Bell's Hopslam 2016

haters love to hate
(that's also a 4.27 when reviewed in December, for something that came out about 11 months prior, imagine if it was close to fresh)

 

I haven't seen it in SC yet, but I'll grab a 6-pack...$20 for 72-ounces is OK every once in a while, that's less than half of what I paid for the 22-oz Westbrook Anniversary Stout ($10), when you break it down by cost/ounce

 

Come on, Illinois, no whammy no whammy STOP!

 

I'd assume there should be plenty. Just get to a Whole Foods or Binny's the day it comes out, and you should be able to grab some. I was able to get 2 cases last year pretty easily.

I sure hope I didn't just jinx it.

 

It is a pretty nice growler with the flip top sealing lid. May be a bit overpriced, but it's not the standard glass jug with cap that has to be taped. It's my go-to when I need a generic jug for other things.

 

If I happen upon HS I will buy some, but I am not hunting in years past. It's good but not worth the headache.

 

Yeah I'm thinking a trip to Bell's is in order tomorrow/Friday at some point for some Hopslam and a growler. One of my buddies gave me a stainless growler (http://monsterbrew.com/Prod_StainlessSteelGrowler.cfm?gclid=CJSS97OTucoCFQ-RaQodzjoNyA) a few years ago, but I seem to catch an attitude from the servers when they try filling it (I'd guess because they can't tell when it's full).

The Bell's growler looks pretty cool, and holds 2 liters vs. 64 ounces based on what I've read (3.6 more ounces than a standard 64 ounce growler).

Doing the math puts a growler of Larry's Stupid Quadrupid @ $57 (based on $6.75 for an 8 ounce pour - $.84/ounce). Even at $38 (taking into account that I'll be buying a growler), that's one hell of a price ($.56/ounce with growler included OR $.30/ounce for the refill).

I must say though, I'm curious how people are buying Hopslam cheaper at their retail stores vs. Bell's. Isn't the opposite usually the case here (ie Planet Series beers, Black Note, etc.)?

 

destroyed

 

Came and went pretty quick/quietly here in Oakland County.. Sounds like everyone got it yesterday when I was out of town and it was already sold out this morning. Seems like a higher demand then last year... I was able to find a lone sixer at a local shop, but got killed on the price tag at $21.99... but I wanted it fresh and didn't want to chase and drive all over. A few shops said there was another shipment coming either later this week or early next so we will see.

 

Hopefully these Bad A keg cans hit us next week in FL

 

8 Degrees Plato and Holiday both said they are having it today, so I'm not sure you're right. Holiday specifically said there should be plenty to go around and more will be coming next week or the week after.

 

Holiday had it and it sold out in 20 minutes.

 

That's crazy.

 

I've lived in Michigan five years now, PA native, first year here I remember it sat on floors at Buschs market for weeks. Now good luck getting a 6 pack in Michigan, that being said I was in small grocery store in Chicago last March and they had cases of Hopslam sitting on the shelf. Same with 30th Anniversary in Columbus, OH.

I really feel like Bell's has created a mad buzz to get this beer in the state that grew the brewery. Obviously my butt is sore, but it would be nice for Bell's to kick a little extra to the home state when there is a lot sitting for a while in other markets. (May I even argue more variety in those markets??)

Any thoughts?

 

Looking forward to the 2016 batch.

Hopefully my palate has grown.

It's been 5 years since I cracked open a case of Hopslam!

 

Totally agree. I just moved to Michigan within the last year and I can't believe how quick it goes. When I was in Cleveland it would sit for months in shops/grocery stores.

 

Found it at Meijer today. $16.99 per six.

 

When you expect a 5 from all the glowing reviews and raves....yeah its still a disappointment. The wait....the ridiculous limit...price...and multiple other offerings from different breweries for 40% less with no limits or difficulty to locate....yeah it was a disappointment. Anything less than a 4.7 for it is a disappointment. If YOU rated it a 4.8 and said you were disappointed....then you are. Pretty simple.

 

Ooooook. So it has to be a bad beer to be a letdown? As opposed to not meeting expectations.......smfh

 

$20 for 72oz, is not that bad for a seasonal release its on par with 3 bombers @ $6.99 (66oz), or 2 bombers @$10 i will buy 1 sixer for sure.