first let me say i dig Bell's beers. can't say any of them were ever undrinkable, and can't say any were bad, and i probably had 8-9 of their beers. Best Brown is the bomb!! Well, tonight, i broke down and actually paid the $18 + tax for a 6 of Hopslam. First, let me tell ya' i am pretty much a hophead and IPA r my fav. i just couldn't get over the strong alcohol bite to this one, it busted right though, what seemed to be some Chinook. I am going to keep one for a few months and maybe it will mellow out, but man, worst $$ ever spent on a beer like that. i have had many $8.99 6'ers that are smoother and have more flavor, aroma and bitterness that Hopslam. Batch was 8911, which, according to website, was packaged on 01/20. not sure how long aged at brewery, but not long enough in my book. What has been your experience with Hopslam??