For today’s craft beer review I’m going to sample the Abita Jockamo India Pale Ale brewed by the Abita Brewing Company in Abita Springs, Louisiana.

I have tried several brews made by Abita and all have been decently made beers, so I’m eager to see how this one compares to the others.

I found this description from the website, abita.com, on the Jockamo India Pale Ale.

Jockamo is named for the tribes of dancing, singing, chanting “Mardi Gras Indians” who have marched in New Orleans for over 250 years.  When you hear the drums, join in the song… “Iko!  Iko!  Jockamo fe na ne.”

Jockamo I.P.A. is a traditional India Pale Ale made with the best pale and light crystal malts that give the beer a copper color and malty flavor.  This full-flavored beer is hopped and dry hopped liberally with Willamette and Columbus hops from the Pacific Northwest and has a 6.5% ABV.  The spicy aroma of the hops contrasts nicely with the pleasant sweetness of the malts.  Jockamo has a flavor that entices and excites the palate.  The intense hop character adds more spice to the meal and makes it a perfect choice to team up with many spicy dishes.  Cheddar and strong farmer cheeses stand up well to Jockamo’s hoppy character.  Jockamo goes well with wild game, grilled meats and Thai or Mexican cuisine. 

Let’s see if the taste matches the description.

This beer came in a 12 oz. bottle and has an ABV of 6.5%.

The Abita Jockamo IPA poured a nice orange/copper color with an off white, somewhat soapy head.  The size of the cap was decent and it maintained the form for an adequate amount of time.  The lacing didn’t look half bad either as it left behind some foam as I worked my way down the glass.  The beer was hazy at first pour, yet cleared up nicely as the brew warmed a bit.

The aroma brought forth some earthy hop notes along with very light hints of grapefruit, pine and insignificant amounts of orange peel.  A sweet caramel and toffee malt juxtaposed with a buttery, biscuit breadiness helped to even out the, otherwise, hoppy aroma.  I even found a fragrance of sour dough in there.  Overall, the nose was balanced well, however I thought it was just a touch relaxed and subdued.

As far as flavor goes, this beer started with a significant, earthy, resinous, hop bite.  The citrus tinges were not very prominent.  Some were there, but as the brew warmed considerably, the malt started to dominate.  The maltiness was comprised of a sweet, sugary caramel and a toasted bready and biscuit savor.  The sweetness started to die down noticeably as it settled, which let a slight alcohol taste creep into the profile.  Again, balanced well and even, however I was hoping for a bit more “oomph.”

The mouthfeel was medium to somewhat thin.  It started mostly dry, but became a little bit watery after a few moments.  It was smooth, had some bite and left a suitable amount of flavor on the palate.  The carbonation was “ok” and a satisfactory “warmth” was felt as the brew slid down the throat.

All in all, the Abita Jockamo IPA wasn’t bad.  It was easily drinkable and worth picking up if you happen to see it on the shelves.  It did seem to lose its luster a tad bit after it warmed considerably, however it was still decent.  I, personally, didn’t think that it was as fruity or citrusy in the smell or the aroma as some other IPA’s seem to be.  I wouldn’t have any problem drinking it again if it was offered, but I, basically, thought this was a “middle of the road” IPA.

Thanks for reading and commenting guys.  I hope you are enjoying the posts.  I have many more to come.

Cheers!!!

Score:  3.5 out of 5
Grade:  B-