Three Floyds really needs no introduction and most that have followed this blog for a while know how much I love ’em. How can a person not actually? They make some great brews.
So, let’s get to the website, 3floyds.com, and read the commercial description shall we?
An American Wheat Ale, Gumballhead is named in honor of the underground comic book cat created by Rob Syers. Initially a seasonal summer beer, now brewed year round due to demand. This beer helped redefine American Wheat Beers. Brewed with Amarillo Hops and a generous portion of American red wheat, Gumballhead has a complex hop aroma with notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, marmalade and peach. These flavors combined with low bitterness make Gumballhead a refreshing American Wheat Beer that doesn’t suck.
Time for the pour.
This brew came in a 12 oz. bottle and it had an ABV of 5.6%.
It poured a somewhat hazy, orangish/yellow color. The white crown was sized well, soft, fluffy, kind of soapy and just a touch rocky. The retention time was more than adequate and the lacing looked pretty nice too.
The bouquet had a suitable and sturdy odor of peach and grapefruit citrus with a very slight wheaty/grainy connotation. It was very fresh and clean smelling and, truth be told, it smelled a lot like a standard Pale Ale to me….. and that’s not a bad thing.
The flavor put forth more of the grapefruit and peach citrus with a decent bitter bite. I thought that a little bit more of the wheat characteristic came through in the taste than it did in the aroma. I also discovered some grassy hop tones as well. It was mostly juicy and, again, rather fresh and clean.
The mouthfeel was medium to medium/thin bodied. Just a touch water, but quite smooth, crisp, refreshing and thirst quenching. The carbonation was good and lively and a solid amount of flavor was left behind after each drink.
Well, one thing is for sure. This would make for a great Summer beer. It may become my “go-to” for yard work when the sun is blazing down. It was nothing overly complex, however it still had a great profile and was very good. I believe I could down several of these during one session without even thinking about it. As always, Three Floyds does not disappoint. Is Gumballhead the best Three Floyds beer I’ve ever had? No, but it’s easily worth a try if you can obtain some. I’m sure I’ll pick it up again soon.
Thanks for reading and commenting everyone. I really appreciate it.
Until next time. Cheers.
Score: 4.0 out of 5
Grade: B+
Beer Apprentice - Craft Beer News, Reviews, Interviews and Info. 