Bell’s Hopslam Ale
With only two hopslams still sitting in my fridge I decided now was a prime time to inform you all of its brilliance. This Imperial IPA from Bell’s brewery is one heck of a beer, available from January to February officially, but I picked up some of the last in stock just a few weeks ago being very delighted at how regularly it seemed to be restocked even when I assumed the season was over. This beer pours an amazingly deep copper color that has hues of red when in light with a nice solid inch of head that dissipates slowly. The aroma of this beer is delightful, sweet and caramelized malt is detected but rounded off by massive bitter aromas. Clocking in at 10% ABV this beer is no joke but be warned you may not notice. Flavor is incredibly hoppy but surprisingly unbitter considering how much hop goes into brewing this beer. Strong hop flavor is immediately quelled by a massive caramel malt profile that includes hints of sweetness and floral flavors finished off by slightly bitter hop flavors again. This is one incredibly impressively flavored Imperial IPA, for its high ABV you will be amazed by how much its light floral and malty characteristics over power the alcohol flavor, delightfully balanced. Mouthfeel is medium but very drinkable. I have noticed many different flavors every time I try this beer but never been disappointed. Because of the lack of massive bitterness but full packed flavor this makes for a great Imperial IPA for someone who perhaps prefers a more floral beer but still wants a great hop kick and a nice ABV with a smooth finish. Everyone should try this beer even if it won’t be available until next year, at least you have something to look forward to. Give it a shot and ride your bike.
August 9th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
So… you had two Hopslams left and you drank one. I have 5 left in my fridge, and I’m trying to figure out how to ration that out. I hope you still have one left, but that’s like only 2 oz./month until it comes back. What were you thinking?!
August 12th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
[quote]So… you had two Hopslams left and you drank one. I have 5 left in my fridge, and I’m trying to figure out how to ration that out. I hope you still have one left, but that’s like only 2 oz./month until it comes back. What were you thinking?![/quuote]
+1
I don’t think he was thinking about the future, just now and how he wanted the beer 🙂
August 12th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Indeed, I wanted the lovely folk of internet land to know of the wonder that is Bells Hopslam. Ideally my last one will remain in my fridge until a worthy occasion, also I kinda wonder how it ages…as if I’m that patient. Regardless of possession Hopslam will always be present in my heart and dreams.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
[…] headed over to The Four Firkins with a good friend of mine to get our allotments of Bells Hopslam [review] and Surly Coffee Bender. While there I of course found a pile of other beer I had to get my hands […]