There are certain beers that get a lot of attention, whether they deserve it or not. Some are simply "flagship" beers or the unofficial face of the brewery, like New Belgium's Fat Tire. It's a perfectly good beer, but for some reason — maybe due to its unavailability in most of Florida — it has achieved almost a legendary standing. To me, it is a good beer, and that's about it. Other craft beers are either limited or seasonal releases and the buzz generated can become a roar.
This seems to happen ever year when Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan releases it's lupulin monster, Hopslam. The beer is a bitter beast, brewed with "the most complex hopping schedule in the Bell's repertoire," as well as honey to add balance. It comes in at a whopping 10% ABV and is very expensive. The average six-pack price will run you around $20 at most stores in Florida (although I saw it for $16 at one). It's more expensive than it was last year and, by many accounts, far more difficult to get your hands on. I heard reports of hopeful beer lovers heading to their local craft beer store only to be turned away empty handed or to have it rationed out a single six-pack per customer. Luckily, that did not appear to be the case here in Tampa Bay, where I can still find it readily available in many stores.
This article appears in Feb 17-23, 2011.