Tasting Notes: Bells: Hopslam

Bells: Hopslam (USA: IIPA: 10% ABV)

Visual: Hazy golden amber with a moderate off white bubbled head that diminishes quickly.

Nose: Hops, wheat, grainhouse and hay fields. Very dry and cellar like. Cake sponge. Touch of icing sugar and overripe bananas.

Body: Hops, lots of hops and corresponding avalanche of bitterness. Touch of syrup and honey behind. Caramel, fudge, custard and vanilla. Peaches and strawberry. Very clean and distinct.

Finish: Bitter, hops and wheat, tongue drying. Apricot.

Conclusion: A very smooth and intensely hopped beer. Another where the initial assault is so overpowering that it leaves no hint to the sweetness behind – the light apricot , peach and other notes- not until you’ve had plentiful time to acclimatise.

The hops never fully subside, but add a decent back bone to the sweet crisp malt body. Distinctly well done and the flavours never feel muggy or indistinct. Very cleverly done in a similar style to Stone Brewings Ruination IPA – a lovely knife edge of bitterness and flavour gives a beer that you must take time to appreciate.

The body is comparatively simple compared to 90 minute or hardcore IPA, concentrating on making each element distinct and crisp rather than a huge range of flavour. However it is more than the hop attack it initially seems.

A good hop delivery with body, if not the best. Well made and deliciously done, and definitely one of the best bitter hop punches you will get on a first sip.