Seriously underwhelmed by Hopslam

Last year I had my first Hopslam. I was initially disappointed, but only because I wasn't blown away. A couple days later, I had a second bottle, and I liked it more. It really isn't my preference in a DIPA - it's too sweet for me, but for so many hops, that sweetness is necessary for "balance." I suppose a like a less-balanced DIPA, one with a much lighter body and more aggressive hoppiness.

 

I thought it was over rated last year because it was too boozy and not hoppy enough. This year I feel like it's more balanced and they covered the alcohol a bit better. Its also not hopped up enough for a name like Hopslam. A great beer but quite over rated (and expensive).

 

I can smell a fresh glass of Hopslam from 5 feet away. It has a balance that is rare in IPA's.
I can hardly get through a whole glass of Riunation or Hoptimum.
It just goes to show how people have different tastes in beer.
I descibe fresh Hopslam as "Delicious"
Top 3 for me.

 

Mix a six

 

I think too that Hopslam is a different flavor profile from most other great DIPA's. It tastes nothing like (to me) Heady, Pliny, Citra, etc.

In my view though, it's the perfect Winter DIPA.

 

Every time I hear this (and it's said quite often, not just about beer), I facepalm inside and feel a little sad. Why do you choose to put so much stock in expectations? Why not give every beer you drink as equal a shot as you possibly can? Sure, still use reviews and hearsay to choose what to drink, but then try to set all that aside and let the beer speak for itself. I guarantee you'll find yourself enjoying (and respecting) beer more.

Cheers!

 

I've gotta get me some two hearted if someone says it's better crafted than Hopslam since it's always sitting there. If you want a hop bomb pick up some Green Flash West Coast IPA; that stuff will strip paint for sure!

 

I agree, while i have before been *slightly* disapointed with the taste (usually when my imagination/memory of "last year's hopslam" grows too big) I have never been disappointed with the aroma. best smelling DIPA ever, it think.

 

I'm seriously underwhelmed by this thread

 

To your credit your handling all the comments directed at you like a GD champ!
And I can't wait for hopslam to come out here.
Cheers!

 

Don't make your opinion the standard and people wont be so upset. You don't like it.....fine. Others love it....fine.

 

He didn't say "more" aroma, he said "best". Big difference. I tend to agree with him. Stuff smells like heaven to me. Tastes amazing too. The problem is that people expect it to be the "hoppiest" beer they have ever tried (some combination of 100+ IBU and eye watering aroma/flavor). Its not like that. Its just one of the most expertly hopped beers made.

 

I don't want it to be the hoppiest, I just want it to be awesome in its own right.

 

You should write blogs sharing your experiences on beer.

 

costs & commitments aside, they are *certainly* comparable in terms of logic. they all have a common theme - you should sample before you commit or ASSUME. perhaps heed your own advice. "THINK IT OVER".

having finally had a chance to skim through & see what i've missed, i've come the conclusion logic isn't going to rein on your parade. so by all means continue buy cases sight unseen. when you get constructive criticism about it, make sure you make everyone aware logic actually is your strong suit by telling them you froze the balls off the flavor & aroma prior to serving. matter of fact, kill us all with logic by telling us you were "certain" because you read that a bunch of guys... who drink an awful lot - were certain.

. . .

 

You like what you like. No other way to say it. I'll be glad to take it off of your hands, though.