Bell's Citrus Hopslam 6Pk Cans

Bell's Citrus Hopslam 6Pk Cans is a 10% ABV Double IPA from Bell's Brewery built on Nectaron and Citra hops for an aggressively citrus-forward profile. This modern evolution of the legendary Hopslam line—whose original expression earned a 98 "World-Class" rating on BeerAdvocate—swaps the pine-resin hop character of the classic version for vibrant tropical citrus while keeping the signature honey addition and formidable strength intact.

Quick Facts: ABV: 10%  |  Origin: Comstock, Michigan, USA  |  Style: Double IPA  |  Brewery: Bell's Brewery  |  IBU: 70

Production & Heritage

Bell's Brewery, founded in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan (now headquartered in Comstock), is one of the oldest craft breweries in the Midwest and currently operates under New Belgium Brewing's parent company. The original Hopslam Ale debuted over two decades ago as an exercise in pushing Pacific Northwest hop varietals to their limits, eventually becoming one of the few beers to achieve a perfect 100 on both RateBeer and BeerAdvocate. Citrus Hopslam retains the Two-Row and Caramel malt backbone, real honey addition, and Bell's house ale yeast, but replaces the Simcoe-driven dry-hop with Nectaron and Citra—two hop varieties prized for their tropical and citrus oil content—resulting in a fundamentally different aromatic and flavor experience at the same 10% ABV and 70 IBU framework.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Opens with a burst of tangy orange peel and white grapefruit, followed by ripe mango and pineapple. A subtle honeyed sweetness sits underneath the tropical hop aromatics, keeping the nose complex rather than one-dimensional.

Taste: The entry is juicy and almost nectar-like, with lemon zest and cantaloupe arriving first before a wave of pineapple and mango fills the mid-palate. Sweet caramel malt and honey provide structural balance against the aggressive hop bitterness, while the 10% ABV is remarkably well-integrated and never harsh.

Finish: Clean and resinous, drying out with a lingering citrus bitterness that invites the next sip. A slight stickiness on the palate and moderate carbonation give the finish real texture.

How to Drink Citrus Hopslam

Pour into a tulip glass or snifter at 45–50°F to let the citrus hop oils fully express themselves; drinking straight from the can will mute the aromatic complexity that defines this beer. While a Double IPA this bold is best appreciated on its own, it also works in a Hopslam Shandy (cut with fresh lemonade to temper the ABV while amplifying citrus), a Michelada (the tropical hop character pairs naturally with lime juice and hot sauce), or a Beer-a-Rita (blended frozen with lime and salt for a high-octane summer cooler).

Best For

• Sharing with hopheads who chase limited seasonal IPA releases
• Pairing alongside a backyard cookout featuring grilled citrus-marinated chicken
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast familiar with the original Hopslam legacy
• Celebrating a special occasion where a high-ABV statement beer sets the tone

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Citrus Hopslam taste like? Citrus Hopslam delivers bold tropical and citrus flavors—orange, grapefruit, pineapple, and mango—balanced by caramel malt sweetness, real honey, and a clean resinous bitterness at 70 IBU. Despite 10% ABV, the alcohol is well-hidden behind the juicy hop character.

How does Citrus Hopslam compare to Pliny the Elder? Both are benchmark Double IPAs, but Citrus Hopslam runs higher in alcohol (10% vs. Pliny's 8%) and leans heavily into tropical citrus from Nectaron and Citra hops, while Pliny the Elder emphasizes a more balanced, pine-and-floral West Coast bitterness. The Hopslam line also incorporates honey in the brewing process, adding a subtle sweetness that Pliny deliberately avoids.

Is Citrus Hopslam good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—its complexity rewards slow sipping from a proper glass, and the honey-backed malt sweetness keeps the intense hop bitterness from becoming fatiguing. Just be mindful of the 10% ABV, which can sneak up quickly.

Where is Citrus Hopslam made? Citrus Hopslam is brewed by Bell's Brewery at their production facility in Comstock, Michigan, located in the state's southwest corner. Bell's has operated in the Kalamazoo/Comstock area since 1985.

What foods pair well with Citrus Hopslam? Spicy Thai curry (the hop bitterness and citrus cut through coconut milk richness), grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa (tropical hop notes echo the fruit), sharp aged cheddar (fat and salt balance the bitterness), jerk chicken (the beer's sweetness tames the heat), and key lime pie (citrus-on-citrus amplification with a bitter counterpoint).

What sizes does Citrus Hopslam come in? Citrus Hopslam is available in multi-pack cans as a seasonal, limited release; the standard retail format is a six-pack of cans.

Is Citrus Hopslam worth the price? Citrus Hopslam positions as a premium seasonal Double IPA, priced above everyday craft offerings but justified by its 10% ABV, specialty hop bill featuring Nectaron and Citra, and the cachet of the Hopslam name—one of the most celebrated DIPA brands in American craft brewing.

Why Citrus Hopslam?

The original Hopslam Ale helped define what an American Double IPA could be, earning near-perfect ratings across every major beer review platform and routinely appearing on "Best Beers in America" lists, including a fourth-place finish in Zymurgy magazine's annual survey. Citrus Hopslam takes that proven 10% ABV, honey-infused foundation and retools it for modern palates by swapping the original Simcoe-dominant dry-hop for Nectaron and Citra—two varieties that deliver dramatically more tropical and citrus aromatic oil. The result is a beer that bridges Bell's legacy with the juicy-IPA movement without abandoning the firm West Coast bitterness that made Hopslam iconic. For anyone who respects what the original accomplished but craves a brighter, more fruit-forward interpretation, Citrus Hopslam is the definitive update.