoy them through your video :)

[@averagejoe716]

Next time I get a fresh drop of these two beers, I could fire off a small beer mail your way if you're game. It'd be cool to see you try this both out on camera, but at the same time, if you wanted to just drink them on your own off camera, that'd be fine, as well. No pressure. Let me know and I'll try to grab a can of each next time around. Thanks, brother! Cheers!

[@cutlerylover]

@@averagejoe716 Thats a very generous off thanks :) Im not sure about a video as much as Id love that but id def post on IG maybe a short vid on there...

[@averagejoe716]

Like I said, man, no worries. Just enjoy them off camera and see what you think, if you want to throw up an IG post or something, cool by me, but not necessary. I'll fire off a package next time I get my hands on 'em.

[@cutlerylover]

@@averagejoe716 😎👊🏼

[@CapitalE401]

Congrats! Distribution for these beers in Rhode Island are becoming more frequent than previous years. Love both. Always go back & forth on which I prefer. My answer changes each time lol. Happy anniversary

[@averagejoe716]

Thank you, man! Yeah, distro has been crazy over the past five years. Never thought I'd see the day where Heady and Focal show up locally, but here we are. I ain't complainin'. I'm with you in that I think if I did this comparison on a different day, I might prefer Focal. Both are great beers, though. Cheers, dude!

[@daviderdolino3378]

Happy Anniversary Joe. Great review with 2 great beers. Way to pound 2 beers in quick order. Impressive 😂

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, David! Yeah, it's amazing the review wasn't 30 minutes long, right? LMAO! I wanted to take my time with them and have fun, and I'm happy I did. Really enjoyed it. Cheers, man!

[@chrisw4192]

Focal is a banger!! Love it and buy all of it when I am visiting family.

[@averagejoe716]

They're both great beers, IMO. Doing a side-by-side like this is so much fun. Cheers, man!

[@TheRealBoehmy]

Happy 6th Anniversary! Fun review, Joe!

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, Jeff! Really appreciate it, brother. Hope all is well! Cheers!

[@StudioGREGORIO]

~~~ HAPPY HAPPY !!! As a self confessed (NOT big IPA guy) I still have this on my list to eventually try. I finally got to try Pliny the Elder and it was fantastic. Great review. CHEERS !!!

[@averagejoe716]

I think even folks who don't love hop-forward beers can appreciate the classics, so I'm not surprised you loved PtE. I'm sure you'd find Heady and Focal to be pretty damn good, as well. Thanks, Gregory! Cheers, man!

[@michaeljohnson6201]

Congrats on 6 years! You’re by far my favorite beer-tuber. Can’t wait for the next 6 years, Joe! Cheers, dude! Also, always wanted to ask What’s the deal with the beer wall? Is that your “hall of fame”? And, where did you get those coasters? Love them!

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, buddy! I appreciate it, man. As for the beer wall, I like to refer to it as the "pretentious wall of bottles and cans," because, well, it is. LOL! It's basically my favorite beers that I reviewed over the course of my channel. At the end of each year, I switch out some of them and replace them with top-tier beers that I reviewed over the past couple of years. The only beers to almost never change are the ones that form the Tree House rainbow in the middle top. Outside of that, the rest usually change. The beers are a mixture of great beers I've had, or label art that I find amazing! The coasters I bought off Amazon, I believe. Cheers, brother!

[@KPU1977]

Great review Joe, wish I had a case of each of those! Lol always ISO. Happy 6th anniversary! 🍻

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, buddy! Yeah, it's really cool we now get distro occasionally from them, but it's still wild how much people seek them out. Really cool overall. The "always ISO" is something I think many people would agree with, haha! Cheers, Kenny!

[@jackmajor3466]

Happy 6th legend!! You are hands down on the Mt. Rushmore of beer-tubers!

[@averagejoe716]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Jack! I don't think I'm Mt. Rushmore status, but I'm happy you enjoy the channel, and I always appreciate the support. Hope all is well, buddy! Cheers!

[@jackmajor3466]

@@averagejoe716 You definitely are. I know you are a humble man, but you are one of the few beer-tubers I click on every time. I appreciate your passion & commitment to honesty on your reviews. It's like sitting down with an old friend each time. That's weird to me because it is a parasocial relationship but it's true!!

[@averagejoe716]

Honestly, comments like this really get to me, man. I know I'm just a random dude on KZbin who decides to "cam up" and give his thoughts about beer, but the fact that so many people say they enjoy the reviews and think I'm one of the best is still unreal to me. I really do thank you for all the support, Jack! It's folks like yourself that make my channel so enjoyable.

[@AngelTorres-gv2le]

Happy 6th Anniversary!

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, Angel! Much appreciated. Cheers, man!

[@rickramer14]

Happy 6th, brotha! This was a super fun review, made all the better cuz I was sipping a Heady during it. Happened to be at Total Wine yesterday and they had some cases of Heady (and one can of Focal) just sitting back there in the walk-in fridge - friggin’ 5 DAYS FRESH. Almost left before peaking in there too, lol. Dude you nailed Heady for me. Couldn’t agree more on the malty/biscuity/grainy finish. That was the first thing I noticed. Such an all around awesome and classic beer with such a gnarly level of dankness and bitterness. I usually tend to lean Heady over Focal myself, but I go back and forth and I’ve never done a side by side - one of these days I’ll have to, even if the cuuuuvee left a little to be desired. Couple great amurican beverages right there. Cheers, dudeski!

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, Rick! That is pretty cool that you were sippin' on Heady as you watched this. It's also insane that you found it and Focal five days old. Isn't it amazing? I do think that my preference would change depending on a lot of factors, but for this specific review, Heady took the crown. I hope at some point you do a side-by-side and see which one you truly prefer. It's a shame the cooooooovvvvvvveeeeeee was a letdown, but can't win 'em all, haha! Cheers, buddy!

[@curtisbrause9255]

Happy 6th anniversary and congrats buddy. 6 years is pretty damn cool. This was a good comparison idea and I always love these side by sides. I had Heady once when my friend brought me some the night before my wedding. I remember liking it but was too distracted to think about it too much. He also demanded I drink it out of the can because that’s what it said to do on it. Lol. All the props in the world to that beer though. It was the catalyst for NE IPAs and hope to try it again someday from the glass. The only thing I can think of with it tasting different in the can is you’re missing the aromatics when you go to drink it like from the glass. That’s the only thing that makes sense to me.

[@averagejoe716]

Thank you, Curtis! Always appreciate the support and conversations we have, dude. It's honestly the main reason I love having the channel. Being able to talk beer with people as passionate as I am about a hobby like this is awesome. LOL @ demanding to drink it out of the can. Honestly, I think the aromatics getting lost with drinking it from the can is the main difference, as well. Out of the glass I was getting more complexity and not just straight fruity characteristics. I didn't think it'd be as drastic as it was, though. All things considered, the glass was the way to go for me, and the beer doesn't look gross, which I remember being the main issue with not drinking it from the glass. Cheers, brother!

[@curtisbrause9255]

@@averagejoe716Hey me and plenty of other viewers enjoy it just as much I’m sure! I think we have talked about it before but I think both of our theories is the look (which was drastic at the time) was probably a worry that it would turn people off. Now hazies look like OJ + milk like you said so it doesn’t matter anymore. This is definitely one I’d like to try again and Focal Banger as well. These feel like the exact middle ground between west coast and current NE IPAs. Cheers!

[@averagejoe716]

You're definitely right about these being hybrids to some degree. I think that's the case for a lot of the "Vermont IPAs" like these two, Fiddlehead's offerings, Lawson's Finest beers like Sip of Sunshine and others. Almost like these new school West Coast IPAs, but a bit different. As for the look of beer, you're definitely right. I don't get as bothered with appearances of beers anymore unless they're just flat-out disgusting. I could see how pouring Heady into a glass 15-20 years ago would be a problem, though.

[@curtisbrause9255]

@@averagejoe716​​⁠Yeah I can’t think of many beers that look outright bad. Switchback Amber comes to mind since it’s a copper color but really murky. It’s got kind of a pond water look from my recollection but is a tasty beer so whatever. Hahah. I haven’t gotten to try SOS but have had Fiddleback IPA and remember liking it quite a lot.

[@averagejoe716]

SoS is one of those beers that I think if you were drinking it in the mid-2010s, you would lose your shit over it, but nowadays? It's definitely a classic, and still really good, just doesn't have that "wow" factor. Still highly recommended, of course.

[@NoHypeBeerReviews]

Happy 6th annivesary!

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, Kyle! Much appreciated, good sir. Cheers!

[@greensombrero3641]

great review - I was fortunate to have both while in Vermont couple weeks ago. Awesome beers and I really didn't realize how groundbreaking they were. Also, had Foley Brothers. I watched to the end - let's go buffalo - FYI - cool shirt too - sweet home chicago

[@averagejoe716]

Yeah, I think they hold up for a reason. They're just extremely well-brewed and I can honestly say they're just as good as I remember them. I still wish we got some Foley Brothers in WNY. I remember a few of their offerings being quite tasty. Thanks, man! Cheers!

[@shortstackruns8676]

Happy 6th!

[@averagejoe716]

Thank you! Always appreciate you checking in and watching the reviews. Cheers!

[@gingeryetiroadbeers]

Congrats on 6 year. That is pretty funny why you started the channel. 29 minutes isn't quite 35 🤣 I never knew you can't actually smell sweetness. Happy 6th Anniversary. Interesting that you mixed the two beers together. I never would have thought to do that.

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks, man! Yeah, starting the channel to troll my friends, and here we are six years later and over 2000 beer reviews still going strong, haha! It's only a six minute difference, so I was close ... LMAO! Yeah, you can't technically smell sweetness, but you can perceive what it's going to taste like. It's pretty weird. I read an article about it, and while it made sense, it still confused me, haha! Whenever you do side-by-sides of any sort, the cuvée is essential. You wouldn't believe some of the delicious mixtures that have occurred because of it! Cheers, dude!

[@anthonyscalese5455]

🍻

[@averagejoe716]

Cheers!

[@smalley182]

YEAH BOY!

[@averagejoe716]

Thanks for the inspiration to do the side-by-side for myself. Such a fun review. Cheers, Sammy!

[@Ewies55]

I go back and forth on which one I prefer almost every time I have them. Think Heady is maybe more of unique beer these days. Both are great beers! Will be heading up to VT soon to reload.

[@averagejoe716]

I could see how some slight batch variation would play a role, as would mood and atmosphere. Sometimes, my palate craves what Heady offerings, while other times, Focal is what fits the bill. I think the side-by-side was a lot of fun, but I also think if I did this again in a year or two, there might be a different outcome. Have fun reloading in VT! You stopping by any other places? I keep hearing about Freak Folk Bier, so not sure if you checked it out yet, but seems like they're all the rage right now. Cheers, Erik!

[@Ewies55]

⁠​⁠@@averagejoe716 Yeah I generally think it’s more my palate changing vs batch variation but who knows? My Treehouse preferences have changed over time too. I just did the head to head with a slight preference for Heady but I didn’t get as much as a difference as you in glass vs can. Thanks for the heads up on Friek Folk Bier. Hadn’t heard of them but we always stop in Waterbury on the way up for Prohibition Pig so hopefully we can check it out. Congrats on the 6 years! Really enjoy your reviews! Keep up the great work! Cheers! Erik

[@averagejoe716]

Yeah, it's tough to know for sure. Could definitely be just how your palate perceives it nowadays. If you do check out Freak Folk Bier, let me know how they are. Definitely getting some hype, but haven't been able to try any myself. Thanks for the congrats, and I'm happy to hear you dig the reviews. Much appreciated!

[@gorequillnachovidal]

Heady is the first top level craft beer I had...I still remember how bitter I thought it was.... now, yeah, not bitter. I actually ran out of work at lunch to go where this place had secret stash of heady.

[@averagejoe716]

Isn't it amazing how your palate changes? I remember drinking Nugget Nectar from Troegs and thinking my palate was shot after two sips, and now I think the bitterness is somewhat tame, haha! It's pretty cool, honestly. I still think Heady and Focal are awesome beers, though. This was a lot of fun to do. Cheers, man!

[@zombiTrout]

Pretty happy I found some Heady at a local Wegmans. Canned in early March, so it wasn’t too old. Definitely good, but not one of my faves.

[@averagejoe716]

Glad you got a chance to try it, and even happier to hear that you liked it. I don't think Heady or even Focal would be some folks' favorite hop-forward beers, but I think most can appreciate the history and impact on craft beer, especially when it comes to hop-forward beers. Cheers!

[@chrisw4192]

I think they use a konan or Conan yeast strain I need to watch the whole video before commenting lol! Happy anny congrats keep on keeping on💯

[@averagejoe716]

Interesting. I don't usually associate the Conan yeast strain with vanilla, but who knows nowadays. Thanks, man! It's been a fun ride! Cheers, buddy!

[@billyrossi4661]

Happy cesar chavez observed day cheers 🍻

[@averagejoe716]

Is that today or was that yesterday, Billy? Regardless, HAPPY EVERYTHING TODAY! Cheers, man!

[@anthonyscalese5455]

Watched the whole thing, guess that makes us nuttier than you cause at least your enjoying great beers! Lol... Happy 6th! 🍻

[@averagejoe716]

Thank you so much for the support, Anthony! I've watched 30 minute beer reviews before, so I'm right there with you, haha! It's fun to watch comparisons like this, especially when it's classic/important beers in the beer world. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate you watching the entire thing. Cheers, man!

[@Chaz4543]

Never had Heady Topper. Dont feel like paying 18.99 a 4 pack for a style thats not one of my favorites. If I absolutely loved the style I'd pick it up. Plus I never checked the date on it when Ive seen it so it could have been old anyway and I know its a beer you dont wanna drink past a couple months old. I have a very good idea of what it tastes like so Im not really interested. Im assuming it tastes like Lawson's Sip of Sunshine which I have had which is really good for the style but its just not a style I gravitate to. Focal Banger, Im not sure that Ive ever seen it but I wasnt looking around asking for it either. I will say Sip of Sunshine and Heady Topper's distribution are totally different. Im only comparing them because they are the same style and have the same BA rating. SOS is practically in every liquor store here while HT's availability is more scarce and random. Also SOS is a few dollars cheaper.

[@averagejoe716]

I think if Double IPAs aren't your favorite style, then seeking Heady out isn't a necessity, but I also think it's a beer that everyone should try at least once. I will say that as much as I still enjoy Sip of Sunshine, Heady is a better beer to my palate personally. I can't speak to the comparison between the two going back to the mid-2010s as much, but that has been my experience. They're both awesome beers, though. People tend to get lost nowadays in a sea of haze, but I think beers like Heady and SoS hold up for a reason. Cheers, Chaz!

[@Chaz4543]

@@averagejoe716 IPAs arent even in my top 20 favorite styles. My favorite styles in no particular order would probably be Marzens, festbiers, porter, stout, Czech Pilsner, German Pilsner, Hefeweizen, Witbier, Kolsch, Blonde Ale, Amber Ale, Bock, Dopplebock, Schwarzbier, Vienna Lager, Scotch Ale, Cream Ale, Brown Ale, Dubbel, Tripel, Saison, Belgian Pale Strong Ale. I even like malt liquors and American Adjunct Lagers more than IPAs whether they be west coast style or hazy. Youre right though, I should try HT at least once but you can see why I havent tried it when IPAs/DIPA's are near the bottom of styles I drink and like. Barelywine's and sour ales would be near my bottom as well but thats probably because I havent had enough of them to sample while I have had plenty of IPA's.

[@averagejoe716]

Totally understand, man. I think Heady is one of those beers that every craft beer drinker should try, but I get why you wouldn't go out of your way or pay a premium to try. It'd be a lot easier to knock off your bucket list if you could easily buy a single. I couldn't advocate buying an entire four pack of Heady if you're not a hop head.