Bell's Hopslam Ale

Beer Name: Hopslam Ale
Brewery: Bell's Brewery (Comstock, MI)
ABV: 10.0%
How sold: 6-packs of 12 oz bottles; 6-packs of 12 oz cans; on draft
Where bought: Belmont Station (Portland, OR)
Price: $17.99(!) for 6-pack of 12 oz. cans

Canned On Date: January 11, 2017(?)
Date Bought: January 23, 2017
Date Opened: January 24, 2017When brewed/released? Specialty beer available January and February. Shelf life is 6 months. View the availability calendar here!

What's on the Can: "An exceptionally aromatic blend of hops combine in this balanced interpretation of the Double IPA style. Best enjoyed as fresh as possible."

What's on the Website: "Starting with six different hop varietals added to the brew kettle & culminating with a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops, Bell's Hopslam Ale possesses the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell's repertoire.

"Selected specifically because of their aromatic qualities, these Pacific Northwest varieties contribute a pungent blend of grapefruit, stone fruit and floral notes. A generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey provide just enough body to keep the balance in check, resulting in a remarkably drinkable rendition of the Double India Pale Ale style.

"Hopslam is best enjoyed as fresh as possible." Read more here!

Where distributed: In January 2017, Bell's Brewery shipped Hopslam to 29 states and Puerto Rico. See if Bell's shipped Hopslam to your area!

2017 Distribution Calendar: See the calendar for 2017!

REVIEW:

Appearance (5%): Poured slight hazy golden into a pint glass. Frothy off-white head. Lovely lacing on the glass. 4.5/5

Smell (25%): Balanced pine, floral, tropical, with honey notes. Complementing malt. 4.5/5

Taste (40%): Malty and good octane from the start. Floral and pine with honey notes. That octane certainly fits the 10% ABV description. Still, it pairs so well with something like a chef salad or salsa and chips, to where the octane is masked. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel (10%): Medium-bodied, some carbonation. Not dry on the tongue, very well done. 4.5/5

Overall (20%): An outstanding Double IPA. I had this for the first time in January 2016 at Belmont Station and loved it, so of course I had to get some more in its encore shipment to Portland. Yes, it's a pricey Double IPA, yet it didn't stop me (or others) from shelling out $18 to get a six-pack. Especially if you love a Double IPA with kick, Hopslam is a premium choice and a total recommend. 4.5/5

Final Weighted Rating: 4.5/5