Seriously underwhelmed by Hopslam

I haven't had this year's yet, but I've had Hopslam the past 5 years and it's always been pretty consistent to me. Maybe it was a little boozier than usual last year, but the aromas and flavors are usually on point. Absolutely love it. It's not a westcoast style DIPA though, which might be a letdown for someone expecting that. Hopslam captures what midwest DIPAs are all about, IMO.

 

This was a blind tasting I should add!

 

I'd like to start a "Hopslam 2013 is BETTER than last year" thread. Absolutely love it, and have been drinking it every night since I picked some up.

 

Got it. (FYI, I don't like this stuff because of the hype, and couldn't care less if I was the only person on the planet who thought this stuff was terrific: I still would like it. And FYI too, there have been lots of hyped beers on BA that haven't done much for me, and some styles that I actually think bite it, when others just can't seem to shut up about them... but doesn't mean I think they are tools or clueless. Personal taste. And you are right, it isn't like other DIPA's... and if you are expecting it to be like your STD favorites, it probably won't be too; its singularity is precisely why I like it. Oh sure, it could be hoppier or maltier or whatever-i-er (and I like those too) but it is what it is. I'm genuinely sorry you were disappointed...always sucks to think you are burning cash. I'd bet you could give these away and make a person or two really happy or trade it for some Pliny.)

 

I too felt like this the first year I had it. Hopslam is such a departure from what you expect a DIPA to tastes like it is a natural reaction to say "I don't get it". Once you accept it for what it is, you should appreciate it. Even though it might not be in your top 5. A 10% ABV that is sneaky smooth and has a unique flavor profile. Don't get me wrong, I love our west coast hop bombs, but I do enjoy this time of year when this one comes out. Try it again, with a clear head and appreciate it without comparing. It won't take but a six pack for you to decide. Once you wake up from your coma, you will have three six pack to trade with.

Each to their own

Cheers

 

Same with me. It was before I got into craft beer, really. I was just starting to explore the craft section of stores, and Im not even sure why I picked this one, probably because I liked the bottle and name (who says marketing isnt important). I took it home, cracked the bottle open, and wow. I was blown away. Craft beer obsession had begun.

 

Hahah people are ridiculous with the hype train it's a great DIPA !!! I"ll get my case and drink the hell out of it and love every minute of it!! Midwest,east coast,west coast DIPA's please they are all wonderful beers hopslam is in the league of its own!! Do a blind taste with selins grove Ipa and Russian river blind big 9 out of 10 people will think selins is the west coast hop bomb

 

I am in love with hopslam, and I admit it. Im a huge Hopslam *****. Ive had most of the big gun IPAs/DIPAs (at least most of the big ones not from HF) including Pliny, Heady, Kern Citra, everything big from 3Floyds, multiple Alpines, I could go on and on. To me Hopslam takes the cake, HT is the only other one Ive had even close (and its very close) to being as good. There are some Belgian quads and maybe one of two Tripels that push it, but for me none of them top that absurd aromatic hop bliss that is Hopslam.

 

Maybe you didn't drink it the proper way.

I made an instructional video last year. Give it a try.

 

I will add that last year there was HUGE batch variation. I got a case total, split between two different batches dated approxiamtely 2 weeks apart. The first batch was very boozy, and didnt have either the hop notes or sweet honey notes. The latter batch was amazing. Hope this year isnt the same way. Either way, super pumped to get ahold of this.

 

Completely agree, especially about people who hear honey and suddenly taste lots of honey! That stuff ferments out completely especially in a beer like hopslam.

 

OP is hereby sentenced to burning at the stake for the aforementioned crime of heresy.

 

Damn sir your balls must be huge! I am a 300+ lb guy and drank a growler of this ending up with the worst hang over. Can't wait to do it again this year!

 

show of hands please - who buys a case of beer they are completely uncertain they'll like???

 

...so you're basically asking for a trade, right?
You're in the wrong forum...but well played!

 

NN?????

 

Oh no, I don't like a beer as much as some other people. Quickly, to the Beer Advocate forums! I must complain at once!

 

I find this years batch very solid, not overly malted, extremely balanced, smooth and creamy, great amount of bite with equally great citral notes

 

lol honey-laced, there is 0 honey flavor in hopslam due to it being a simple sugar that ferments 100%.