Hopslam Ale
Bell's Brewery - Eccentric Café & General Store

There are 1,500+ reviews about this beer so I'm going to slack a little on the details of my tasting experience, but here are the basics: It's hard to believe that a 10% Imperial IPA goes down so smoothly. The hops are mostly of the citrusy and floral variety, and they seem to pop out the most when it's cold. As it warms up the the sweetness of the pale malt body really opens up. There is easily recognizable an alcohol hotness to it that builds as the beer warms up too. As far as drinkability goes it's a bit of both worlds. When it's cold and the citrusy hops are in the forefront it down really fast, but when it warms up the alcohol becomes really apparent and I find myself sipping very slowly at it. At 10% people probably shouldn't be drinking too many Hopslams in a sitting anyway.

Overall, I have to agree with the masses that for the style this brew is excellent and I rated it as such. However, I don't feel slammed by hops as much I feel slammed by alcohol and malt. I'm sure Bells threw a lot of hops into the brew kettle for this, but I think they are still having some difficulty overcoming the very sweet malts and high alcohol content. If you're fan of high ABV beers and hops, I have no doubt that you're going to like the Hopslam. But if you like your IPAs to showcase hops, like I do, then I think there are better options out there. For my money, I think Bell's Two Hearted IPA makes a better use of hops and is a better beer, in general, but the brews are different styles, so maybe I shouldn't be making the comparison. Do yourself a favor and try the Hopslam yourself.

Pours a light golden amber color with a small head. Aroma is floral, fruity & malty with some sweetness. Taste is light for a 10% beer, but it hits stronger. Really good and easy drinking. BB 3-10-2026

 

 

 

The quintessential imperial IPA. There really isn’t anything not to like, in my opinion. Citrusy, rindey, piney. With a beautiful kiss of honey sweetness to smooth it out. Be careful… the 10% will catch up to you.

Pours a beautiful copper color with a thick fluffy head. Surprisingly very little hop aroma. The hops are definitely robust and forward on the taste. Piney resinous flavor with grapefruit rind. Moderate mouthfeel with subtle carbonation and a dry finish. Overall, a PNW hops lovers dream!

(reviews from 2017 & years later) You better LOVE hops & bitterness! Excellently balanced for a 10%er & at only 70 ibus you'd think it would be a lot more! Eat some cones!!!!

 

 

RB transfer

 

 

 

 

 

honey

Exceptional. Delicious, beautiful, more than sum of parts. Honey brings that muddy sweet presence for me. Not my fav part. The hops and grain bones are stupendous. Only bells can really nail this. Pretty cool.

 

Poured from can to pint glass...not an aggressive pour but holy smokes the amount of foam/carbonation. Was like the can was shaken! After 3 finger head dissipation, a very nice darker golden hue (honey hue?) perhaps a bit darker than most doubles. Brewed with honey but I didn't get much honey on the nose. But there is certainly honey in the profile. Strong hops and definite honey notes, and the 10% ABV is hidden well. This will fool you...goes down very smooth for a 10%er. Smooth and almost velvety mouth feel for such a hoppy brew, lingers a bit on the back of the tongue but finishes nicely. A very fine brew.