Hopslam vs headhunter vs hoptimum

I would say no. I disagree that Hopslam and Head Hunter are bitter bombs, the former being brewed with honey, which is detectable and really offsets the bitterness of the hops (RateBeer clocks it at 70 IBUs); Head Hunter is most comparable to Sculpin, IMO, and still clocks in well below Hoptimum at approximately 87 IBUs. Hoptimum, for me, is most similar to Ruination. If I had to rank them, I would do so in the following order:

Hopslam
Head Hunter
Hoptimum

 

I had Hoptimum for the first time yesterday. I didn't perceive much bitterness to it. I found it to be well-balanced and smooth. I could say the same about Hopslam with a faint taste of honey.

I think Pliny is quite a bit more bitter than either Hoptimum or Hopslam. I bought a 4-pack not knowing if I would like Hoptimum or not. I will definitely buy more the next chance I get. I wouldn't mind making it my "regular" in season.

 

Hopslam is not a bitter bomb. Much too sweet for me. I find it difficult to really classify any of the ales I've tried in this style to call them bitter bombs. Some are sweet and thick hoppy ales (like Hopslam) while others, such as Abrasive and Heady Topper are drier, more balanced IMHO much more drinkable ales. Have not had Head Hunter so I cannot say... Cheers.

 

Hoptimum tastes like double dry hopped vodka...bitter and boooooozy! Hopslam and Headhunter are much more balanced and far less bitter.

 

Hopslam is balanced and is low in bitterness

Head Hunter = Sucks

Hoptimum should be called Palate Wrecker.. it's unbalanced, boozy, and very bitter
(based on the first 2 vintages, haven't had this year's)

 

^^^^^^^^^^^
This x1000

 

Was sadly unimpressed with the Hopslam I had (although it may have been old... friend brought out the bottle in the middle of the evening, saying that it was from a friend, etc), and haven't had Head Hunter. But if Head Hunter is roughly Sucks, then I'd say that the Sucks has much more sweetness and a bit of spice to it when compared to (this year's) Hoptimum. The Hoptimum this year I've found to be more flavorful than some of the recent Pliny batches I've had, and suitably bitter. I really enjoyed the first 4-pack of Hoptimum and promptly went out and bought another 4-pack. In fact, going to go open another one right now -- thanks for a great idea.

Hoptimum > Sucks (Head Hunter) > Hopslam imho

 

Hopslam is a genuinely classic beer and blows away every fly-by-night overnight celebrity beer I have come across so far. Love it, year in & year out.

 

Having just tried Head Hunter through a trade (thanks, Jeremy6566), and Hopslam this past winter, I'd put Hoptimum at the bottom of my own personal preferences. I only had Hoptimum once, last year on draft, and I thought it was kind of an unbalanced mess. The local market here just got it in, though, so maybe I'll try again. Tonight, however, it's Blind Pig, bottled 5/2/13, which I expect to be better than all three .

 

I've only had two of the three (Headhunter being the one out), but I have a feeling my order would be:

Hopslam >>> Headhunter > Hoptimum

Hopslam is legendary. Still my #1 beer.
Hoptimum isn't bad, but I definitely think it's overrated. So many DIPAs are better.

Additionally, I haven't had a single beer that's tasted anything like Hopslam, and I've had a decent number of beers... I assume it's the honey. Adds to the aroma, sweetens up the beer, and gives it a smooth feel.

BB1313: I had it for the first time a few days ago ... that describes it pretty well. It's for people that are crazy for hops and bitter beers and couldn't care less about balance.

 

Headhunter is good but if i drink even 1 i will have a slamming headache the next day. Prob never drink it again.

 

Head Hunter, easily.

 

Had Hopslam again last night out of a fresh keg (can it still be fresh untapped after 4 months ?), and it was as good as ever. Not bitter at all, had a too easy time finishing off a small growler. Never had he but would say hoptimum is much more bitter. U want bitter, try green flash palate wrecker.

 

I love Hopslam and look forward to it's release every year! So easy to drink... Haven't had hoptimum this year yet but I remember it as being boozier than I truly enjoy... Would love to try Head Hunter because I always enjoy super hopped up stuff...

 

Awesome to see people acknowledge the sustained greatness of Hopslam.

It gets overlooked way too often for my money.

 

IMO Hopslam is the closest thing we have to ambrosia and Hoptimum is undrinkable.

 

Headhunter
Hoptimum
Hopslam

 

Headhunter, first, then the order of the other two doesn't matter. To me Hopslam may be one of the most overrated beers out there (due to its limited supply) next to Zombie Dust.