Thursday, January 20, 2011

Bell's Hopslam Ale

Here is what the Brewer says:
Starting with six different hop varietals added to the brew kettle & culminating with a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops, Bell's Hopslam Ale possesses the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell's repetoire. Selected specifically because of their aromatic qualities, these Pacific Northwest varieties contribute a pungent blend of grapefruit, stone fruit, and floral notes. A generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey provide just enough body to keep the balance in check, resulting in a remarkably drinkable rendition of the Double India Pale Ale style. 10%  ABV
My Thoughts:
This beer pours a beautiful dark orange color. When held up to the light it has a little more golden color to it as well, and it is not quite clear, but not cloudy either.  The smell is intense. Powerful scents of citrus, pine and a honey sweetness all come through very strongly on your nose.  The taste follows the nose perfectly.  Bold citrus flavors of grapefruit start you off and are then followed by a mild floral and pine note.  What is truly remarkable about the flavor of this beer is that it is strong, yet so palatable.  I attribute that fact to the honey and malt added to give this beer a medium body and a wonderful mild carbonation, thus balancing the onslaught of hops.  The after taste of this beer continues to impress.  A bitterness is left in your mouth that begs you to take another sip which means that drinkability for me is outstanding.  Even at 10%ABV I had no problems drinking multiple hopslams. Both in the bottle and on draft this beer is very very good, but please, for the love of everything that is sacred, please drink this beer fresh.  This is not a brew to let sit and age.

Serving Type: 12oz bottle and on Draft

My Rating: Overall 98/100
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | drink: 5


1 comment:

  1. 100% agreement, seems like we agree on quite a few of these. I dream of HopSlam all year. Even been to to ecentric bar once.

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