Before I launch right into this, I think a quick note of introduction is in order. I spend a lot of my time writing and playing video games for work (and fun), but one of my other favorite things to do is make my own beer. When I don’t have time to do that, I enjoy imbibing craft beer made by others — though not in a “lets crack open a 30 rack of PBR and get shit-tanked” kind of way. No, I enjoy a good buzz like the next person, but homebrewing has opened up my palate to appreciate a wide range of beers. I love trying different brews, and for a long time I’ve been wanting to write about my tasting experiences. Hence: Beer Nerdistry.

For this first installment, I picked a semi-local Vermont-made brew that I was recently introduced to. Located up in Waterbury, The Alchemist – a reportedly slick brew pub – was wrecked by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. However, their cannery was saved. Thank the heavens, because their flagship brew, Heady Topper, is amazing. [Hit the jump for my impressions].

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