Hopslam

2020 is almost over. That means a New Year and …. HOPSLAM! Over the past few years, we’ve offered a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hop on a special behind-the-scenes brewery tour focused on nothing other than our beloved Double IPA. Most recently, we partnered with one of our fantastic area destinations to give one lucky pair a one night stay in the Hopslam Suite Royale.  This tour has always been limited and in order to get a coveted seat, you had to show your love of Hopslam. And y’all never disappoint. The submissions we’ve received over the years have been incredible. For 2021, we have a twist.  Since we are unable to bring you to our brewery for an exclusive tour, we are bringing the brewery to everyone! (Still for free.) That’s right, all (those 21 and up) are welcome to join us this year as we celebrate the release of Hopslam virtually with Hopslamania! What does Hopslamania include?  A virtual tour of our brewery (with some surprise stops).  A guided Hopslam tasting focused on sensory; we’ll show you how we evaluate the raw ingredients that go into Hopslam before we sample the deliciousness itself.  Q&A  Also, Hopslam (you’ll need to pick that up on your own).  All from the comforts of your own couch (or wherever your tune in for virtual events).  For those who want to go all in, our General Store has the perfect solution: a Hopslamania Virtual Kit. For $33.99 you will receive hops and malt samples for your at-home sensory experience, two Hopslam snifters glasses and a Hopslam tin tacker. Get yours here.  For the sweepstakes portion of this special event, we will randomly choose three winners from everyone who shares a song, a photo, a poem, anything creative, that shows your love and passion for this specialty release.  Three lucky winners will be announced at both of our virtual events. What’s at stake? Glad you asked. Grand prize:  A handmade Hopslam Pillow, Hopslam blanket and Hopslam sweatshirt First runner-up: A Hopslam blanket & Hopslam sweatshirt  2nd runner-up: A Hopslam blanket & Hopslam t-shirt  All three winners will also receive an (empty) 2021 Hopslam mini-keg signed by Larry Bell himself.  How do you enter? Share a post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram that shows your love for Hopslam using the hashtag #HopslamMe and #Entry. Be sure to make it public and tag us @bellsbrewery.  The deadline to enter is December 31st at midnight. Winners will be notified directly by email prior to these events. Our virtual Hopslamania virtual events will be held on:  Jan. 21 @ 7pm Feb. 4 @ 7pm Sign-up for the virtual event here: https://bit.ly/3sNHe1k​​​​​​​ You can take a look at all of the legal info and rules here.  Let’s see what you’ve got Hopslam fans!

January is here and that means it's Hopslam season! Our classic Double IPA will be available at the Eccentric Café and General Store in Kalamazoo beginning Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. More info on our Hopslam Day event, which will include the tapping of Hop Grandslam, a double dry hopped version of Hopslam.  As each batch is ready and packaged, it makes its way out in waves to help ensure it’s getting to all of you as fresh as possible. It will make its way everywhere we distribute beer throughout January in 12 oz cans and on draft. Remember this beer is limited, so grab it while you can. Our best advice to find Hopslam near you is to reach out to your local retailer, bar and/or restaurant after it has started shipping. They will have the most up-to-date information about their specific deliveries and/or availability. Please also keep in mind that it may take some time before that info is available. Be patient and keep an eye on retailer’s social media channels for additional details. Searching Untappd for nearby check-ins is also a good resource. Want to show your love of Hopslam with more than just the beer in your hand? We have a bunch of new Hopslam gear on our online store. Check back here next week or keep an eye on our social media for a special Hopslam announcement. Mini kegs Mini kegs are filled and shipping! Our 5L cans will be shipping to Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. If you search our Beer Finder, also keep in mind that the results show which beers have been delivered by our distributors, but do not reflect real-time inventory (what's on shelves) or which formats are available (can, keg, bottle, etc.). We always suggest using these results to call ahead and see if these locations may be carrying or expect to carry our mini kegs. Remember to drink your mini kegs fresh and within 24 to 48 hours of opening. Here's a video on how to open your mini keg. OTHER HELPFUL LINKS Our Beer Finder (Please remember to call ahead and that results are based on deliveries.) Our calendar: Hopslam release parties and other events What’s Hopslam anyways? Hopslam gear from our General Store Download a Hopslam wallpaper for your phone. Recipe: Spicy Pork Chops with Hopslam Peach Chutney       What is Hopslam? [[{"fid":"3214","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]] Can I cellar Hopslam? [[{"fid":"3215","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]] Why is Hopslam in cans? [[{"fid":"3217","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"3"}}]] Why brew Hopslam once a year? [[{"fid":"3218","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"4":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"4"}}]]

Each year we have a special behind the scenes Hopslam tour and ask for beer lovers to show their passion for our Double IPA to earn a spot on it. This year, we were again amazed by the creativity and talent of so many of you. Without further ado, here's the winner of our Brewer's Choice:   [[{"fid":"10059","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

We only have a few spots for our 2020 Hopslam Brewery Tour. In order to decide the People's Choice winner we, need you to vote. Eligible entries are below. Please vote for your favorite. Voting will be open until 12:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. We will announce Brewer's Choice, People's Choice and the rest of the randomly selected winners Friday as well.  Cheers and good luck!   (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "https://woobox.com/js/plugins/woo.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'woobox-sdk'));  

Every year we head to the Pacific Northwest for hop selection. We tour and visit with the farmers who grow a majority of the hops we use. During these visits, we also get to learn about the challenges of the season. We then evaluate and assess the hops first hand.  Integrity, moisture content and ultimately the aroma of the hops are just a few of the criteria we use to determine which lots will eventually become Two Hearted, Hopslam and more.  Hops are an agricultural product. They are grown by real people who rise to meet the challenges of the weather, the environment and beyond. Many of the farmers and brokers we work with are family-owned and go back generations.  These are important relationships for us. We work with unique individuals who are fantastic people. They are friends. They are partners. They are part of the Bell’s family.  Quality beer begins with quality ingredients. Below are some of the sights and “smells” (how we wish we could share that part here) from the 2019 hop harvest. 

January is here and that means it's Hopslam season! In order to get you this beer as fresh as possible, we will be shipping to different areas (multiple batches) over the next few weeks. This year, that also includes Hopslam mini-kegs (those may ship at different times than what is indicated below)! Hopslam will be available at the Eccentric Cafe and Bell's General Store beginning on Jan. 2. The exact time it will be available will depend on packaging and shipping that day, so please call ahead before making a trip and keep an eye on our social media for when it's on tap and on sale. The Cafe is hosting a Jortslam Hopslam Release Party on Jan. 3. Hopslam cans will start shipping on Jan. 3  to counties in lower Michigan: Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clare, Clinton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Shiawassee, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne. Below, you will find shipping information about the rest of our distribution footprint. The dates below are when beer will start shipping to each state, not actual delivery dates. Please keep in mind that there could be delays and that the beer may still have to travel to our distributors' warehouses first then travel to stores, bars and restaurants.  Our best advice is to reach out to your local retailer, bar and/or restaurant after it has started shipping. They will have the most up-to-date information about their specific deliveries and/or availability. Please also keep in mind that it may take some time before that info is available. Be patient and keep an eye on social media for additional details. Untappd is also a good resource. Speaking of Untappd, we have worked with our friends over there to offer a special 2019 Hopslam release badge. It will be available starting Jan. 2 until Feb. 9. One (1) check-in and it's yours.  shipping info (cont.) Week of Jan. 7: Remaining counties in Michigan (including the U.P.), Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee (Roanne, Scott, Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan, Anderson, Union, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Coche, Sevier, Blount, Loudon, Shelby, Cheatham, Davidson, Wilson, Trousdale, Williamson, Rutherford, Maury, Bledsoe, Rhea, Seqatchie and Hamilton counties), Vermont and Wisconsin Week of Jan. 14: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee (remaining counties), Texas, Virginia (Accomack, Albemarle, Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Brunswick, Buchanan, Buckingham, Campbell, Carroll, Charlotte, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dickenson, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Gloucester, Grayson, Greene, Halifax, Henry, Highland, Isle of Wight, James City, King George, Lancaster, Lee, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Montgomery, Nelson, Northampton, Northumberland, Orange, Page, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince William, Pulaski, Rappahannock, Richmond, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland, Wise, Wythe, and York counties; the cities of Alexandria, Bristol, Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Covington, Danville, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Galax, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Martinsville, Newport News, Norfolk, Norton, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, Williamsburg, Winchester), West Virginia. Other helpful LINKS Our Beer Finder (Please remember to call ahead and that results are based on deliveries.) Our calendar: Hopslam release parties and other events Hopslam gear from our General Store Download a Hopslam wallpaper for your phone. What is Hopslam? [[{"fid":"3214","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]] Can I cellar Hopslam? [[{"fid":"3215","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]] Why is Hopslam in cans? [[{"fid":"3217","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"3"}}]] Why brew Hopslam once a year? [[{"fid":"3218","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"4":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"4"}}]]

In order to tour, you must enter to win. Below are this year's #HopSlamMe contest submissions. One winner will be chosen by you, our fans. One winner will be chosen by us. The remaining 10 spots will be chosen at random. Tour and contest details can be found here. This contest will close at midnight on Dec. 17. Cheers and good luck!   (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "https://woobox.com/js/plugins/woo.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'woobox-sdk'));  

There’s something very magical about this time of year. A very much anticipated special kind of beer. A hint for you: imagine if your cat just ate your weed. And then it took a giant piss upon your Christmas tree. The most anticipated beer of all is Hopslam don’t you know. The impact on your senses when you drink it’s quite the blow. It’s crisp and clean and 9% and just might knock you down. So cash your check and clear your fridge cuz Hopslam comes to town! To celebrate the 2019 release of Hopslam, we 've brought back a unique brewery tour to celebrate one of the most coveted double IPAs out there.  This year's hop-centric experience will again be limited to just 12 spots (plus one guest each) at our Comstock Brewery. It will be on Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. and will include: A Hopslam hop rub.  A discussion about how we select which hops make it into this beer. A close-up look at our cellar where we dry hop this and other wonderfully aromatic beers.  Fresh Hopslam right from the source (of course). Sensory experience Special Hopslam swag. Access to a discounted hotel rate. A few other fun surprises that we cannot tell you about just yet (as much as we really, really want to)! How do you get to experience this one-of-a-kind opportunity? In order to tour, you must enter to win (although everyone who shows us their love of Hopslam will receive something). Write a song, paint a picture, take a photo, shoot a video, orchestrate a rock-opera, slam us with poetry!  Do whatever it is that you do best to express your love for Hopslam (just be sure to keep it clean) and share that love on social media. Be sure to tag us (@bellsbrewery) and use the hashtag #HopSlamMe on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram so we can see it and your friends, family and complete strangers can vote for their favorite. You will also need to fill out this form in order to be considered. One winner will be chosen by us (hint: get your creativity on!). One winner will be chosen by public voting. The remaining spots will be chosen at random.  The deadline to enter is Dec. 17. Each winner will win two spots on this exclusive Hopslam Brewery Tour (one for them and one for a guest). Winners will be notified by Dec. 21 so they have plenty of time to make travel accommodations if chosen. Cheers and good luck!

Hopslam with its six hop varietals, generous malt bill and solid amount of honey adds a punch to this sweet and savory pork chop dish.  Ingredients Peach Chutney 4 peaches (peeled and chopped) 2 Tbsp. pecans .5 tsp. red pepper flakes .25 cups white sugar 2 oz. Hopslam .25 cups of water 1 lemon, juiced Pork Rub 4, 6-8 oz pork chops 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. salt 1 tsp. cayenne 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. paprika In the Kitchen Peach Chutney Toast pecans lightly in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until fragrant. Let pecans cool and then chop them.  In sauce pot, add peaches, water, sugar and lemon and cook medium/low for 10-15 minutes. Add Hopslam, red pepper flakes and chopped pecans; continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the liquid had reduced and become set. As you stir, be sure to smash the peaches down to create a fairly smooth mixture.   Set aside to cool, this can be served warm or cool with the pork. Pork Rub In a bowl, mix all ingredients, minus the pork chops, together. Generously rub the mixture on the pork chops and ensure all areas are covered.  Let the pork chops rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to marinade the meat.  You can cook the chops as you wish: Grilled, roasted, pan seared.  Top the pork chops with the peach chutney and enjoy with a Hopslam!  Make it? Love it? Show us. Tag your photos with #bellsbeer. We're @bellsbrewery on Twitter and Instagram.  Cheers!

So, you've located and purchased a Bell's mini-keg. What's the best way to tap and enjoy it? Check out the video below for more.  Other helpful LINKS Our Beer Finder (please remember to call ahead and that results are based on deliveries) Our calendar: Beer release parties and other events           [[{"fid":"6231","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]