Home | Beer review: Bell's Hopslam

Beer review: Bell's Hopslam

By , Herald-Tribune
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A partially consumed glass of Bell's Hopslam at Growler's Pub on Feb. 6. (Staff photo / Alan Shaw)

Beer: Hopslam

Brewery: Bell’s, Michigan

Notes: My favorite beer is released just once a year. It’s a masterpiece of floral and citrus hop flavors — I almost feel like I could blow a hop smoke ring after a sip — with a bit of sweetness to provide some semblance of balance. I had it on draft Monday at Growler’s Pub, who are likely out of it by now.

This is one of those beers that's best really fresh: The amazing hop flavors fade quickly.

In years past the supply has been very limited, but Bell's brewed more of it this time. Your local craft beer bar will likely have it on tap (and then in bottles) at some point (Mr. Beery's already ran out). Shamrock put it on this week, North Bridge will tap it on Feb. 23, Legends Sports Pub on Feb. 24, Lost Kangaroo on Feb. 27 and World of Beer will have a keg and a cask on Feb 29.

Bottles will be here soon. UPDATE: Clueless Brewer reports on Twitter that Total Wine in Sarasota has Hopslam six-packs for $19.99. I assume that means Whole Foods and other craft beer retailers have it/will get it soon.

Have you had Hopslam? Please let me know what you thought in the comment field below. I've seen on beer forums that some people believe it's different this year. The glass I had tasted the same.

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Alan Shaw

Alan Shaw has been a fan of craft beer for more than a decade. He is partial to hops and has been an editor at the Herald-Tribune since 1997. He can be reached at (941) 361-4914, by email or mail at 1741 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236. Follow him at @alancshaw on Twitter and on Facebook.
Last modified: January 16, 2013
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