Taste Test: Bell’s Hopslam
The hullabaloo over Bell's Hopslam, the honeyed double IPA that has captured beer drinkers' hearts and gullets, is subsiding as its limited supplies wane. I welcome the quiet; it means I can get some sleep instead of staying up to tweet round-the-clock updates on where you hopheads can get your fix.
After trying a bottle (and going back for several refreshers), I thought Hopslam lived up to the hype, its fresh aromas of strawberry and grapefruit and apricot a reminder that hops are actually flowers. But what did you all think? For this week's taste test, let me know what Hopslam means to you, in the comments here or on Twitter, and the best ones will get posted on Friday here at Y&H.
Here's some tasting notes to get you started with your writing — it's a floral beer, so get florid!
1:26 pm
I jumped into Big Hunt at 6:30 on a thursday to grab a pint by myself at a cramped bar before meeting someone four blocks away at 6:45. Despite those unfavorable conditions, I thoroughly enjoyed the hopslam.
2:00 pm
I was underwhelmed. Not for the lack of hops but for the lack of depth and character. I didn't particularly enjoy it when compared to the slightly sweeter (if memory serves) DFH 90 Minute IPA. Too bland and boring for the price.
3:45 pm
What HopSlam IS: Well-crafted and unique, balanced and scarily drinkable, despite its 10% ABV. Anyone who considers this beer "bland" should have their tastebuds checked. What HopSlam is NOT: A hop bomb that will strip your tongue of all feeling. If you are looking for something similar to the astringency of Arrogant Bastard, move along. The honey that isa used as part of the brewing process imparts a delicious background sweetness that complements (and compliments) the floral, citrusy Centennial hops that give this brew its unique flavor. The only offensive thing about this beer is the obscene prices that some retailers have chosen to foist on area beer drinkers. $24.99, Westover? $22.99, Whole Foods. You should be ashamed.