I agree. This batch seems mellowed. I attended a hop head tasting a year ago, and they had bottles of 2011 'Slam to compare to 2012. This years batch reminds me of character of the cellar'd 2011 release.
I hear ya. Had it happen in 2010 with a 6ers of Hop Slam. Either got a batch that got oxidized or missed some late additions or dry hopping or something. Sucks when you spend that kind of money and up thinking wtf is this. Hopefully you can sample from a different bottle date.
I am in the same boat. I am drinking a 1/2/2013 batch and it might as well be 1/2/2012. There is no aromatic hop note, nor is there any striking flavor notes; it only balances the maltiness.
Bell's said it would start shipping to the DMV region on Jan. 21. Early February wouldn't be a shock. http://bellsbeer.com/blog/156-Q_A__Hopslam_2013_release_info_and_availability_at_the_Eccentric_Cafe
Such as inserting bottling equipment into bottles (see avatar). Anything is possible as far as messing up a recipe or missing a hop addition, incorrect measurements of hops, etc... I, however, wouldn't expect it from Bell's. Like I said, anything is possible. I'm hopefully going to get some 'slam tomorrow, so we'll see if it impresses. Then again, I probably shouldn't even bother since the hops will already be faded beyond imagination .
No, actually I don't think its at all possible they measured wrong. A brewer like Bells, releasing something like Hopslam, requires an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars. I don't think Billy the brewer inaccurately measured something. I would say there is probably a TEAM of brewers ensuring EVERY step of the brewing process is done correctly and accurately.
Any scuttlebutt on how much is being brewed this year? Last year there was the big rush to get the initial release, followed by at least one additional wave that led to stores in Chicago's western 'burbs stacking cases on the floor.
Hit the NW Chi burbs today. Bottled 01/09/13. eh, I need to try a few more bottles but might be a case of LTS for me too.
Hitting far western burbs tomorrow, I hear. Far FAR western burbs (DeKalb) have had it since December.
Haters gunna hate! Half way through my 6 pack and I'm loving it! Ive been brewing with honey the last few months and this years Hop Slam reminds me why I was trying in the first place. By the way I got it at Glen Ellyn Binnys, now sworm you beery Chicago burb freaks!... though it is probably gone by now (and no they didn't have black note)
No, farther west than Glen Ellyn. I would consider Glen Ellyn just being a West Burb but not a FAR west Burb. That's just, like, my opinion tho. The Binnys stores should be getting them between today and Friday depending on the store.
Called Glen Ellyn Binny's around 1, they were out, but Downers Groove still had a little bit left when I got there at 2. Said it probably would last another hour. Glad I could get some!
Check out Corner Cottage off of 83 and North Ave in Elmhurst, They just got theirs in today @ $16.99 a sixer. Dont think there is a limit.
Saw the 'Slam at Binny's AH as well as Teddy's in AH today, both had a limited supply and was 16.99/6pk with a limit of 1 per customer except for TLC members at Teddy's you are entitled to 2
Couple of Cases of the 1/9 batch at foremost on Ashland. They also got a FFF shipment, Alpha King, pride and Joy and Rye Da Tiger or lightning.
Drinking the 'slam right now. Picked up two sixers today. It's drinking just as great as years past in my opinion.
Haha laughing at myself, if I would have check two posts above I wouldn't have missed out at the GE Binny's. Luckily for me the Downers Groove Binny's still had it but oh my, that was stupid.
Also enjoying first one of the year right now, courtesy of DG Binneys. Tastes great as usual. I'm new to BA, but I'm curious as to when Hopslam really became a hot item? I remember drinking it back in 2009 when I first fell in love with it and don't remember it being so hyped and hard to get back then.
Picked up 2 sixers today. Looks like everywhere but Binny's has it. Slammed a few 'slams tonight. Delicious.
This slam is so drinkable, I slammed my first slam of the year in about 3 gulps. I love this beer, on my second now, tastes just like I remember, maybe a little better! Bottled 1/9/13, very hoppy, hit of fusel booze and a bit of honey perfect...great, im drunk
IDK, all of my friends that are just kinda into craft beer are super into Hopslam and have been for at least 5 or 6 years (maybe more...when was it first bottled?). I think it has a much wider appeal and is certainly a bigger brand than BCBS.
It's delicious. Definitely very little bitterness, like none, but huge piney hop aroma and taste. It is definitely sweet, so I can see why it isn't everyone's cup of tea (or beer!). Love these flavors though, and boy is this easy drinking for a 10% abv.
