Bell's Hopsolution Ale 6Pk

Bell's Hopsolution Ale 6Pk is a Michigan-brewed Double IPA (8.00% ABV) sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles or cans. Distinguished by its use of Mosaic hops — originally designated experimental hop #369 — this bold imperial IPA has earned a strong 4 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 56,000 reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.00%  |  Origin: Michigan, USA  |  Style: Double IPA / Imperial IPA  |  Brewery: Bell's Brewery

Production & Heritage

Bell's Brewery, headquartered in Comstock, Michigan, is one of the oldest and most respected craft breweries in the Midwest. Hopsolution Ale was originally brewed for release in Illinois, then revived in 2011 with a reformulated recipe that incorporated experimental hop #369 — now widely known as Mosaic, a hop variety prized for its layered tropical and citrus character. The beer is brewed with water, malt, hops, and Bell's proprietary house ale yeast, resulting in a full-flavored Double IPA that balances aggressive hop bitterness against a caramel malt backbone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with vibrant tropical fruit — pineapple, passion fruit, and ripe citrus. Underneath, a faint sweetness reminiscent of cotton candy drifts through, layered with piney, resinous hop character.

Taste: On the palate, a light-to-medium caramel maltiness establishes the foundation before giving way to bold citrus and tropical fruit — orange, tangerine, lemon, and mango. The mid-palate shifts toward pronounced grapefruit flesh and rind bitterness, accented by pithy, piney hop oils. Leafy, herbal hop notes emerge as the beer opens up.

Finish: The finish is remarkably long, decisively dry, and intensely bitter. Lingering grapefruit rind and pine resin carry through, keeping the palate engaged well after the last sip.

How to Drink Hopsolution Ale

Pour into a tulip glass or IPA glass at around 45–50°F to fully release the aromatic hop oils; drinking straight from the can or bottle shortchanges the tropical nose. Hopsolution works well in a Hop Shandy, combining equal parts beer and fresh lemonade to temper the bitterness on a hot day. It also brings depth to a Michelada, where its citrus intensity plays well against lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice. For a creative pairing, try it in a Beer-a-Rita — blending it with fresh orange juice and a salted rim lets the tropical hop profile shine in a new context.

Best For

• Sharing with friends at a backyard barbecue or cookout
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who gravitates toward hop-forward styles
• Pairing with bold, spicy foods at a casual dinner
• Building out a Double IPA tasting flight alongside other Michigan craft beers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hopsolution Ale taste like? Hopsolution Ale delivers bold tropical fruit and citrus flavors — pineapple, orange, and grapefruit — supported by a caramel malt base and finished with a long, dry, intensely bitter hop character. It drinks like a textbook Double IPA with pronounced Mosaic hop influence.

How does Hopsolution Ale compare to Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA? Both are imperial-strength IPAs at similar ABVs, but Hopsolution leans heavily on Mosaic hops for a more tropical, citrus-forward profile, while Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA is known for its continuously hopped process that yields a more layered, resinous, and balanced bitterness. Hopsolution tends to drink drier on the finish.

Is Hopsolution Ale good for hop lovers? Absolutely — at 8.00% ABV with a dry, bitter finish and intense tropical and citrus hop aromatics, this is a beer designed squarely for drinkers who enjoy aggressive hop character in an imperial IPA format.

Where is Hopsolution Ale made? Hopsolution Ale is brewed by Bell's Brewery in Comstock, Michigan, one of the pioneering craft breweries in the American Midwest. Bell's has been a cornerstone of Michigan's craft beer scene for decades.

What foods pair well with Hopsolution Ale? Spicy Thai or Indian curries match well, as the hop bitterness cuts through rich heat. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda provides a savory counterpoint to the citrus hops. Grilled burgers with peppery toppings complement the malt backbone. Fish tacos with mango salsa echo the beer's tropical notes. Pepperoni or sausage pizza stands up to the bold bitterness without being overwhelmed.

What sizes does Hopsolution Ale come in? Bell's Hopsolution Ale is commonly available in a six-pack format of 12 oz bottles or cans.

Is Hopsolution Ale worth the price? Hopsolution Ale positions as a mid-range craft Double IPA, and given Bell's reputation, the use of Mosaic hops, and its 8.00% ABV, it represents solid value within the imperial IPA category.

Why Hopsolution Ale?

The defining feature of Hopsolution Ale is its reliance on Mosaic hops — a variety that was still experimental when Bell's first incorporated it into this recipe in 2011. That early adoption gave Hopsolution a tropical, citrus-saturated character that anticipated the hop-forward movement now dominating American craft beer. With more than 56,000 ratings on Untappd and a consistent 4 out of 5 score, this Double IPA has proven its staying power among serious hop enthusiasts. Backed by Bell's Brewery's decades of Michigan brewing heritage, Hopsolution Ale earns its place as a reliable, flavor-packed imperial IPA.