Bells Hopslam

Brewed by Bells Brewery
Style: Imperial/Double IPA
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

In the realm of Imperial IPA’s, I definitely do not like paying nearly $20.00 for a sixer. Seriously, at that price I would hope to get some form of sexual gratification with it. Aroma of this is heavy on the floral side, not as citric as, say, a Stone offering. There is also just the slightest notice of honey in there. Gotta love it. Flavor actually does give me a half, maybe three quarters stock. This is the third straight IIPA I have had, Gemini then Founders Double Trouble, and now this, and this one is going down the quickest. The flavor just begs fore more. It’s hoppy- sweet, but not sugary, bitter, but not overpowering, and just the right blend of spice from hops blending with the honey. OK, this may be worth the money, occasionally.

bottle at Dickinsonbeer’s on 1/20/07. cloudy golden color, off-white thick foamy head. aroma is cat piss, armpit sweat, and pine needles. flavor is sweet white sugar malt and lots of bitter hop, bitter finish.

The last of my first six-pack. Good stuff, easy to drink, too easy for a $13 sixer that weighs in at 9.5%. Tulip glass. Gold tinted orange body with a persistent head. Tropical aroma, almost pineapply with orange, pine, and wildflower honey. Lots of malt and malt sweetness at first, you actually think for a second that this is a malt bomb, but the hops are there, though restrained for an imperial IPA. Reminds me of the DFH90 but with a slightly more harsh bitterness (Centennials?). The flavor is very fruity along with lots of floral, and to a lesser extent, piney flavors. There is a bracing, but not overdone, bitterness at the finish along with tons of residual flavors and some semi-aggressive alcohol, especially as the beer warms. Well done Bells, this is a great beer. 4.2

[b}RE-RATE 2009 edition @ 10%. This is the last of the 2x6packs I have purchased over the last week. One from the initial six pack and the entire second six pack was finished today. Aroma is wildflower honey and piney and spicy hops. Taste varies, depending on the temp. Right now I am drinking a bottle in the mid 50’s° and noticing a little heat, this was not something I have noticed before. Mostly there is a nice pine flavor, strong but not overwhelming, as well as some coconut & pineapple, blood orange and grapefruit, and some strong herbal notes. A very, very tasty beer. 4.4

Bottle. Aggressive pour yields a medium white frothy head that disappears quickly leaving some lacing and a golden honey colored liquid. The arome backs up the advertising. The flavor does as well. The only thing keeping me from rating this higher is perhaps the need for a little more malt. This is an excellent brew nonetheless and I will be grabbing a six tomorrow.

Aroma is earthy and sweet caramel with a bit of toastiness. Nice amber orange color with a light tan head that remains until empty. Very bitter with medium sweetness which is very typical of the style. Big body with a creamy texture. Finish is very bitter. The alcohol could be less pronounced in my opinion.

tried to get this beer for two months and had almost given up, then in a matter of a couple of days, I end up with 13 bottles! first rooftoprogue gives me a bottle, then my son brings me a 6 pack, then Styles puts a 6 pack in a box of beer for me. thanks to all. great citrus aroma and flavor. delicious in every aspect from start to finish!!! so drinkable it could be dangerous at 9.5%. hopefully Bell’s will make this a regular or at least a seasonal brew.

While others seem the like this beer, I felt it was actually a bit over what I like. Still a really good beer.

10 oz snifter on tap @ Brew Kettle 11/28/06: Lasting creamy off white head w/an orangey colored slightly hazed body. Initial aroma is piney/grapefruity/pineapple hops, followed by a balancing toasty and caramel malt character. Fruitiness is all about the hops near as I can tell. Overall fairly well balanced for a big beer, but hops dominate the flavor as expected, but not overpowering to the point of being hop juice. Bitterness creeps into the semi bitter finish and lingers just a bit. Toasted and bready malts, as well as caramel play supporting rolls to keep it from being too bitter. Very well rounded overall flavor and the hops are pleasant, not harsh. Mouthfeel is very full, smooth with low medium carbonation, & well hidden alcohol. VERY ENJOYABLE AND VERY WELL DONE!!!