Bell's Hopslam Coming to Ashley's

Eager hopheads have been chomping at the bit for the 2012 release of Bell's Hopslam Double IPA, the date of which, owing to ongoing expansion work at the brewery, has been somewhat unclear. Well, I'm happy to report that Ashley's in Ann Arbor will be hosting an exclusive tapping of Hopslam on Monday, January 9, at 4:30 p.m. For the unitiated, Hopslam is a massive 10% ABV bomb of hops, malt, and honey whose following grows year by year. Here's the official description:

Starting with six different hop varietals added to the brew kettle & culminating with a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops, Bell's Hopslam Ale possesses the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell's repetoire. Selected specifically because of their aromatic qualities, these Pacific Northwest varieties contribute a pungent blend of grapefruit, stone fruit, and floral notes. A generous malt bill and a solid dollop of honey provide just enough body to keep the balance in check, resulting in a remarkably drinkable rendition of the Double India Pale Ale style.

Bell's rep David Munro will, of course, be manning a barstool to clink glasses, wax poetic on the joys of beer, and pass out groovy Hopslam t-shirts and other cool swag. Boo-yah.

UPDATE 1/5/12: How are your mad poetry skillz? Bring your best poem or haiku about Hopslam with you, and if it's selected as Most Awesome, you win the first pour of Hopslam plus other fabulous Bell's prizes.