Bell’s Hopslam

Bell’s Hopslam is an American Double/Imperial IPA, no make that THE American Double/Imperial IPA. Lee shared with us his all-time favorite beer in his review of Terrapin Gamma Ray yesterday, and much like him there was one particular beer that sent me over the craft beer cliff. Bell’s Hopslam. The first time I had this beer I was absolutely amazed, and although it might be a challenge to get the amount I want each year, at least it isn’t retired like Gamma Ray! I feel for you brother.

This beer is bottled and shipped starting in January and creates one of the biggest frenzies to find every year. This masterpiece is brewed with 6 different hops and honey creating the perfect beer for me. Sweet honey, toffee candy, slight alcohol, and then come the tropical fruit flavors. Pineapple and mango blend with a nice bit of pine that lingers long into the aftertaste. Absolute perfection. Every year you will hear the craft beer nerds on the beer forums go on and on about how this years isn’t as good as last years. Others balk at the cost, insisting that there are better beers for half the price. Others still will choose to dislike it simply because it is so highly rated. (I guess I am willing to admit that there just might be some people that honesty dislike the beer as well.) As for me, I wait with great anticipation every year to enjoy this fantastic DIPA.