Bell's Hopslam

Bell's Hopslam is probably one of the most sought-after Imperial IPAs in the United States. Bell's Brewing Company started up interestingly enough, as a homebrew supply store in 1983. By 1985, they were brewing their own beer for sale. Bell's has a limited distribution territory, so demand is very high for their products, especially their seasonal beers. Hopslam is a seasonal, unfortunately, that is released in mid-Winter each year. As an Ohio State fan, it is hard to be supportive of anything from That State Up North (Michigan), so that is why I put an OSU football helmet on the bottle. It is fitting because Ohio State owns Michigan.

Hopslam pours a rich, vivid orange color with a medium off-white colored head. The head disappears within a minute or so, allowing the beer to reveal its decadant aroma. I detected notes of honey, orange, grass, grapefruit, mango and cantaloupe. The flavor started out sweet with piney hop notes and eventually turns into a cavalcade of sweet citrus fruit and orange blossom honey. It claims to be 10% abv, but I believe that is a modest estimate. The IBUs are around 70, which is balanced lovingly by the honey that is used to make it. The Simcoe and Cascade hops bring the flavors and aroma together, creating a smooth, satisfying extreme brew.

If Hopslam isn't one of the best DIPAs around, I am hard-pressed to think of another. I don't believe I could ever get tired of this beer. It is divine and deserved to be labelled as "The Nectar of the Gods" even if it is from that sinkhole, backwater state called Michigan. A+!!!