Hop heads seeking the bitter bite of a highly-hopped beer are all atwitter this time of year. Why, you ask? Because this is the time of year that Bell’s Brewery of Kalamazoo, Mich. Releases its massively-hopped, well-reviewed and highly-sought-after beer Hopslam.
Hopslam is brewed with an astounding six hop varietals and is dry-hopped with an additional dose of Simcoe hops. The hops used in brewing are a selection of Pacific Northwest varieties that impart flavors such as grapefruit, stone fruit and floral notes. Combined with a generous malt bill and a solid honey addition, the hops shine without overpowering in this highly drinkable Double India Pale Ale.
Indeed, both RateBeer.com and BeerAdvocate.com – two of craft beer’s largest and most popular rating sites — have bestowed stratospheric ratings on the beer. Rate Beer gives Hopslam 100 out of 100 and Beer Advocate conferred a rating of 99 out of 100.
On Beer Advocate, reviewer BrbnBarlAgdBil says this of the beer, “One of my favorite beers. The thing that has always stood out to me about this beer is the hints of honey. It is such an easy drinking beer, but the taste and layers of flavor are so complex that by the time you start to put it together, you take another sip and realize that there are even more layers. One of my top beers!”
“Out of the bottle this is great,” said Bluegoosed, a reviewer on Rate Beer.”But, from a tap absolutely tremendous in my opinion. One of my favorite beers. Really nice blend of hops, malt, pine flavors, and citrus/grapefruit. I’m amazed by the alcohol level because it doesn’t show until after consumption.”
The brewery’s release schedule has the beer leaving the brewery for Florida on January 26. Hop-fiends should look for the beer at their favorite stores a week or two later.
