Bell’s Brewing Company- Kalamazoo Hopsoulution Ale: A reward from Bell’s for those two long years that I couldn’t get Two-Hearted Ale in Chicago.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 5:59PM | by Wes 
I received an interesting e-mail from a college buddy and fellow beer aficionado. He spoke of a new Bell’s Brew called Hopsoulotion that was an Illinois exclusive. He offered me a bottle of Bell’s 25th anniversary in exchange, so I decided to go on a scavenger hunt. I was able to track down the Hopsoulotion fairly easily and the label clearly read, “Brewed especially for the people of the great state of Illinois.” So I quickly grabbed a six-pack and ran for the register. I was floored when the brews rang up at close to $18 for a sixer, but I had to swallow my pride and open my wallet, this stuff better rock.
Hopsoulution pours thick, like a glass of maple syrup. Its chestnut hue and caramel colored foam compliments its flat and dense appearance. The aroma is sweet and complex leaning heavily toward the floral side. There is a bitter citrus that reminds me of grapefruit and a malty sweetness that smells like butter and fresh honey on homemade wheat toast. This is an amazing brew aesthetically.
If you have ever seen the movie Inception, then you will know it has so many subtle complexities that you just need to experience it for yourself. Well Hopsoulution is a dreamy Inception style trip through an alternate reality in a bottle. The flavor is so bold yet complex you will find yourself staring in amazement into your glass. Hopsoulution is very sweet at its core. The caramelized malt jumps out at first. This is followed by a warming sensation as the oily hops take over and add hints of pine, citrus, spice and heat. You can feel the after taste of alcohol coating and warming your throat.
Hopsoulution is a killer double/imperial IPA that will get hopheads buzzing. If you enjoy Bell’s Hopslam or New Holland’s Imperial Hatter you will be in heaven. This bold in strong brew is the perfect fall elixir to warm your bones after a day of raking fall leaves. However I would not recommend it for all autumn activities, like pumpkin carving for example. Hopsoulution and a sharp knife would go together like a flame thrower and a Chinese fireworks factory. If you live in Illinois you need to hunt this down. It might be the solution to your beer woes.
ABV: 8.4%
Consumed: Globe Glass
Verdict: Buy a Case
