As my beer life goes, I was reared on wheats. I loved them from the start because they seemed ‘different.’ And compared to Rolling Rock, the complexity in a Blue Moon was like comparing Einstein to Rocky! Since I’ve budded a bit in my tasting, my desire for wheats has decreased somewhat, realizing the breadth of flavors and styles out there and being reluctant to handcuff myself to just one. However, I was glad I stumbled on this one. Drinking Three Floyds Gumballhead Wheat was like expecting a Tonka truck and getting a Ford F-250. The pour was simple, a not unusual golden, seemingly thin and light. The scent, however, began to spill the beer’s secrets a bit. There were hints of pine, juniper perhaps, that drifted easily out of the glass. The constant carbonation bubbled to the surface, but flattened against the thin head. My first sip was a shocker. That juniper went from seducing me to take sip, to boxing my tastebuds with a yet un-tasted flavor. While the mouthfeel was thin, almost easy, the flavors were so distinct I think I could only handle a single brew. As I washed it down, the earthy flavor continued, morphing in to a flowery, almost spearmint taste.

If for nothing else but its amazing distinctiveness, you need to give this beer a try.

ABV: 5.5%

Grade: A