Abita Jockamo IPA

[fessphan]

Just had my 1st one. Not bad at all. Very Hoppy in initial taste, but nice fruity nuance beneath the bitterness. It is medium bodied so you will have no problem drinking a lot of them. The labels front and back are the most awesome labels on any beer Ive seen.
"When you hear the drums, join in the song, Iko! Iko! Jockamo fen an e'"

[mightyradgumbo]

Big fan of it myself, fess. I do know there are some of my friends who are not though. Oh well, more for me and you. :D

[tangledupinblue]

HA HA...just seeing Gumbo being the first response to an Abita thread made me smile! Leave it to you baybee!

Pahk my cah, retahd! Now how would you spell it Danno?

MONKEY!!!

[jolie]

Love the label and the story.. tastes good too! Not my favorite of all the Abita's, but it does have a lovely blue Cap:D

[Amyloves...]

Jolie you need to text me when you're gonna be on this side of the lake....I have a bag of Abita caps for you....and some of them are the lovely blue I believe.

[stlbarb]

Love the label and the story.. tastes good too! Not my favorite of all the Abita's, but it does have a lovely blue Cap:D

and those caps make very fun earrings.

i find IPA's to be rather hoppy. i enjoy one on occassion but i'm more of a stout and pale ale admirer.

[stlbarb]

Jolie you need to text me when you're gonna be on this side of the lake....I have a bag of Abita caps for you....and some of them are the lovely blue I believe.

Jolie, what are you doing with all of these caps?

[Amyloves...]

and those caps make very fun earrings.

i find IPA's to be rather hoppy. i enjoy one on occassion but i'm more of a stout and pale ale admirer.

I'm with you on that Barb....I don't dislike the IPA but it's never the Abita I'd choose. But I do like it better than the other IPAs I've tried.

[jolie]

Jolie, what are you doing with all of these caps?

Here's a lil something I do with the caps..

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10299&id=1321278763&l=e8230

there were a couple in the raffle last year, and this year too

[jolie]

Jolie you need to text me when you're gonna be on this side of the lake....I have a bag of Abita caps for you....and some of them are the lovely blue I believe.

Amy, I'm hoping to be in your neighborhood Thursday night.. you gonna be around?

[tangledupinblue]

Here's a lil something I do with the caps..

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10299&id=1321278763&l=e8230

there were a couple in the raffle last year, and this year too

Shoot that reminds me. I need to buy a couple from you for peeps that have seen them at my house. I will look at them online or get with ya about different colors they may like.

[Lit]

I'm a hophead and drink mostly IPAs, so I was happy to find the Abita Jockamo for the first time during Fest last year because most of their other beers tend towards the malty end of the spectrum. I like it well enough, but it could actually be a good deal hoppier for my tastes. Abita uses Columbus and Williamette hops for this beer, which is a decent blend but not my favorite hops.

I actually think I still prefer Restoration Ale the best because they use Cascade hops--one of my favorites--and it is so incredibly drinkable. Because I only drank the Jockamo during Fest last year though it is still relatively new to me and I need to compare the two a lot more. I have a few places here that carry the Restoration Ale for me, but no Jockamo in these parts yet.

[Amyloves...]

Amy, I'm hoping to be in your neighborhood Thursday night.. you gonna be around?

I'm hoping to be at Muses! Is that where you'll be?

[stlbarb]

Here's a lil something I do with the caps..

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10299&id=1321278763&l=e8230

there were a couple in the raffle last year, and this year too

those are fine!

i have earrings my friend made back around 93. i dont wear them much because they are quite heavy - she put multiple caps per earring.

trivia question - what year did Abita go twist off?

[jolie]

I'm hoping to be at Muses! Is that where you'll be?

No.. we're stopping at my GFs right by your house to pick up some tickets then heading to Tips for Papa Mali...

I'll get them from you at some point, or you can drop them off on her porch.. she won't mind:)

[Amyloves...]

I'm a hophead and drink mostly IPAs, so I was happy to find the Abita Jockamo for the first time during Fest last year because most of their other beers tend towards the malty end of the spectrum. I like it well enough, but it could actually be a good deal hoppier for my tastes. Abita uses Columbus and Williamette hops for this beer, which is a decent blend but not my favorite hops.

I actually think I still prefer Restoration Ale the best because they use Cascade hops--one of my favorites--and it is so incredibly drinkable. Because I only drank the Jockamo during Fest last year though it is still relatively new to me and I need to compare the two a lot more. I have a few places here that carry the Restoration Ale for me, but no Jockamo in these parts yet.

That probably explains why I like it better than Restoration Ale....guess I like my beer malty rather than hoppy. But I try to discriminate against no Abita!

[Lit]

trivia question - what year did Abita go twist off?


Hey Gumbo, when did you first develop carpal tunnel syndrome?

Interestingly, Sierra Nevada went from twist offs to the ones that require openers last year, claiming the new caps keep the beer fresher longer. Then again, I'm guessing that beer expiration dates have never posed much of an issue for Gumbo...

[festbabe]

..
trivia question - what year did Abita go twist off?

Hey Gumbo, when did you first develop carpal tunnel syndrome?

...

:D

[mightyradgumbo]

Hey Gumbo, when did you first develop carpal tunnel syndrome?

Interestingly, Sierra Nevada went from twist offs to the ones that require openers last year, claiming the new caps keep the beer fresher longer. Then again, I'm guessing that beer expiration dates have never posed much of an issue for Gumbo...

My first case of carpal tunnel had to do with a Farrah Fawcett poster but I digress. :p

Yeah, beer expiration dates and I have never really been at odds, 'specially Abita and Sam Adams who, IMHO, produce some of the freshest beer.

[swag]

Some beers actually age very well, improving, as would a fine wine. High-alcohol, full-flavored, malty ales are good to age, as are lambics.

Even though it's usually hoppy, I've had great experiences aging Sierra Nevada Celebration for 2-5 years.

Here's one article on it: http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/12/opinion/trlambic.php

[Apostrophe (')]

Some beers actually age very well, improving, as would a fine wine. High-alcohol, full-flavored, malty ales are good to age, as are lambics.


Agreed, if there's one thing I've learned from living in the small batch beer capitol of the US it's that most any Porter, Stout, Barleywine or Imperial from a reputable craft brewer should age well. If it doesn't, you're drinking the wrong beer :D

[festivalgirl]

Agreed, if there's one thing I've learned from living in the small batch beer capitol of the US it's that most any Porter, Stout, Barleywine or Imperial from a reputable craft brewer should age well. If it doesn't, you're drinking the wrong beer :D

We were at Firestone Brewery in Paso Robles this weekend. The Red Tail Ale is quite yummy. They do their Double Barrel Ale unfiltered at the brewery only. It is also quite good.

[Apostrophe (')]

We were at Firestone Brewery in Paso Robles this weekend. The Red Tail Ale is quite yummy. They do their Double Barrel Ale unfiltered at the brewery only. It is also quite good.

Sounds delicious. California has quite a few excellent breweries as well. I haven't had any Firestone beer though. I'll have to check it out next time I'm down that way...:)

[stlbarb]

OMG - Mich. company to make craft beer for Kid Rock

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29241015/?gt1=43001

[Lit]

Some beers actually age very well, improving, as would a fine wine. High-alcohol, full-flavored, malty ales are good to age, as are lambics.

Even though it's usually hoppy, I've had great experiences aging Sierra Nevada Celebration for 2-5 years.

Here's one article on it: http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/12/opinion/trlambic.php

Yes, the hops are both a bittering agent and a preservative. In fact, the reason why India Pale Ale is so hoppy, and how it got its name, is because the Brits loaded it with hops to preserve it for the boat trip from England to India in the days when India was a British colony.

I've got Celebration Ales, and many others, going back more than ten years, but they do get much maltier and more boozy over time; they end up tasting more like a barley wine. I like the way the Anchor Merry Christmas & Happy New Year beer ages better, because the spices mellow and change over time. And then there are the old ales like Thomas Hardy's, that are meant to age; I have some of those as old as 1984.

[Apostrophe (')]

Yes, the hops are both a bittering agent and a preservative. In fact, the reason why India Pale Ale is so hoppy, and how it got its name, is because the Brits loaded it with hops to preserve it for the boat trip from England to India in the days when India was a British colony.

There's actually quite a constant debate among brewers and connoseiurs over the origins and definition of IPA. It's a very popular barroom beer snob argument around here.

I've got Celebration Ales, and many others, going back more than ten years, but they do get much maltier and more boozy over time; they end up tasting more like a barley wine. I like the way the Anchor Merry Christmas & Happy New Year beer ages better, because the spices mellow and change over time. And then there are the old ales like Thomas Hardy's, that are meant to age; I have some of those as old as 1984.

Lit, you're my kind of beer drinker :D

[Apostrophe (')]

OMG - Mich. company to make craft beer for Kid Rock

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29241015/?gt1=43001

Heh, funny. I always thought Kid Rock would be more of a sports beer kinda guy. I wonder if the company will sell his beer in 40's :D

[Lit]

There's actually quite a constant debate among brewers and connoseiurs over the origins and definition of IPA. It's a very popular barroom beer snob argument around here.

Well the history of the origins of IPA occurred well before my time, so I was going on what I read over the years, which I'm sure has some myth in it. I've never heard the other theories or any argument about it, but I'm actually at the lower end of the "beer snob" spectrum among my friends, so I'm sure there's a lot of stuff I don't hear. I know what I like and I am always trying to find more, and more interesting, beers in my preferred styles. I have only tried to glean enough knowledge about what makes beers taste the way they do (e.g., different types of hops) to assist me in that quest.

Whether or not it was intended that way from the start, I don't think there is any debate about the fact that hops act as both a bittering agent and a preservative. But you are right that, to my dismay, there is no regulation controlling what can and cannot be called an "IPA." Although I believe it is commonly accepted among most beer folks that it should at least connote a beer at the hoppier end of the spectrum, I've found plenty of unquaffable and downright malty swill labeled "IPA" when experimenting with ones I haven't had before. And, by the same token, there are plenty of hoppy beers like Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale and Celebration Ale that are not labeled IPAs, but taste more like what I would consider a true IPA than most of the products that call themselves IPAs.

[ohio]

I'm a hophead and drink mostly IPAs, so I was happy to find the Abita Jockamo for the first time during Fest last year because most of their other beers tend towards the malty end of the spectrum. I like it well enough, but it could actually be a good deal hoppier for my tastes. Abita uses Columbus and Williamette hops for this beer, which is a decent blend but not my favorite hops.

I actually think I still prefer Restoration Ale the best because they use Cascade hops--one of my favorites--and it is so incredibly drinkable. Because I only drank the Jockamo during Fest last year though it is still relatively new to me and I need to compare the two a lot more. I have a few places here that carry the Restoration Ale for me, but no Jockamo in these parts yet.
I love Cascade too (and restoration). It is the standard for flowery hops. Was a home brewer for years, my brother had a friend in Oregon, and arranged to send fresh Cascade to me. He got it for free or at a huge discount as it was batches rejected by AB. I always wondered what the hell AB used Cascade in? Likely they used it in such small quantity as to be impercetible in taste...
My beer store guy tells me he can no longer get Restoration- says they won't export it to Ohio any more (?)

[Lit]

I love Cascade too (and restoration). It is the standard for flowery hops. Was a home brewer for years, my brother had a friend in Oregon, and arranged to send fresh Cascade to me. He got it for free or at a huge discount as it was batches rejected by AB. I always wondered what the hell AB used Cascade in? Likely they used it in such small quantity as to be impercetible in taste...
My beer store guy tells me he can no longer get Restoration- says they won't export it to Ohio any more (?)

Yeah, I like both the flowery and citrus characteristics of Cascade hops. I think Centennial hops have similar qualities. I've grown most fond of the citrus qualities--especially grapefruit--and find that the Simcoe, Amarillo and even Chinook hops seem to provide a healthy dose of the taste and nose that I like in this vein.

Too bad about the Restoration Ale in your area. I'll actually just finished the last of my most recent stock after the Derek Trucks Band show the other night, so I need to check my local supplier again. Hopefully I can still get it here.

CT is one of the worst states for availability because of our strict labeling laws, which make it hard for new labels to come into the state. We often load up in other states. Not sure what you can in Ohio, but here are some my present (and some long-time) favorites:

West Coast IPA (Green Flash Brewing, San Diego)
Avery IPA (Boulder, CO)
Racer 5 IPA (Bear Republic, CA)
Big Eye IPA (Ballast Point Brewing, San Diego)
Two Hearted Ale (Bell's Brewing, Michigan)
Wyerbacher Simcoe Double IPA (Easton, PA)
Smuttynose IPA (Portsmouth, NH)
Torpedo IPA (Sierra Nevada, Chico, CA)
Stone IPA (Escondido, CA)
Brutal Bitter (Rogue, Newport, OR)
Bengali Tiger IPA (Sixpoint Craft Ales, Brooklyn)

[steeleye]

I, too, am a hophead. One of my favorites from the Philly area is Victory Hop Devil. Aptly-named and worth checking out. I think it is generally available in the Northeast.

[Apostrophe (')]

Racer 5 IPA (Bear Republic, CA)

One of my favorites also. I've never had a bad beer from Bear Republic. They also make an overhopped version of Racer 5 called Racer X. Not sure if they bottle it, but man it's delicious.

[Apostrophe (')]

I, too, am a hophead. One of my favorites from the Philly area is Victory Hop Devil. Aptly-named and worth checking out. I think it is generally available in the Northeast.

We get Victory out here too. Definitely tasty :)

[ozgal]

Altho here in oz our beers are predominantly lagers. James Squires makes some very good hop beers. Went to a beer and food tasting with the brewer and the i.p.a was delicious. If abita is anything like j.s i will definitely be drinking it while i am over in the states

[Lit]

I, too, am a hophead. One of my favorites from the Philly area is Victory Hop Devil. Aptly-named and worth checking out. I think it is generally available in the Northeast.

Yep, we get Victory here too and I generally like all of their beers. I used to like the Hop Devil a lot but I burned out on it. I love their seasonal Hop Wallop the best by far and buy up a lot of it every year; I'm actually running low on my stock right now and need to see if I can pick up some more.

One of my favorites also. I've never had a bad beer from Bear Republic. They also make an overhopped version of Racer 5 called Racer X. Not sure if they bottle it, but man it's delicious.

That is definitely true. Every beer Bear Republic makes is excellent imo. One of my favorite overall brewers. I've had the Racer X on tap before too and love it.

[tabasco]

I could go on and on about IPA's!!! Was a big hop head but my hop addiction has cooled a bit, thanks to a visit to the Czech Republic. Now Pilsners seem to be my thing.

I did recently buy a 6 pack of Stone IPA...It was awesome! :D

As far as the type of hops I like? Kent Goldings. Used to brew and also have traveled extensively in the UK. That might explain it a bit. ;)

[fessphan]

I live about 30 minutes from Stone. Their brewery is like the Red Rocks of craft breweries. Tours are free. Ballast Point, Pizza Port, and Ale smith are great too. Great, now I'm thirsty.

[swag]

I always wondered what the hell AB used Cascade in?


Probably in the marketing.

[festivalgirl]

I live about 30 minutes from Stone. Their brewery is like the Red Rocks of craft breweries. Tours are free. Ballast Point, Pizza Port, and Ale smith are great too. Great, now I'm thirsty.

We're trying to meet up with some friends at Stone this year. We'll definitely let you know when! A TH Meet-up @ Stone seems like a nice event. :D

[mightyradgumbo]

I love Cascade too (and restoration). It is the standard for flowery hops. Was a home brewer for years, my brother had a friend in Oregon, and arranged to send fresh Cascade to me. He got it for free or at a huge discount as it was batches rejected by AB. I always wondered what the hell AB used Cascade in? Likely they used it in such small quantity as to be impercetible in taste...
My beer store guy tells me he can no longer get Restoration- says they won't export it to Ohio any more (?)

I know AB is using it in their American Ale which came out last fall, I think. They prolly didn't know how to brew it before they got bought out by InBev so they had to get rid of the cascade.

[Apostrophe (')]

We were at Firestone Brewery in Paso Robles this weekend. The Red Tail Ale is quite yummy. They do their Double Barrel Ale unfiltered at the brewery only. It is also quite good.

Was surprised to find FW Union Jack in a 22 at my local beer shop today. Had to pick one up of course. Now it's taunting me from the fridge :)

[festivalgirl]

Was surprised to find FW Union Jack in a 22 at my local beer shop today. Had to pick one up of course. Now it's taunting me from the fridge :)

Nice find!! I like IPA's


Union Jack

The newest member of the Firestone family, Union Jack is the aggressive IPA that you’ve been searching for. Citrus, pineapple, and a full chewy malt profile finish clean on your palate. Over 70 IBUs and 7.5% alcohol by volume, Union Jack won’t have any problem competing with the big India Pale Ales. A beer true to its origins; deeply hopped and bolstered for a long voyage.
ACCOLADES:

* 2008 World Beer Cup Silver Medal - American Strong IPA

STYLE:
American IPA

* Alcohol By Volume- 7.5%
* Color - 8L (Pale)
* IBU- 72 (High)

FERMENTATION:

100% Stainless Steel Fermentation
MALTS:

* Premium Two-Row (Metcalf & Kendall varieties)
* Munich
* Cara Pils
* Simpson’s Light Crystal
HOPS: (4 lbs/BBL)
o Bittering - Warrior, Simcoe
o Late Kettle - Cascade, Centennial
o Dry Hops - Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Simcoe
AVAILABILITY:

California (limited)

6 pack & draft (13.3g/5.2g)

[Lit]

Nice find!! I like IPA's


Union Jack

The newest member of the Firestone family, Union Jack is the aggressive IPA that you’ve been searching for. Citrus, pineapple, and a full chewy malt profile finish clean on your palate. Over 70 IBUs and 7.5% alcohol by volume, Union Jack won’t have any problem competing with the big India Pale Ales. A beer true to its origins; deeply hopped and bolstered for a long voyage.
ACCOLADES:

* 2008 World Beer Cup Silver Medal - American Strong IPA

STYLE:
American IPA

* Alcohol By Volume- 7.5%
* Color - 8L (Pale)
* IBU- 72 (High)

FERMENTATION:

100% Stainless Steel Fermentation
MALTS:

* Premium Two-Row (Metcalf & Kendall varieties)
* Munich
* Cara Pils
* Simpson’s Light Crystal
HOPS: (4 lbs/BBL)
o Bittering - Warrior, Simcoe
o Late Kettle - Cascade, Centennial
o Dry Hops - Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Simcoe
AVAILABILITY:

California (limited)

6 pack & draft (13.3g/5.2g)

Wow. Every one of my favorite hops, in one beer.

Must...find...Union...Jack

[festivalgirl]

Wow. Every one of my favorite hops, in one beer.

Must...find...Union...Jack

Don't know if it gets back east. I have an idea though ...... will get back to y'all about this in a couple of days.

[steeleye]

Nice find!! I like IPA's


Union Jack

The newest member of the Firestone family, Union Jack is the aggressive IPA that you’ve been searching for. Citrus, pineapple, and a full chewy malt profile finish clean on your palate. Over 70 IBUs and 7.5% alcohol by volume, Union Jack won’t have any problem competing with the big India Pale Ales. A beer true to its origins; deeply hopped and bolstered for a long voyage.
ACCOLADES:

* 2008 World Beer Cup Silver Medal - American Strong IPA

STYLE:
American IPA

* Alcohol By Volume- 7.5%
* Color - 8L (Pale)
* IBU- 72 (High)

FERMENTATION:

100% Stainless Steel Fermentation
MALTS:

* Premium Two-Row (Metcalf & Kendall varieties)
* Munich
* Cara Pils
* Simpson’s Light Crystal
HOPS: (4 lbs/BBL)
o Bittering - Warrior, Simcoe
o Late Kettle - Cascade, Centennial
o Dry Hops - Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Simcoe
AVAILABILITY:

California (limited)

6 pack & draft (13.3g/5.2g)

Don't tease me like this.

[festivalgirl]

Don't tease me like this.

I'm sorry. I didn't realize you guys couldn't get it :( :o

[Apostrophe (')]

Citrus, pineapple, and a full chewy malt profile finish clean on your palate. Over 70 IBUs and 7.5% alcohol by volume

Pretty much sums it up ;) The pineapple flavor is really nice, without being overpowering or making the beer taste sweet.

[steeleye]

I'm sorry. I didn't realize you guys couldn't get it :( :o

I'm living vicariously on the left coast!

[festivalgirl]

I'm living vicariously on the left coast!

I know. What's your favorite wine?

[Apostrophe (')]

I'm living vicariously on the left coast!

You could always come visit... :)

[festivalgirl]

I'm living vicariously on the left coast!

You could always come visit... :)

We've been threatening to take Murray wine tasting for a few years now. ;)

[Apostrophe (')]

We've been threatening to take Murray wine tasting for a few years now. ;)

That's something my wife and I have been wanting to do for a while now too. We decided on JF this year instead :)

[Apostrophe (')]

That's something my wife and I have been wanting to do for a while now too. We decided on JF this year instead :)

Heh, the wine tasting part, i mean :D

[steeleye]

My smartass answer to the "what is my favorite wine question"...the one I'm drinking now.

I've been fortunate enough to have had an Opus One that I thought was tremendous, and a really good Stag's Leap. A good friend once gave me a bottle of Petrus, ('86 I think). It was considered an off-year by the wine snobs which is why my buddy came upon some. It might have been an off-year, but I thought I tasted what the fuss is about regarding first-growths. Just wish I had the pocketbook to explore more. Mostly I stick to the $20 or so bottles. Plenty of good value in that range.

[festivalgirl]

My smartass answer to the "what is my favorite wine question"...the one I'm drinking now.

I've been fortunate enough to have had an Opus One that I thought was tremendous, and a really good Stag's Leap. A good friend once gave me a bottle of Petrus, ('86 I think). It was considered an off-year by the wine snobs which is why my buddy came upon some. It might have been an off-year, but I thought I tasted what the fuss is about regarding first-growths. Just wish I had the pocketbook to explore more. Mostly I stick to the $20 or so bottles. Plenty of good value in that range.

what flavor?

[festivalgirl]

That's something my wife and I have been wanting to do for a while now too. We decided on JF this year instead :)

You've got some nice wines in your back yard. I like Oregon Pinot's.

We prefer Central Coast to Napa/Sonoma (attitude & taste). For us, it's a pretty inexpensive getaway ... as long as we restrain from buying too much! ;)

[steeleye]

what flavor?

Right now, I'm having some beer. Peak Organic Nut Brown Ale from Portland, Maine.

[festivalgirl]

Right now, I'm having some beer. Peak Organic Nut Brown Ale from Portland, Maine.

Ok, you're making it impossible for me to be able to surprise you at JF. What flavor wine do you prefer?

[MormonMatthew]

Anyone else getting thirsty?

It might be time to head to the store soon.........

Happy Gras!!!

[steeleye]

Ok, you're making it impossible for me to be able to surprise you at JF. What flavor wine do you prefer?

Either Pinot or Cab.

[festivalgirl]

Either Pinot or Cab.

I knew I liked you!!! :)

[steeleye]

I knew I liked you!!! :)

I won't tell Mary if you won't tell Steve.

[festivalgirl]

I won't tell Mary if you won't tell Steve.

Deal ;)