Hopslam in DC/MD/NoVa

Bought some today in DC at Modern Liquors. Looked like they only had a couple cases.. prices were high as per their usual - I believe it was $28/6pack - but convenient walk for me instead of having to drive or metro somewhere was worth a few extra $$.

 

I'm sorry. It's a good beer, but not $26 per 6 good. Or $10 per bottle good either! Eff that noise! It's only $17 per 6 in some other states. So many other amazing IPAs/DIPA out there. I'm over the Slam craze. PS--Heard it's way sweeter than last year. ;-)

 

I hear that. It's still a very good beer and I grabbed my customary sixer, but this is the first year I'll probably not buy any more than that. The first time I had ever tried Hopslam a few years back was one of my most memorable beer experiences to date; I remember that beer tasting SO good that day, which was surely further highlighted by the fact that I was celebrating having just closed on my first home. But that was also in my earlier stages of craft and I had yet to try many of the other top-notch DIPAs out there at that point in time... after having my first of this year's batch last night, Hopslam doesn't seem quite as special as it once did. It's worth my $21 once a year, but I just couldn't imagine buying multiple cases of the stuff like I see some people doing.

 

Who has time to drink multiple cases of a 10% abv beer that really should be enjoyed within 2 weeks or so of purchase? I understand sharing with friends if you can grab some, but I know I couldn't handle 48 hopslams in two weeks. Ugh.

 

From Whole Foods Fairfax's FB page ($20.99 a sixer) -

"HOPSLAM UPDATE!!! We all know this isn't a perfect world, and there is no perfect way to handle the supply and demand of Slam. After some deliberation here is the plan. Slam will be released in 2 equal installments today, the first at 12:30 and the second at 5:30. The rules for both 'sessions' will be the same- first come, first serve with a limit of 1 6pk. per customer. When the supply for the first 'session' is sold out, no more will be available until 5:30. Please inquire at the wine desk for Slam, starting at 12:30. Good luck and happy hunting! Feel free to message me if there are any questions."

 

Ace Beverage in Northwest DC (Right down street from American University) just got a shipment in. Picked up 2 six packs for $36. Had 3 cases out on floor and I got the impression that they had a few more in the back.

 

I stopped by there yesterday. They sold their last 6-pack to the guy in front of me.

 

TW Springfield, McLean, and Alexandria are all sold out.

Whole Foods McLean will have it tomorrow by 10 am
Whole Foods Fairfax has a 12:30 and 5:30 pickup session today... 1 6-pack per person.

 

Ouch. That sucks.

 

That pretty much sums up my feelings. When I first tried Hopslam a few years ago, it stood out as one of the greatest. I bought a lot, too much, and learned the hard way that my consumption simply couldn't keep pace with the lifespan of the hops.

With so many great IPAs/DIPAs out there including many which have incorporated newer hop varieties at a different price point, one sixer of Hopslam sounds about right for me. FYI, I picked mine up yesterday around noon at Wholefoods in Arlington. Believe it was $20.99. Looked like they had 12-15 cases left at that time.

Cheers.

 

I always used to hit up Lost Dog Columbia Pike for these types of releases. You usually have to ask but seem like everyone always overlooks them.

 

The funny thing to me about seeing this mad rush to get Hopslam around here, is that if you're just willing to take a little drive into the District on a Saturday every couple months, you can buy as much as you want of what is IMO a better DIPA anyway.

 

OTWOA is easily better than Hypeslam, not even close. I'm glad most of the people going crazy for HS don't know about OTWOA. I'm passing on HS this year, too many other really good DIPAs readily available now.

 

I don't think Hopslam and OTWOA have the same intentions, even if both are DIPAs. Hopslam is sweeter. It's kind of like Sixpoint's Resin and Hi-Res. Both DIPAs, but different.

 

As of about 12:28 enough people were lined up that it was sold out before 12:30.

 

Trader Joe's Baily's Crossroads just got about 6 cases in. You might even be able to call and reserve a 6 or two. Ask for Shawn Mcelhinney and say Erik told you.

 

Will also be available at RFD's in DC. Hoping my wife goes to the gym so I can swing by lol
810 7th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001

 

Giant in Arlington at Spout Run (by the Italian Store) has about 7 cases right now, 24.99 per sixer. ​

 

Tried four different shops around dc and it was sold out at all of them. I'm a little frustrated considering I only wanted a 6-pack and people seem to be sucking up cases of this stuff. Luckily I was able to try it on tap at RFD's, but still pretty bummed that I won't get to take home any bottles this year. On a better note, I was able to pick up a growler of OTWOA!