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Hopslam Ale

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A double IPA that Bell's describes as a biting, bitter ale, with a name that tells you what to expect. At 10% ABV it pushed the limits of what an IPA could be when it was first brewed about twenty years ago, using Pacific Northwest hop varieties that were then at the cutting edge of hop innovation. Bell's is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

ABV
10%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppyresinouspiney
hoppy
resinous
piney
fruity
citrusy
Aroma
The nose opens with assertive pine and resin notes from Pacific Northwest hop varieties, immediately announcing the beer's aggressive character.
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Hopslam Ale

◎ Appearance

Deep amber to light copper in color, with excellent clarity revealing the beer's full intensity. A dense, persistent head forms with fine bubbles and strong lacing that clings to the glass. Carbonation is evident and well-integrated, supporting the beer's viscous body.

deep amberpersistent headexcellent clarityfine lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with assertive pine and resin notes from Pacific Northwest hop varieties, immediately announcing the beer's aggressive character. Citrus accents emerge alongside subtle fruity undertones, with a backbone of caramel malt providing mild sweetness. Alcohol warmth is detectable but integrated into the overall aromatic profile.

piney, resinouscitrus and pinecaramel malthop-forward

◐ Taste

The palate delivers a bold, biting bitterness that dominates from entry through mid-palate, characteristic of the Double IPA style. Resinous hop flavors build intensity, layered with subtle stone fruit and citrus complexity. A moderate, warming alcohol presence supports the full-bodied mouthfeel without overshadowing the hop-driven character.

assertive bitternessresinous hopscitrus notesfull-bodied

◑ Finish

A long, dry finish lingers with persistent bitter and resinous hop notes, typical of this bold style. The aftertaste remains hoppy and slightly warming, with minimal residual sweetness.

long, dry finishlingering bitterness
85
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
88
Appearance
82
Finish
80
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Hopslam Ale

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About Double IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Double IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar Double IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same bitter, hoppy, boozy character as Hopslam Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Double IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →