Bell's Hopslam (2018)

I don't have to check the thread anymore because I talked to one of those evil store managers and he said it would arrive Monday in way down south Illinois.

As far as the hate goes, people are the most passionate about hating on the things that are the greatest, whether it be sports teams, athletes, movies, music, people, whatever.

 

I happily picked up two 6-packs at my local grocery. $36 out the door. Mini kegs were $36 each. They were sold out when I got there.

 

I was told mini kegs are being distributed the week of 1/15.

 

LOL. I think the same thing in every sixpoint realease thread.

 

After cracking my 1st can that is only a week old I think I have to agree now. Haven't had this beer in about 3 years but I remember a piney tongue piercing biting sensation and that's no longer present. I think Stone wrecked my palate. I do still believe Hopslam can hold up for a year and still be good whereas Stone needs to be drunk right away. When comparing fresh, Stone destroys it as do other IPA's present these days. I feel this beer got toned down from what it once was. Still enjoyable but after this experience I would never buy again. And although still enjoyable, I now agree with the haters. Its not what it used to be. Definitely more maltier than in your face piney as it had been in the past.

 

So you're saying that because your 3 year old memory does not match what you think you are tasting now it is the beer that has changed rather than you and your tastes?

You might just be interested in reading this:

http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct03/sins.aspx

 

It could be my palate sure but I do remember my tongue being numb after drinking and that experience is no longer present.

 

Well if you're used to drinking beers with bitterness, e.g., Stone, it wouldn't be present since your tastebuds will have grown accustomed to being "beat up" by hop bitterness and may simply not picking up the same things any longer. So your thoughts about palate change are probably closer to the money than the idea that the beer has changed.

 

Possibly but with that said I'd still prefer a fresh Stone, fresh Waldo, and fresh Hopnotix over Hopslam

 

And that's perfectly reasonable, our preferences for many things change over time.

 

Absolute worst hangover I've ever had came from blowing through one of these alone on a playoff weekend. I thought I was dying the next morning.

 

I have to take back what I said in previous posts. This beer is back to how I remember it with its honey sweetness alongside its tongue piercing piney orange rind hops. I think what it was is yesterday I was drinking too soon. Needed one more day to fully enjoy. More I started realising, hops are a bit like fruit. Consume too soon and it's not developed, too late and loses character. One more week and I think it'll be even more amazing. I've also noticed sometimes IPA'S are at its greatest in the 5th week. Maybe same is true about Hopslam. Don't think I ever had it this fresh. But today is much better than yesterday. It's amazing what an extra day can do to an IPA. As now I get the hop tongue piercing. Cheers!

 

Well hate to brake it to ya buddy but he's right. I regularly see sixers of Hoptimum, which I know is 9.6 but round up, for $9.99. Also Illumnation from CW also $9.99. Unsessionable from revolution also on sale for $10.50. Shall I go on....

 

Just passed on $13.99 sixer of hopslam. Not feeling it this year. Feel bad for people paying over $20...

 

Not a fan of Revolution and never seen hoptimum 6pks for $9.99. You're in Michigan so where you see that?
As far as CW Illumination, would have to try it before any judgement.

 

From Wisconsin originally and regularly return. These are prices I see in Madison WI. Also we tend to even have cheaper prices U.P. here than you guys down state.

 

Well enjoy your hoptimum @ $9.99. Only time I seen it @ $9.99 was when it was in 4pks. My take is if you see it now it's not fresh. Haven't heard of it released recently so if you get it now @ $9.99 my take is its well aged. So in that case I'd prefer a fresh Hopslam @ $16.99 per 6. I also did a side by side years back with Hopslam and hoptimum, I prefered Hopslam.

 

Not saying the beer is good, only providing the price point examples of Double IPA under $10 u asked for. Haven't bought any of those beers in a long time...

 

I like hoptimum but years back (and my palate I'm sure has changed now) I did a side by side with hoptimum and Hopslam and preferred Hopslam. Now if you get hoptimum freshly released at $9.99 per 6 then yes you have conquered my request. It's just I'm not sure I believe it. Back when they had 4pks I seen it at $9.99 but never $9.99 in a 6. Maybe in Wisconsin it's there but never seen it at that price point in Michigan. But yes quality matters. what makes hopslam great is its quality. Hell even I under appreciated it on my 1st can but realized I drunk ot too early then started appreciating it again. Its worth $16.99 a 6 for its quality of a beer. I have only had CW quad, not familiar with their IPA's so really can't judge illumination, but do consider revolutionary brewery almost amateur in it's take on IPAs.

 

Just picked up a six pack of Hopslam ($15.99 + tax) and Sierra Nevada Hop Bullet ($8.49 + tax) at the Jewel on State and Ohio. It'll be my first go at these two, looking forward to drinking.

Distributor has locations in their beer search finder: https://www.handfamilycompanies.com/find-beer-near-you#60601;10; ;BELLS HOPSLAM; ;