Hopslam Sightings 2017

Had a similar experience with some friends at a share. We were pounding glasses of it between other beers. Eventually we were too drunk to operate the keg properly. One of us knocked it over trying to push the tap back in, another guy decided it was a good idea to open the valve on the top and got a face full of Hopslam.

 

I dont think hopslam is hyped, not in the way a lot of NEIPAs and other beers are. Its just that a lot of people really like it, myself included. Yes there are better beers. No it wont stroke your beer geek erection. It's just a good beer that people look forward to, nothing more nothing less. Similar to Celebration in that regard, imo.

 

I still have 2 cans of last years hopslam because after my massive mini keg black out i couldnt conjure the energy to drink it again. Has anybody read that report on the 5 year vertical of hopslam, was actually kinda cool, watching the color of the beer change (photos included) and the explanation of flavor changes.

 

Still a really good beer. A little too sweet anymore, but that's me, not the beer, and I will still consume a few. Now, back to that Hop Grandslam thing... That shit needs to be bottled for the sake of mankind.

 

Yep that was a cool article. I still think that hopslam ages well. I can't attest to it staying good for years but I'll usually try one after 6 months or so and the honey becomes more apparent as the hops calm down.

 

I think there is a difference between beer geek hype and just general beer hype.

I equate hopslam somewhat to Backwoods in that regard. Both are annual seasonal releases, well established brands from big craft brewers, get lots of distro, and are often "intro" beers for any craft drinker.

I wouldn't say backwoods is hyped from a beer geek point of view. But damn does that beer fly off the shelves in some places. For example, one of our bigger local stores sold 25+ cases of backwoods before 6PM on the day they received it. Hopslam can be very similar and I think the honey DIPA might have more broad market appeal.

 

Still the craft beer that made it "click" for me. Always grab a 12er. Cant wait. Still a favorite.

 

Backwoods is at least unique in that you don't have a lot of options for Bourbon Barrel Scotch Ales out there, whereas hopped DIPAs with honey are everywhere these days. Hopslam isn't bad by any means, but just feels like a lot of the other stuff out there, especially in a place like Chicago where everything coming out of Pipeworks seems to be a riff on a DIPA with honey.

 

I love how this is still a comment that people make...honey is 100% fermentable.

 

Yes, but flavor isn't 100% fermentable. The honey leaves some of its residual characteristics behind.

 

Don't forget that it's already faded!

Hopslam is a great beer, and if the whalez hunters have moved on to hazier fare, then I look forward to it being readily available.

 

I have never had a problem getting Hopslam, so I certainly don't see the hype. It's basically a shelf turd 'round here. Might just be a regional thing, I guess?

 

In Chicago, it's never been super hard to get it, but it doesn't stick around long. I'd imagine the bulk of it hits shelves and disappears within a few days or so, but you certainly don't have to line up in the cold for hours to purchase it. My impression is it's more readily available in Wisco & Michigan, generally, though.

 

The thing is the perceived lack of hops is what makes it such a good beer. Sure its called hopslam but it's so well balanced with the malt and so easy to drink that you forget you're drinking a beer thats hitting at 10 percent. I could sit down and drink a six pack of the stuff....if I wouldn't be passed out after 3 of them....it's seriously one of the easiest to drink high gravity IPAs Ive ever had.

 

I'll echo some earlier posts.......while not my fav IIPA, it's tasty and I look forward to a sixer each year.

 

What would you suggest over it, always curious to try more beer? hopslam is one of my favorites though....maybe its a bit of nostalgia but that first sip of the year just tastes so good....

 

Two years ago, it was very hard to find in SE MI. I didn't look too hard for it last year, but I believe it was a bit easier to find. It doesn't last long in retail, though.

 

Hopslam used to be my favorite beer. I'll drink a single if I run across some but the price point is insane. I'm still a hop head, but my palate just changed (I think).

 

I just never understood the price argument on Hopslam. 18$ for a 6 pack of amazing beer that is available 2 weeks a year just doesnt seem like a big dea.

 

Not sure what you have access to.....Pipeworks makes some real good IIPA's Ninja v Unicorn, and some of their Fish series beers are fantastic, but those are probably not easily accessible for you. If you get Stone out in MI, I'd suggest trying Ruination or Enjoy By.