Oberon Day

It just passed us, but Oberon dropped at midnight Sunday, going on Monday, and I was down at the release party here in Ann Arbor.  A Bell's representative was there, and purchasing any Bell's beer resulted in tickets that were drawn to win t-shirts and the like.  Unfortunately, I didn't win anything - I am not the King of Oberon for the next year, but I did get some bumper stickers and pins.  Also, what kind of party would it be without temporary tattoos?

St. Patrick's Day Open Thread

What are you doing today? Drinking?

I have had a Smithwick's, Harp, and Boddingtons at the bar in between classes + 2 bottles of Two Hearted while enjoying spring on the porch.

There will be more after tonight I'm sure.

Bell's Hopslam

Commercial Description: A biting, bitter, tongue bruiser of an ale. With a name like Hopslam, what did you expect?

I decided that I had to review the much anticipated Bell's Hopslam, because well it is only available (at least in Chicago) for about one week a year. I will admit I have extremely high expectations for this beer because of all of the hype it has been getting on beeradvocate.

It smells like a double ipa, real hoppy, but this one has a slight honey smell and a somewhat earthy aroma as well. An alcohol smell is slightly there but not overbearing.

The first sip is delicious, the first tastes to hit are the bitter hops (but not overbearingly so) and floral flavors. It finishes sweet and honey-like, as expected from the aroma. This is an extremely well-balanced beer. The problem with so many double ipas is that the hops just completely eliminate all of the malt and other tastes. This one is perfect, hops are not overbearing at all. Also the bitter hop taste doesn't coat the inside of your cheeks like so many other dipas do.

This beer is way too drinkable at 10%. Most of the other beers in this category is a one and done situation for me, but this one you could drink all night. If only this beer was available for more than a week a year...

Delivery Time

Arcadia Ales and Bell's Brewery deliver kegs in Ann Arbor, MI