#147 Bell's - Hop Slam

Only 60 case of this beer were shipped to St. Louis or Missouri (unclear which). I first read about this beer on StlHops and went looking for some bottles yesterday at Clayton Wine and Cheese. They were sold out within a few days but I found 4 6-packs for sale at Starrs. I am really excited to find this beer, I didn't think I would get any this year.

This beer has a strong hop aroma with a dominate tangerine smell, this beer could almost be mistaken for juice by smell alone. The smell also has some grassy notes, but mainly orange. The color is light brown or honey. The head is a full covering of the beer, but not very thick for which is surprising for such a hop heavy beer.

The taste starts sweet with some citrus orange taste. Quickly the hops come over strong with sharp bitterness and grassy flavors. As strong as the hop are they are balanced against the sweet malt flavor start. Then the finish is nice and mellow with a hop flavor and a slight bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium, not too thick for a hoppy beer.

This is a great beer. Lots of strong hop flavors, but still balanced. This beer is great for any craft beer fan, and it would be acceptable for a commercial beer fan. I am glad I got a six pack of this beer, I am excited to have another.