The Oracle vs. Hopslam

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by jaheussner, Aug 14, 2012.

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  1. jaheussner

    jaheussner Initiate (0) Dec 25, 2008 District of Columbia

    Had The Oracle on draft for the first time tonight and was blown away. The amount of citrus on the front end combined with the piney dryness on the back end was a revelation. Given the reputation of Hopslam around this site, I may be in the minority for saying this, but I enjoyed it much more than Hopslam; it was simply a more balanced, enjoyable brew. Anyone else feel the same way?
     
    Lantern likes this.
  2. kzoobrew

    kzoobrew Initiate (0) May 8, 2006 Michigan

    Oracle is drier, more bitter and certainly not more balanced. You would be hard pressed to find a DIPA more balanced than Hopslam. With that said I do prefer Oracle to Hopslam. It is dry, drinkable, huge citrus flavor and a nice bite.
     
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  3. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,635) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    Yes I like the Oracle, as it is more of a bitter resinous beer than Hopslam. I do like Hopslam too.
     
  4. jaheussner

    jaheussner Initiate (0) Dec 25, 2008 District of Columbia

    Interesting, I found Oracle to be more well-rounded and on the whole less bitter. To me, it is more complex than Hopslam. Honestly, the adjective I'd use is juicy.
     
    cfrances33 likes this.
  5. kzoobrew

    kzoobrew Initiate (0) May 8, 2006 Michigan

    According to an email from Bell's regarding a clone recipe that has gone around the IBUs in Hopslam is only in the upper 60s whereas Oracle is 100+. There is a significant difference. Bell's also mentions the need for dextrins in Hopslam to prevent it from drying out too much, I doubt that was a concern for Oracle.

    This fresh I agree with the juicy adjective, it is very citrus forward. Hopslam balances the citrus with the floral, that may change the perception of some.
     
  6. HighWine

    HighWine Initiate (0) Dec 11, 2010 Illinois

    Same experience a few months ago for me! I like The Oracle better than Hopslam and definitely better than both Plinys.
     
  7. Brew33

    Brew33 Initiate (0) Oct 24, 2007 Ohio

    I've never had the Oracle on tap but in bottles it's darn close to an undrinkable mess for me. Tons of caramel malt, tons of booze, and bitterness for bitterness' sake. It really borders on American Barleywine territory and one of only a small handful of Bell's beers that I don't absolutely love. My tongue hurts just thinking about how boozy it is.
     
  8. crossovert

    crossovert Initiate (0) Mar 29, 2009 Illinois

    honestly after last years batches I think I like Oracle more.
     
  9. crossovert

    crossovert Initiate (0) Mar 29, 2009 Illinois

    i have only had it on tap and it is pretty much a bitter and dry west coastish ipa.
     
  10. canoale

    canoale Initiate (0) Apr 9, 2010 Ohio

    Hopslam juicy as in juicy fruit , to me oracle has a spice complexity & bitter that hopslam has a sweetness but not overbearing . I've had a lot of them , both
    Very good Michigan proud
    Enuf said
     
  11. jaheussner

    jaheussner Initiate (0) Dec 25, 2008 District of Columbia

    Kzoobrew (or anyone else with knowledge) do you know how wide the distribution is? I'm in the DC area and would love to get some in bottles... I'll put a call in to the distributor tomorrow, but am hoping for some instant gratification from the BA round table.
     
  12. kzoobrew

    kzoobrew Initiate (0) May 8, 2006 Michigan

    Word it still out regarding distribution. Many out of staters have heard from reps it is tap only. Local stores are expecting bottles, it has been confirmed with distributors suposedly and it has been said we will see it in the General Store later this week. There has been no solid info either way at this point.
     
  13. canoale

    canoale Initiate (0) Apr 9, 2010 Ohio

    Along the west coast lines , I'm sorry but I don't get it , it is it's own thing , like it or leave it. Personally I thought devil dancer was just nasty , my friend loved it 99% the time we agree.I guess we need to agree to disagree

    Cheers
     
  14. kzoobrew

    kzoobrew Initiate (0) May 8, 2006 Michigan

    If you seek balance, the west coast is usually not for you. We all have our own tastes and none of them are wrong.
    Devil Dancer is hoppy as hell but a poor example of a west coast DIPA. There is a significant malt profile and it is not nearly dry enough for west coast standards.
     
  15. Zaphog

    Zaphog Grand Pooh-Bah (4,676) Sep 23, 2011 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I talked to the manager at my local bottle shop today and he called his Bell's distributor and they told him that they did not have any information about The Oracle coming yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though.

    And I like The Oracle a bit more than Hopslam. Bell's IPAs are world class IMO.
     
  16. El_Zilcho

    El_Zilcho Initiate (0) May 3, 2012 Virginia

    Oracle over Hopslam anyday
     
  17. genuinedisciple

    genuinedisciple Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2010 Michigan

    Is it okay to really enjoy both depending on what type of hop profile I'm looking for on a specific night? or is that not acceptable/unthinkable in the BA community now?

    I love both of these beers...so sue me.
     
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  18. spoonhawk

    spoonhawk Initiate (0) Dec 3, 2010 Iowa

    Sorry to add to was will likely to continue to be a sample tainted by a selection bias, but I prefer Oracl.
     
  19. BB1313

    BB1313 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,290) Jul 16, 2009 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Someone needs to show some love for Hopslam.. Personally, I can only name a couple DIPAs I'd rather drink.

    The Oracle is good stuff though..
     
    cfrances33 likes this.
  20. BB1313

    BB1313 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,290) Jul 16, 2009 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Ask this in January :wink:
     
    gustogasmic likes this.
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