Bell's Brewing Hopslam

A few years ago I was in Rochester on a work related experience.  I stopped by the Hy-Vee Liquor to pick up some beverages.  As I walked in the door I saw a guy leaving with a case and two sixers of this beer in green packaging, I had never seen anything like it.  After taking my time at the store and ultimately settled on a case of Labatt Blue, I saw the same green packaging the aforementioned guy was carrying out as I was going in.  The sign in front of the beer said $16.99.  I asked the cashier if the price was for a 12 pack or a case or what, she replied, "That's for a six pack."  I could not believe anyone would pay that much for six beers.  I even  told a number of people about the cost and said that I would never pay that for six beers, outside of going to a bar.  Fast forward two years and I am one of those guys paying $16.99 for a sixer of Bell’s Hopslam.  Moral of the story, never say never.  

Beer:  Hopslam Ale

Brewery: Bell's Brewing

Beer Style: Double IPA

Year:  2014

Alcohol:  10.00%

Look   As I poured my Hopslam into a glass a dark hazy golden yellowish orange emerged from the bottle. A short pure white head hung around with nice lacing while I drank.  A nice light carbonation of a classic IPA was present.

Smell  The name of this beer is Hopslam; so of course it is going to have a nice citrus floral aroma that comes with IPAs.  This beer is over the top with citrus floral aroma that IPA lovers enjoy.  Riding shotgun to was a slight sweet smell of honey which the beer is brewed with.  I could also pick up a subtle malt smell.

Taste  Again the name of this beer is Hopslam, so what do you think is the first taste that appears?  That's right, a nice bite of hoppy bitterness.  Overpowering to say the least, but in the best way possible.  My palette was punched in the face by hops.  After the slam of hops to my taste buds, (see what I did there???) the bitterness backed off from the malt that accompanies the beer.  Next the honey brings a sweetness to play, followed by a repeat of the bitterness.  This is a very complex beer.  The malt and honey really tone down this double IPA, which adds to the complexity of this beer.  The tastes goes from hops, to malt, to honey, and finally back to hops.        

Overall Rating

Price:  $$$ out of $$$$

Rating:  5 out of 5

If you like IPAs, Hopslam is a must!  I apologize that I did not get this review out sooner because Hopslam is a limited release.  I don't think you will have a problem finding a sixer around the New Ulm area, but it will be harder to find on tap.  If you want to give your taste buds a workout and try one of the beers on beeradvocates top 250 list (actually #23) make sure to pick it up, you will be glad you did.