Bell's Hopslam

Beers: Bell's Hopslam
Brewery Location: Comstock, MI
Beer Style: Double Imperial Pale Ale
Serving Style: Bottle
ABV: 10%


I've been waiting for a year to have some more Hopslam. I won't make the same mistake next year. I've got enough to get me through for a while (at least so I thought!). I actually forgot how good this beer is. Bell's has built quite the buzz around this beer each year, but I really see no reason why they don't produce this beer all year long. Most major craft brewers produce a DIPA all year long. Right now I don't care, but I am just happy to be having some of this right now. I've been really heavy with the stouts and porters right now, but this brought me back around to my favorite style of beer: the well made double imperial pale ale.

Pours a hazy orange color with a tight bright white one finger cap on it. The head fades fairly quickly, but leaves decent spotty lacing on my imperial pint glass. I poured rather aggressively, and I have several spent yeast floaters in my glass. It is actually a little clearer than Two-Hearted which I find a little surprising. I can smell this beer as I pour it. It smells like I have hop cones under my nose. Pink grapefruit and resinous pine hit my nose with the power of a Roy Jones Jr. punch. There is a decent smell of pineapple coming though as well. Fresh citrus fruit and a deep pine flavor hit your palate up-front with a dry sweetness finishing off the beer on the back of the mouth. There is some slight sweet malt coming to the palate, but is pushed around by the heavy hop flavors and takes a back seat in the flavor profile. The mouthfeel is very smooth and medium bodied. The high carbonation leaves a very dry sensation on your tongue. The drinkability is a little hampered by the high ABV and dry sensation, but is very high for just a beer or two.

This is a fantastic DIPA. I still don't quite see why Bell's makes this is a seasonal beer. It's a good piece of marketing for the buzz it creates, but I honestly think this would be one of their best sellers if offered all year long. It is a little pricey at fifteen bucks a sixer, but this is a truly unique and excellent DIPA, and if you factor in what some of the best DIPA's cost in a bomber this is a great price. I've got my fill that will probably last for a few months, but I am sure I will be jonesin' for this beer as soon as it is warm outside. Go out and get yourself some of this while you can still find it.

Cheers!
Matt