Bells Hopslam (2011 Release) | Beer Geek Nation Beer Reviews Episode 146

[Aureas86]

I'm searching your reviews for ones you disliked.. cant seem to find 'm.. I guess you really are an enthousiast.. Could you please do some reviews of notoriously bad beers? I really like your style of presentation.

[BeerGeekNation]

@Aureas86 Search for Dogfish Head Ta Henket. I tend to not review beers I dont like as it does take a lot of time to do one of these reviews. Thanks for watching!

[Guaranteedfresh1]

man i would pay high dollar for case. Sucks i get hopslam but pretty much impossible for me to get a case here in rockford.

[BeerGeekNation]

@Guaranteedfresh1 I was only able to get half a case this year. I actually split one with a friend since I always never end up drinking it all.

[BeerGeekNation]

@VaMoneyCow Yeah Im actually a bigger fan of Founders Double Trouble. Hopslam is really good but the honey just makes it to sweet for me.

[mains89]

I am drinking a HopSlam right now. It is so damn delicious. The only IPA I have had so far that I can think of off of the top of my head is Heady-Topper. That is my favorite IPA so far. As far as my favorite beer though, that may be impossible to answer. Founders CBS, and KBS both come to mind though.

[BeerGeekNation]

@mains89 Im picking up my case of Hopslam tomorrow! Cant wait! Heady Topper is great but I think I like this more to tell you the truth. Cheers

[ben1webb]

Picked up a case this week here in Asheville , NC. All I can say is damn!

[BeerGeekNation]

@ben1webb Nice! Its supposed to show up here next week

[sixt9coug]

Picked up a sixxer of it this week while on work in Michigan. I now have them back home with me here in SoCal. I can't wait to try them out!

Also brought some Two Hearted Ale back with me too. That was nice!

[BeerGeekNation]

@sixt9coug Nice! Both are awesome beers!

[BassAssassin9]

Still waiting for the call from my wholesaler that my case is in....grrr, can hardly wait! This and Nugget Nectar are soon going to be available here. Happy times!

[BeerGeekNation]

@BassAssassin9 Me too man. I keep checking my distros facebook page

[megagreenzebra]

on tap this week in chamberburg!!

[BeerGeekNation]

@megagreenzebra Nice! I had it at Als last week. Amazing stuff!

[mattyslicks]

Chris, what does this run for a case in PA?

[BeerGeekNation]

@mattyslicks If memory serves around $70ish a case. But dont quote me on that

[PbNAphasia]

Drinking a bottle bottled 12/29/11! Sooo good, amazing.

[BeerGeekNation]

@PbNAphasia Nice! Its supposed to hitting stores Feb 7th here!

[PbNAphasia]

@BeerGeekNation You guys should be getting it sooner than that, there was a mix up with the dates.

[YoseMiteEmery]

when can you get it? hopefully it comes out this month

[BeerGeekNation]

@YoseMiteEmery Usually around February.

[YoseMiteEmery]

@BeerGeekNation nice... just picked up smashed pumpkin

[skullface1818]

New recomdation! ale to the chief (Avrey)! drinking some now, and I gotta say, its some good stuff.

[Petrolstar78]

With Averys Maharaja being my personal favorite imperial Ipa. How do you think this compares?

[BeerGeekNation]

@Petrolstar78 This is a lot more sweet then Mahraja is in both the honey taste and the hop profile. Hopslam also has a lot more booze flavor in it then Maharaja does.

[moviemaker1989]

Had this finally on tap. Tangerine dream for me. Beervana! -- Jeff

[BeerGeekNation]

@moviemaker1989 Yeah its a fantastic beer and holds up really nicely. Considering its almsot 4 months old at this point and still tastes amazing! Cheers!

[moviemaker1989]

@BeerGeekNation Hmm, when I had it it was probably about 3.5 months, though kegs are of course a little different than bottles. Maybe get some REAL FRESH stuff next year!

[redboi19]

@BeerGeekNation I'd argue that its gotten better since release; living in Michigan I've had access to it since then. It wasn't until April that I was convinced buying a case was worth it. I'm now sold on it being the best beer IMVHO :)

[heyjaffy]

aaaargh, torture! Excellent review of a great beer, wish I could get some.

[BeerGeekNation]

@heyjaffy Yeah at this point i has come and gone unfortunately. Wish they would brew this one year round! Cheers

[otisoutlaw]

Aren't those guys from DrinkLikaFish also part of Beer Geek Nation? Their reviews make me laugh. Not so much here.

[Seabass307]

I lucked out and found a local liquor store that carries this. I just purchased a 6 pack of Bell's Hopslam ($18) how can I tell when it was bottled?

[BeerGeekNation]

@Seabass307 If you look on the back you will see a Batch number it should be like 10,100 or something close to that. You can then go to the bells website and put in that batch number and it will tell you when it was bottled.

[NathanH5]

This is one fantastic beer, right up there with Bud Chelada←not kidding, I love that stuff.

I have several cases of HS, batches 10073, 10126, 10127. I am drinking about every single bottle myself, and sharing a few with friends. You're right, Pliny cannot touch this, but 3F Panzer Wolf and Troeg's Nugget Nectar are close. The aroma is totally amazing!! Thanks for reviewing!!

[BeerGeekNation]

@NathanH5 Damn 3 cases!!! Thats a lot of Hopslam! I bought one case and I still have half of it left haha. The Panzer Wolf is an epic epic beer just great stuff. And I agree Pliny is good but its not HS good.

[TheRealEarthy]

Greatest beer on the planet. I just wish they brewed it more then once a year. I am going to try and find a few more sixers to drink over the next couple months before they become extinct again until next January.

[BeerGeekNation]

@TheRealEarthy Yeah I wish it was a year round beer as well! Although it would be hard to drink any other IPA's if I knew I could always get this one haha

[jmohno]

Having one now for the first time it is a great beer cant taste the 10%abv very drinkable imperial.I dont usually like imperials.It is one of the best smelling but i would have to say a fresh Estate Ale is the best ive smelled.The taste it leaves is incredible.Beats Hoptimum for drinkablilty in my book

[old12school3]

Best beer channel on youtube!! Cheers!

[BeerGeekNation]

@old12school3 Thanks man i really appreciate that!!! You guys make it worth putting the effort into it!

[charvelgtrs]

I really think you're in a league of your own when it comes to reviewing beer here on youtube.

[BeerGeekNation]

@charvelgtrs Thanks man that means a lot! I really appreciate that. Let me know if there is anything you want to see reviewed. Cheers!

[charvelgtrs]

@BeerGeekNation

You should do a review on Bells Expedition Stout.

[RCarterguy]

Wow, Just bought a six-pack of this over at Sun Devil Liquors in Mesa, AZ and it did not disappoint! Very very good beer. This was my first time tasting this and now I know why they had a 1 six-pack per customer limit. Thanks for another great review, I drank it along with you this time, lol. I guess they have it on draft too so I know where I will be tomorrow after work. Keep up the good work Chris!

[BeerGeekNation]

@RCarterguy Glad you liked it man!! THis beer really does live up to the hype of being a great beer! I actually had it on tap twice this weekend and it was just as great. I posted some pics of it on my facebook page. Its just a tragedy its not year round~! Cheers

[jjrudy41]

just watched jamisons version of this... i hope to get this very soon. better than pliney. bold statement. cant wait to try it....

[BeerGeekNation]

@jjrudy41 Its easily better then Pliny

[imbibehour]

More hopslam love

[BeerGeekNation]

@imbibehour Yessir!~

[imbibehour]

@BeerGeekNation There's a cask coming to DCEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! guess where I might be? :)

[JoSmoBN]

I had 4 bottles of this shipped to me....meaning I finally tried it!

I must admit this is a fantastic beer but I still think I would have to put Maharaja slightly above it. I did have this shipped though so it could have killed off some of the freshness. I wish I could just pick it up at a store around me to know for sure. I would still put this in my top 10 beers for sure.

[BeerGeekNation]

@JoSmoBN Maharaja is so damn close to this beer. ANd honestly I think it might even be a bit better. But right now with the freshness of Hopslam its a hard choice! I wish Mahraja and this were out at the same time for a fare comparison.

[Tantrum777]

I really did not think it was hot, I thought alcohol was well masked but I like to drink my IPA's fresh from the fridge. Great review man, I hope I can pick up 1 more six pack of this today but it wont last much longer here in AZ. BevMo had a 2 sixer limit. It just started to come to stores on the 26th.

[BeerichiTuba]

I agree. I think this is better than Pliny.

Pliny's no.2 on BA because it's hard to get anywhere outside of the west coast.

And yes, the honey really helps to smoothen it out. Good move on their part.

[BeerichiTuba]

I like the thumb pic you have for your videos.

It's crazy how this is 10%. It really doesn't taste or feel like it.

Awesome review, man. Makes me want some again!

[dnnelson95]

Picked up a bottle today, along with SN Hoptimum. Let me know if you want a bottle.

So, I think Hopslam is better than Surly Abrasive...I think it is the added honey.

Can't wait to try it tomorrow...has it always been 10%?

[BeerGeekNation]

@dnnelson95 I think I actually have a bottle of the Hoptimum coming to me. But ill let you know when im 100% either way. I think Hopslam is better then Abrasive but they are very different beers. Hopslam is def more on the sweet side where Abrasive is more of a West Coast style hop bomb. Both are amazing brews and really for me it just depends on what im in the mood for haha. Luckily for you, you can get both of them!!! Let me know what you think of the Hoptimum

[dnnelson95]

Picked up one bottle tonight to enjoy tomorrow. Also, got one bottle of SN Hoptimum, which is suppose to be a limited release. Let me know if you want one.

So, Hopslam or Surly Abrasive? Personally, I like the added honey of Hopslam.

[bigmike11676]

This is pretty much the best beer ever!

[BeerGeekNation]

@bigmike11676 Its up there for sure!

[bastos408]

loving your arrogant bastard shirt you got on

[BeerGeekNation]

@bastos408 Thanks man! AN oldie but a goodie

[StumpyJoeJr]

Two weeks? That's way too old. ;)

Did you see the "Hopslam is hot this year" thread on BA? Someone beat you too it.

When are you going to ship out my bottles? They're getting old! ;)

[BeerGeekNation]

@StumpyJoeJr HAHA Yeah I did see that thread. Its not hotter then it was last year. Its a 10% beast that doesnt hide well at all. Im going to be shipping your stuff out on Friday. We are getting a ton of snow here which is delaying the Fedex pickups. By next week they will probably be drain pours so I suggest you film that. If I dont drink the rest of my case im going to film a video of me drain pouring 15+ bottles haha :)

[StumpyJoeJr]

@BeerGeekNation Okay, I'm looking forward to drinking some fresh Hopslam. Looks like the package I sent you should arrive tomorrow (today by the time you read this).

[zodiak3000]

just got a bottle off ebay for $11. i live in ca so i dont got access to it. you know what the ibus are on this?

[BeerGeekNation]

@zodiak3000 $11 for one bottle!!!!!! Are you In Canada or Cali? Shit man I would have traded with you, I picked u p a case of 24 for $65

[zodiak3000]

@BeerGeekNation cali bro. haha i remember like almost a year ago when i first started watching your reviews you told me you would trade for it around this time. its kinda the same when i can get pliny down the street for $4 and it goes on ebay for like $15-20. people are willing to pay for what they cant get. and honestly i wasnt sure if youd be down for a trade since i dont got mad reviews or rap on youtube....

[TheMasterOfHoppets]

Thats also a brew I would love to try, I have heard so many great things about this! I had a fairly fresh bottle of their Two Hearted Ale my cousin brought me from the states. Now that was a fantastic IPA. Great review Chris! Cheers!

[BeerGeekNation]

@TheMasterOfHoppets Yeah its bascially 10 times the hop aroma and flavor of Two Hearted which is also a great beer.

[djmx121]

Thanks for another great review Chris. I can't wait to check this one out.

[BeerGeekNation]

@djmx121 Definitely man! Let me know what you think

[truthisrare777]

@beergeeknation have you tried Bootlegger's Knuckle Sandwich ? my buddy says that and Maharaja his top 2 brews. I havent had a chance to try it myself . But i heard it is amazing by a few ppl now.

[BeerGeekNation]

@truthisrare777 No i really want to try that one though! Ive heard amazing things about it

[truthisrare777]

@BeerGeekNation yea even in so cal. i have never seen it anywhere he lives by a spot that has it every week i guess. im bummed i can't get hopslam, 3 floyds or all the other good beer in cali.

[JessEMasteR]

i had this for the first time this year...awesome...i actually drove an hour to get to Shangy's and buy a case...on the way home, 30 miles away from my house...my transmission starts acting up and i end up being stuck for 3 hours until my tow truck came...the whole time i was just starring at my case haha...it was torture...i went to town on in when i got home and it's now one of my favorite beers...

[BeerGeekNation]

@JessEMasteR HAHAHA wow that must have been torture. Although if you would have known you were going to be waiting such a long time you should have just popped one from the bottle haha

[AngilasGuy]

Oh shit, it's out now? For some reason I thought it was a February release. Gotta stop at the liquor store after school today, then.

[BeerGeekNation]

@AngilasGuy hahah yeah it came out about 2 weeks ago now! go get it!!

[BrokenGalaxy]

Awesome review! This beer is truly something else huh? Have you had Founders' Double Trouble? It appears to be Founders' answer to Hopslam. It's excellent too, very similar, but I get a lot more grapefruit notes than with Hopslam, plus no honey and more bitterness...in fact, it tastes like grapefruit juice to me, but still delicious. I still would rather drink Hopslam, but I was impressed with it.

[BeerGeekNation]

@BrokenGalaxy double trouble is one of the most underrated beers produced. i really want to do a review for it but i have a hard time finding it around me for some reason. ill have to go check out a local spot that usually has it when it comes out this weekend. sounds like its right up my alley!

[JordonGB]

Always look forward to this release. I always contemplate about buying a case, but figure by the time I drink it up the hoppiness will have then faded . I also aged a couple for a year or so, and they did not turn out that bad. Wish it was a year round offering as well!

[BeerGeekNation]

@JordonGB this is one of the only beers i will buy in case form because i usually end up trading away a 6 pack or 2 and usually can finish the rest in a month or 2 while its still fresh. but i agree aged hopslam actually turns out really nice. to me a year old bottle has similar qualities to a really nice british barley wine

[123111449]

Hey i gess you like this one

[BeerGeekNation]

@123111449 Yeah its one of my favorite beers.