2019 Hopslam

In regards to locating it, no, but it’s still fun to talk about.

 

Big stack at Binny's. Dated 1/8

 

No one can complain about freshness. Nicely done, Bell's.

 

It should be fairly easy to get Hopslam in DC with the government shutdown since the people not getting paid are probably more concerned with feeding their family and not losing their homes than grabbing the hot beer release...kind of the exact opposite of Chicago.

 

Costco in Oakbrook has a pallet of it. I think it was 13.99

 

Wow, that's a fantastic price for Hopslam.

 

Same price at N Riverside Costco, canned 1/7, I think. Looking forward to cracking one later tonight.

 

Cans and Mini-kegs sighted in Indy the other day.

 

Same with schaumburg, just left. Plenty left.

 

Not loving this year's version. Reminds me of last year, but maybe with the sweetness dialed down a bit. Just less bright overall than I remember from '15 and '17. It's still a decent beer, but there's a lot of local competition for "decent."

 

I bought for $13.99 at Costco in Merrilville, IN.

 

Stopped by one of my local places yesterday. Owner said they wouldn't be getting any because of the games being played by Bell's and/or the distributor. Seems they were only allocated 3 cases last year, and most went to grocery stores. They used to get 10+ cases in the past. Had to pick up old beer from grocery stores when it didn't sell.

Now the reps are trying to convince them that Hopslam is "super rare" and playing games on allocations. Not sure if they're pushing him to buy other Bell's products just to carry Hopslam or what. Didn't see much from Bell's on the shelves when I was browsing, though I wasn't looking for it specifically.

 

I’ll buy it if I find single cans around, but I don’t need a 6 pack. Guess my palate has changed

 

But it was...This year is lacking in malt/honey. Still good though.

Bought at Wise Guys in Merrillville IN. They have tons and one of those small kegs as of tonight.

 

Dang, went across the street to Wise Guys and paid $19 out the door.

 

Called a Binnies to see if they had any yet, was told no. I asked if he knew when they might get some, was told I'd have to call Hopslam. LOL

True story.

 

Post the Binny's location so we can try and replicate this.

 

This was the first year I noticed a major difference in taste. The only way I can describe it is a watered down taste; missing the typical "punch you in the face" taste of a double IPA. Used to be a decent comparison between this and Brother Benjamin, but now BB definitely outshines for me.

 

Drank a couple of these over the weekend. Just as good as usual. One 6 pack is plenty for me at this point, considering I'm trying not to really buy stuff nowadays.

 

It was the Wheeling location.