| « One Seed Chicago Voting Is Open! | Eduardo's Enoteca Grand Opening » |
Drink Wed Jan 11 2012
Hopslam Hammers Chicago
Like any good Chicagoan, I have a few wintery highlights that get me through these dreary months. Ranking alongside Simon's Glögg, Bulls games, and sazeracs at Bar DeVille is Bell's Brewery's Hopslam Ale.
Ringing in at an alarmingly smooth 10% ABV, Hopslam starts with a crisp honeyed sweetness, moves to a creamy full hop and finishes as fresh as the first cut grass of spring.
This beer is a limited release from Bells, typically arriving sometime in mid January and it will hang around for two to three months until its source dries up. Then poor hopheads of the Midwest have to wait 10 months to get their hands on more. Take note: get 'em while the taking is good. Supply and demand are hugely factored in to the pricing of this beer. And I confess, I've been known to pay $18 for a 6 pack at Armanetti's come March when the rest of Chicago's stash had been depleted.
Officially, Hopslam will hit the taps and bottles later this week. In the meantime, a few spots are having tapping parties, including Binny's Beverage Depot South Loop, 1132 S. Jefferson St., on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 5:30pm to 8pm.
I've found Hopslam on tap at Sheffield's, Lincoln Park Whole Foods, Hopleaf, Map Room, Beer Bistro, Fountainhead and SmallBar. Lush locations will receive their allotment sometime at the end of January. Other good bets for bottles are Armanetti's, Danny's Liquors and Binny's.
** UPDATE! Hopslam has been tapped at Sheffield's and will be available TONIGHT! (Jan 11)**
damon / January 11, 2012 12:34 PM
mmmm, hopslam....
i've seen it on tap at the LP whole foods as late as april!