Oh. My. God. How have I not had this beer before? It is such amazing, hoppy goodness. Has anyone ever recommended it and I've not listened? I just don't understand.
I know I said I was going to try more porters and stouts, and I am. But when I got the news that The Foodery had the HopSlam in, it was a no-brainer. I needed to get my hands on some. And I am so glad that I did!
The minute I opened the beer - before I even poured it - I said out loud "I'm going to love this". The smell itself told me all I needed to know. It was that citrusy, grapefruity smell that is heaven to me. The taste didn't disappoint. If anything, it exceeded my expectations! This is a strong beer - it's a double IPA and comes in at 10% - but you would never know it from the taste. It has all the hop bitterness and attendant citrusy flavors, but it's so nicely balanced with the malt and honey sweetness that it's not overpowering at all. This is really an amazing beer - I don't know anyone who's tried it that hasn't loved it.
Unfortunately, it's an extremely limited release. If you live in the Philly area, I know it's on tap at North Bowl (or was on Thursday night when I was there). It's also available at the Foodery in NoLibs, as I mentioned above. Or, I should say, was available on Tuesday when I was there. I have a feeling this is going to go quick, so do what you can to get your hands on one before it's too late.
Hey, I picked this up at the Foodery in NoLibs Tuesday night! Stopped there after Cantina dos Segundos, where they had some Left Hand beers on special.
ReplyDeleteThen I just had it last night too, are you following me or what? JK. Hopslam has got a great taste and the hops are very present, but not overpowering. I hadn't realized it was 10%, wow. Not surprising, I've liked most of the beer I've had from Bells.
Dave - what time were you there on Tuesday? I stopped in before a gym class. Figured it would be a nice reward after killing myself working out, and I was right!
ReplyDeleteI think Bells is a solid brewery. I've loved everything I've had from them. Makes me want to visit MI to check them out!
I was there later, about 8:30pm, when I left Dos Segundos. Funny how we hit there the same day, and picked up at least one of the same beers. I had to get a couple more of Left Hand's Fade to Black. Have you tried that yet? To me, it tastes more like a mix of a black lager and a stout.
ReplyDeleteYou want to hear something funny? I picked up the Fade to Black the same night as the HopSlam. Haven't tried it yet, but can't wait to! Definitely one night this week.
ReplyDeleteSo where are your favorite places to hang out in Philly?
Most of the time, it's usually Standard Tap. I need to start trying other places in Philly. Tue was first time I've been in NoLibs and not been to Standard Tap! Dos Segundos was nice, have to keep an eye out for their Brewery thing every other Tuesday. Have been to Eulogy a couple of times, they have a great beer selection.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, usually just get to Philly for concerts, WCL, Tin Angel, Troc, Electric Factory.
did you also get Flying Dog's 20th Anniversary Ale - Raging Bitch? think you would like that, it's a Belgian IPA, comes in at 8.3%
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard about the brewery thing on Tues at Dos Segundos. Will need to check that out. I live in S. Philly, so usually go out around here, or center city, or Rittenhouse and then NoLibs. I love trying new places but visiting faves is great, too.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check out the Raging Bitch. I keep reading about it but haven't tried it. Thanks for the suggestion!
I only saw it the day before on http://beerscenemag.com/ . The bartender said they do it every other week, with different breweries. I'll definately keep an eye on who else they get in.
ReplyDeleteAh, nothing like a good excuse to get out on a Tuesday night. I'll check it out, too.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hear Monday is the new Friday, so that makes Tuesday the new Saturday?
ReplyDelete