The Alchemist

By Eric Wilbur, Boston.com staff

Long before Tropical Storm Irene flooded the superb Alchemist pub in Waterbury, it was one of the best après ski destinations in the Northeast, welcoming skiers and riders who had spent the day at nearby Stowe, Sugarbush, or Mad River Glen. What has happened since then is something of a beer miracle. Owners John and Jennifer Kimmich opened a small production brewery just I-89’s Exit 10, where they strictly brewed Heady Topper, their flagship double IPA. The beer has become a legend nationwide, and many have put it on a pedestal rivaling Russian River’s Pliny the Younger, a hard-to-find DIPA out west. Beer Advocate users recently ranked it the best beer in the world. In fact, you’re more apt to check a local retail outlet for Heady Topper than finding it at the small brewery, where they frequently sell out. There is a tasting station though, so you can begin to discover what all the hype is about. It is indeed warranted. —www.alchemistbeer.com