Hopslam Sightings 2017

They always brew a lot. Much of the love is shared to everyone. I picked up a six pack from Trader Joe's. One my favorite 'Exclusive' releases.

 

Market District in Carmel has it for $15.99 but limiting one six pack per customer.

 

I was just in the Algonquin Binny's and they have around eight cases left. $17.99. It is on the beer wall almost hidden. It isn't out on display in the middle of the isle like I expected it to be.

 

Just picked up a sizer at Binny's LV. Apparently they just got it in today.

Remember everyone...there will be no problem obtaining this. Unless you expect it hand delivered to your door or something.

 

Whole Foods Madison had a ton of it!

 

Good Lord, this is soooo much easier to get than when I actually lived in Michigan! Last year, the bottle shops near me sold out the day it arrived, so I had to keep making excuses to swing by the grocery store until their delivery came in (Hmmmm...only 2/3 of this bottle of allspice left, better get some more just in case).

 

Beer access plays into the cons of moving back to MI. When I'm getting Hopslam (in prior years) and Black Note for my brother that lives in the Detroit area, that's messed up.

 

I feel like about 3 years ago they really ramped up the production of Hopslam. Not saying it was every hard to get per say but I wouldn't see stacks like I do now. I was sure to pick up a 6 tho...you know, bc it is already basically past its prime by now and need to taste it fresh

 

I'm not a huge fan, but for those who are, the Jewel at DesPlaines and Kinzie in downtown Chicago had a case sitting on the floor on Friday afternoon, Jan 20. $16.99/sixer.

 

The John Mallett quote is from Jan 2013. He said they made 4000 bbls. Last year @LarryBell said they made >11,000 bbls. They did a big brewery expansion this year, and have more tank space. I think they made more .
http://appellationbeer.com/blog/bells-hopslam-described-catty-alert/

 

Garfield's in Crystal Lake had a stack right next to the bar. They also have it on tap if you want to try it first.

 

Seems like it is not at all hard to get. That is a good thing. Not a bad one!!!

 

Has anyone seen Hopslam sitting around anywhere in SE Michigan? While other states appear to have tons, it seems to have come and went in this area.

 

Just got my first Hopslam last week in Indiana - does not get to Colorado AFAIK.. I agree the price is a little silly, but i cannot believe the negative comments on here. This is a terrific beer for God's sake. But....BTW...It was PTE that started this revolution (my gateway and still fave beer)

 

PTE for the west coast. Hopslam was the "DPIA Gateway" for many in the midwest.

 

Noticed about 30 cases of this still on the floor at Lakeview Binny's this afternoon. Hopefully that's somewhat of a reminder that this is not hard to find and people know not to worry about finding it during that first hit.

 

I don't think the price is out of line since most DIPAs don't come in sixers. I brought a case back from Kalamazoo that.was.canned on January 3; even adding the MI deposit, it's still a decent price since it's a.DIPA.

 

There was a point in time years ago when the concept and canning of a DIPA with honey that was in the double digits ABV-wise was groundbreaking and very limited in scope.

At the time, Hopslam was much more honey forward and balanced very nicely with the overly hopped character of the brew. Unfortunately, as things are wont to do, times have changed. Cracked two yesterday, drank first one cold, then finished the first when it was still somewhat cold. Cracked the second one somewhat cold and let it warm closer to room temperature in an attempt to tease out some of that balance recalled from times long ago.

Overall (and unfortunately), there are simply too many options out there in the same ABV range to hold this in any sort of high regard today. This beer certainly doesn't stand out in comparison to many readily available DIPAs out there (some close to the same price point, some not - such as Abrasive, Todd the Axe Man, Permanent Funeral, Bodhi, Dreadnaught, etc.) the way Hopslam used to do so well when brewed in much smaller quantities.

Cheers to those who enjoy it each and every year, certainly to each their own, just feel that there are too many other great options available today that has surpassed this brew overall.