If you stop into most breweries and nearly any bar or restaurant in New England today, you’re going to see an IPA on the menu, and it will almost certainly be hazy. New England has one of the most distinctive beer cultures in the US. It wasn’t always like this, however. In fact, until about fifteen years ago, most New Englanders had never really encountered a hop.

The Alchemist’s Heady Topper, the subject of today's episode of One Iconic Beer. John Kimmich started The Alchemist in 2003 with his wife Jen, and within months was making a beer that many people credit as the first hazy New England IPA. It’s a funny thing about firsts, though. As we’ll hear in the interview, Kimmich is uneasy with this description. Heady Topper may have sparked a region-wide culture shift, but it doesn’t really resemble the beers that follow. Today we’ll hear the story of Heady Topper, why its fans think it’s so good, why it was the right beer at the right time, and how serendipity played a starring role in the form of a hurricane, a flood, and a new canning line.

In addition to John Kimmich, we’ll hear from Jason Alstrom, one of the co-founders of Boston-based BeerAdvocate. In the early days of the internet, the site became a nexus of discussion and organization and helped create the excitement that led to, among other things, the haze craze that would engulf New England. We’ll also hear from Andy Crouch, publisher of All About Beer magazine, and a writer who has covered the New England beer scene since moving there in the early 2000s.

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This episode is sponsored by:

RahrBSG
This episode of the One Iconic Beer podcast is supported by RahrBSG – trusted supplier to brewers, distillers, and beverage makers across North America.  From the barley field to your brewhouse, we’re proud to support the people behind great beer with the ingredients, expertise, and service they depend on.  Whether you’re brewing the next great American Double IPA or crafting an award-winning continental lager, RahrbSG provides the industry’s finest quality, selection, and support. Behind every great – or even iconic – pint, there is a partner who knows what it takes to make it happen. RahrBSG is proud to keep the beer flowing with you. 

Escarpment Labs
Tired of inconsistent fermentations and off-flavors in your beer? It’s time to strike back with Yeast Lightning Nutrient from Escarpment Labs. Unlike generic nutrients, Yeast Lightning is a balanced blend containing bioavailable zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins designed specifically for beer yeast. It’s been proven to shorten fermentation times and improve final beer flavor. Plus, it helps you get more generations out of your yeast, saving you money on every batch. Whether it's a dry-hopped IPA or a crisp lager, give your yeast the fuel they actually need. Order your first pack today by emailing [email protected]. Mention the All About Beer podcast to get free shipping on your first order.

• Host: Jeff Alworth
• Guests: John Kimmich, Jason Alström, Andy Crouch
• Sponsor:  Escarpment Labratories, RahrBSG, All About Beer
• Tags: Heady Topper
• Logo Design: Jeff Quinn
• Photo: by John Holl

The following music was used for this media project:

Lounge R&B Piano
By Music_for_videos

https://pixabay.com/music/rnb-lounge-rampb-piano-166431/