8.5% ABV, 93 IBUs

As any beer fanatic in the midwest and beyond knows, January is Bells Hopslam season. Long on hops and ABV but short on supply, it can be tough to find in even the biggest markets. As if battling fellow fanatics for the limited supply wasn’t hard enough, you also apparently have to compete with bottle shops (see: Hopslamgate here, here,  here, here, and here).

The good news: while Hopslam is inarguably amazing, there are an abundance of other great Imperial/Double IPAs available.

Here in Central Ohio, we are blessed to have Bodhi from Columbus Brewing Company. Bodhi breaks from the English IPA malt character found in many Midwestern IPAs and opts for the dry, hop-forward style you’d find on the West Coast. It has an enchanting aroma of tropical fruit and citrus, followed by a bitter, yet balanced, finish. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this beer is that it weighs in at 8.5% ABV- no beer this big and this hoppy has no business being this smooth. I suggest splitting a growler with a friend or two, otherwise you will end up drinking the whole thing yourself before you know it.

Unfortunately for most of the country, CBC does not currently bottle Bodhi. This leaves you a few options if you’d like to be enlightened to the appeals of Bodhi.

Option 1- Set up a beer trade with someone in the area. While growlers/howlers/grumblers aren’t the best option for shipping beer, growler shops like the Ohio Taproom and their space-age oxygen-purging filling station mean a growler will last at least a month or two before any degradation occurs.

Option 2- Visit Columbus! Cbus has a variety of world-class breweries, distilleries, wineries, and a meadery waiting for you. On top of that, city pride dictates that a rising tide raises all boats, so you can find Bodhi on tap in a variety of places, including CBC competitors.

Option 3- Pick up a six pack of CBC IPA and imagine that greatness multiplied by two. Then see option 1 or 2.

With the popularity of IPAs leading the craft beer charge for the last few years, there are no doubt fantastic local Imperial/DIPAs in your area. Hopslam is great, don’t get me wrong, but don’t overlook the bounty in your backyard. I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments below.

Prost!