71: Hopslam 2010

Add another one to my “cult beers” list. Though not as well-known on the West coast, Bell’s makes some great beers, and I always look forward to visiting Minnesota and Iowa, where my family lives, not just because I’m related to them, but because I can once again gain access to the magical elixer known as “Two-Hearted Pale Ale.” To those in the know, Hopslam is considered Bell’s most desirable beer. My friend Todd buys it by the case when he can find it, and its draft release is met with lines that in Portland would be reserved for events on the scale of Alan Sprints’ twice-yearly dock sales. Needless to say, I was stoked to try this.

And … I gave it three stars. It was good, for sure, and I’d drink it again in a heartbeat, but it didn’t blow my mind. I love IPA, particularly Imperial/Double versions, but this wouldn’t make my top 10. It might be in the top 25 or 50, though. In fact, I had a Deadlift right after finishing the Hopslam, and found it a little better. One of these days, I might have to coordinate a Hype vs. Reality taste test, where I pit a series of cult beers like Hopslam or Pliny the Younger against something equally delicious, but with a lower geek factor. Anyone have a case of Hopslam/Pliny they’d like to donate to the cause?

Beer Name: Hopslam
Brewer: Bell’s Brewery
Price: FREE
Sampled: March 12, 2010
Rating: 3/5
Notes: Wild. Jeff brouight from K.C. A sticky kind of sweetness but somehow dry at the same time. Buttery? Seriously odd flavors. Butterscotch? Hot.
ABV: 10% abv
IBU: N/A
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Bottle.