Traveling Back in Time
Ah, the good old days of beer. Remember when IPAs were all about bitterness and malt, with notes of tangerine and pine courtesy of those beloved American hops like Centennial, Cascade, and Chinook? Those were simpler times, my friends.
When I used to live in Oregon, the IPAs out there were a whole other beast. Single IPAs started at 7% ABV and were as amber-hued and hop-heavy as they come, with names like Hop Venom and Hop Sledge. These beers would practically numb your entire palate – and your brain, if you had the audacity to imbibe too many.
But as we all know, the world of beer is constantly evolving. And while it’s fun to wax nostalgic about the past, we can’t forget that those classic styles still exist. In fact, in a world full of fruited IPAs, hazy IPAs, and milkshake IPAs, those old-school bitter bombs can feel almost revolutionary.
Take Bell’s Hopslam, for example. When this double IPA first hit the market back in 2006, it was a draft-only offering at the brewery’s pub in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Its scarcity made it a highly sought-after commodity for beer geeks and newbies alike. And even now, years later, Hopslam still has a devoted following.
The Evolution of the IPA
So what makes Hopslam stand out in today’s increasingly diverse IPA landscape? Well, for starters, it’s a relic of a bygone era. What would have once been just another double IPA is now a refreshing reminder of simpler times.
Hopslam is bracingly bitter, to be sure, but it’s also remarkably smooth. The tangerine pith and pine notes that once defined the style are now almost quaint in their old-fashioned appeal. The beer pours a beautiful pumpkin orange with a light haze, and the high alcohol content (10% ABV) seamlessly melds with the malt and hop flavors.
In a way, Hopslam gives the old guard of beer drinkers something to enjoy and reminisce over, while also offering newer imbibers a chance to experience a classic style that might feel almost entirely new to them. After all, the vast majority of today’s IPAs are a far cry from the beers of yesteryear.
The IPA’s Transformation
Just think about how much the IPA has evolved over the years. Back in the day, it was all about that bitterness and malt. Then came the “rainbow of IPAs” trend in the early 2010s, with the emergence of black IPAs, white IPAs, and red IPAs. Soon after, the fruited IPA craze hit, with grapefruit and mango leading the charge.
And let’s not forget the session IPA, which allowed hop-heads to indulge their cravings without quite as much alcohol. Oh, and then there’s the hazy IPA, a style that has truly turned the IPA world on its head.
And don’t even get me started on the milkshake IPA. That’s a whole other can of worms (or hops, as it were).
Rediscovering the Classics
In the midst of all this innovation and experimentation, it’s refreshing to come across a beer like Hopslam that harkens back to a simpler time. It’s a reminder that the classics never truly go away – they just get overshadowed by the shiny new toys.
But for those of us who appreciate a good, old-fashioned IPA, Hopslam is a welcome respite. It’s bitter, it’s boozy, and it’s unapologetically itself. No fruity adjuncts, no lactose, no haze – just pure, unadulterated hop goodness.
And you know what? Sometimes, that’s exactly what the doctor ordered. When you’re tired of searching for the latest and greatest, it’s nice to be able to just crack open a can of something familiar and comforting.
So, the next time you find yourself longing for the good old days of beer, reach for a Hopslam. It might just transport you back in time, one sip at a time.
Sharing the Wealth
Of course, with Hopslam’s hefty 10% ABV, it’s probably best to share that tall can with a friend or two. After all, we don’t want anyone stumbling home after a few too many of these bad boys.
But that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? Hopslam is the kind of beer that begs to be savored and discussed, not guzzled down in a single sitting. It’s a beer that demands your attention, that challenges you to really appreciate the nuances of its flavor profile.
And let’s be honest – with all the craziness that’s been happening in the world of beer lately, it’s kind of nice to have a solid, reliable standby that you can turn to. Hopslam may not be the newest or the most innovative IPA out there, but it’s a damn good one. And sometimes, that’s all you really need.
So, the next time you find yourself hankering for a taste of the past, head to your local bottle shop (or wherever Bell’s is distributed in your area) and pick up a six-pack of Hopslam. Crack one open, pour it into a glass, and let the bitter, boozy goodness transport you to a simpler time.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll even be inspired to dig out some old photos from your Oregon IPA-drinking days. After all, the best part about rediscovering the classics is the nostalgia that comes along with it.
