Bell's Hopslam 2016

It's available in the Memphis market as of 02/09/16.

 

Picked up a 6 pack. I just don't love this beer anymore. Still perfectly good as long as you know you're getting a booze, sweet and malty IPA.

 

On the other side of the coin, I've traded for some NE beers over the past 6-9 months and have the complete opposite opinion. I don't think they're bad, but I don't see them being any better than what I'm already drinking around here (and don't have to pay shipping for). But, that is what makes it so great - different stuff out there for everybody.

 

Arrived in Des Moines yesterday, 20.99 a sixer. To be honest this batch was a letdown. Almost no nose or hop profile. It was canned 2/2 so it's still fresh. I'm considering taking the other 5 cans back to the store.

 

not worth the $.

 

Different strokes for different folks I guess. Limited availability and a high overall rating will result in that. I mean look at you....you recently waited 5+ hours in line for a brew that fits a similar description: Hazel's Nuts

 

I understand where you are coming from, but Hopslam is a widely distributed and easily available beer that can be found on the shelf over the period of a month or so, Hazel's nuts is a brewery only release that sold out in a few hours. I would not call those similar descriptions. This year's run of Hopslam likely exceeded the total output of Oddside for an entire year.

 

Bought a sixer last week - $16.99, I believe. I only managed to score two bottles last year and none the year before that, so my history with Hopslam doesn't go too far back, but I think this year's beer is really, really nice. Yes, you have to know what you're getting into. A classic Midwest DIPA: high alcohol, good amount of malt sweetness, more East Coasty in terms of the flavor, and not a ton of hop bitterness. That said, I think it's a wonderful beer and worth the dough once a year. I'll happily be enjoying my last few cans.

 

I'll probably pass on Hopslam this year unless a few cans show up in the singles cooler. I doubt that'll happen.

 

Yea, I don't think Hopslam is distributed in a quantity that allows it to sit in most places for a month or so. One of my local stores sold out of HS in 20 minutes, the other in an hour.

The amount that Bells sends out dwarfs what Oddside did with Hazel's, you are correct, but it's also spread to a much larger footprint than just the one city that Oddside resides in (for their brewery only release). Quantities of production aside, they are both only offered for a small/short window and they have a high demand/large following so yes, I would still refer to it as a similar (not exact) situation.

 

It showed up in SWFL this morning. Fort Myers Total Wine and More and also at the ABC Liquors south US 41.

 

What have you had a chance to try?

 

Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting and Weis Market in East Norriton each had a case or two arrive yesterday. At $24 for a six pack I will pass...it's good...but too many other DIPA's out there for much less and just as good.

 

not bad at all. not as malty as some. actually great nose imo. definitely overpriced at 4.50 a can tho compared to what else i can get around here for less.

 

Available in pittsburgh, $16-$18 for a sixer...fairly limited and going fast.

 

Manager at a Total Wine let me open a 6 pack and grab a couple singles....worth a shot, maybe?

 

I've had Heady, SoS (and their session version), and Lights On. I think I got a couple others in trades, too, but can't recall. I think I've learned with beers like these, it's just not worth the shipping, etc. with trading for them, when there is beer just as good IMO nearby.

 

picked it up at a local distributor that has to purchase through Shangy's in the Lehigh Valley area. PA pricing tends to suck. I believe his cost was $70.

 

lights on is probably one of my least favorite from treehouse, heady is pretty overrated as well imo sip of sunshine is a great beer but not after a month old.
We will have to get some better treehouse,trillium,hill farmstead, out to ya

 

Deccicos in Brewster, NY. $20 and going quick.

 

I surprisingly just picked up some in Hickory, NC at Lowes Foods for $16.99.

 

10 cases still sitting on the floor as of today here in Rochester, NY. Been here a week, they've probably sold 3 cases so far. Maybe.

 

Picked up a single, excited to try it.

 

I scored a six pack. It was "okay" at best, sure not going out of my way for more. Much rather have the Nugget Nectar sitting next to the 'Slam. And much cheaper in price.

 

Drank a sixer with some buddies last weekend in GA.

Meh. I buy it each year for the novelty. I'd never wait in a line or pay a ridiculous price for it. Plenty of beers I can get year round that are better. Tropicalia to name one.

 

Hopslam is slowly popping up in California this week. Bought 2 cans (that was the limit) @ about $5/can on Monday the 8th.. just saw 2 local pubs posting hopslam on tap today.

 

I find a comparison of Tropicalia and Hopslam to be a tough one to make, with Tropicalia being an IPA and Hopslam DIPA. Just too different - I love them both, and have been drinking both over this week. I did have Ghost in the Machine and Hopslam back to back, and preferred the Hopslam.

 

I see what you're saying, but the fact is that people still freak out over a beer that's mediocre at best at the end of the day. Too many options out there that I don't have to pay up charges for due to demand. I'll take a Hop Stoopid over a Hopslam more times than not.

 

It's just different opinions and taste buds, that's all - we all probably know of beers that we don't understand why people line up for or put forth a big effort to get. I love the beer, but am completely fine with people not digging - sometimes I wish more people wouldn't like it so I could get it a bit easier! I gave a buddy a can of it during the Super Bowl, and it wasn't his style...then I gave him a Tropicalia and that was more of what he was looking for.

 

I'll give it a try. The store where I bought it last year kept their stock under the counter, handing them out a sixer at a time (limit 1, on request). They probably won't split them up, but it's worth checking out.

 

A lot of dick-swinging in this thread as of late. Plenty of people coming here to proclaim victory over Hypeslam for another year. The truth is that Hopslam is a very limited release with a premium cost. That seems to sway way too many peoples' opinions on each side of the beer. Why people want to constantly compare it to the new kid on the block or the next door neighbor and declare Hopslam to be a faded legend is beyond me. Just drink what you like. A beer isn't better or worse because of where it's from or how rare it is and no one's better for liking something else or not liking Hopslam.

 

It is in SW Florida and I imagine the rest of the state. It's no limit and stocked at Total Wine. Just a stack on a pallette on the sales floor. The rep I know said that there are 50 cases at my local TW. Time to head out and get some if you are in FL. I got a sixer for myself last night and one for my neighbor...Spread the love.

 

Lehigh valley. Wegmans. Similar distributor pricing as well. Singles available at bottle shops.

 

Thanks

 

I agree its not a wondrous IPA, but Hopslam is not mediocre either. Thats too harsh.

In the land of extreme IPA's, which is where the landscape is shifting, it doesn't offer much of any satisfaction for people seeking to have their jaw broken with every sip. But for regular people who just want a good IPA it offers one of the most approachable takes on the style you will find anywhere, imo.

 

Geez, I'll consider myself lucky that I live close to the Pittsburgh area Whole Foods. Grabbed a sixer for $16.99. Any more than that and I'd probably pass. Also grabbed a six of Nugget Nectar for $11.99. While I do enjoy Hopslam, NN is also fantastic. Yes, they're different, but NN satisfies my hop craving equally as well and is the better value by a mile.

 

swiftway beer on long island has it. also grimm lambo.

 

I thought it was good this year, if maybe a little thin. Had em out of a teku, i'll try one straight from the can. Also the dude wanting to take them back to the store can just send em my way, this is one beer i refuse to let my snobby palate ruin. Its still what it is, a hot boozy dipa with all-star hops, none of these new oddballs that taste like herbs n spices.

 

I'm actually really digging this years batch! Drinking one now actually, no complaints from me..

 

Scottsdale, AZ TW had them on the floor today @ $19.99/6. Grabbed a few for myself & to send to some buddies w/o distribution...