Gumballhead - Three Floyds Brewing Co. & Brewpub

HopZen

Indiana

2.75/5  rDev -35.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served into standard pint glass.

A: Hazy golden amber with 1 finger of off-white, large bubble head that simmers but stays put overall.

S: Pine and citrus hops, very potent and inviting, but not very wheat ale. Very light hint of wheat backbone as well as cloves. Nice lacing as the fluid level drops.

T: Heavy front hit of grapefruit from the hops, seems like it may be too much, but the underlying malts balance out fairly well before it nears an unpleasant bitter, well done. However, as I proceed through the pint, the malt begins to struggle to hold up its end of the bargain. Finishes up with a light lemon kick and touch of spice. Very refreshing, but missing the real character of the wheat.

M: Mild bodied overall, as appropriate, not at all watery. Carbonation is a good mid-high ground; contributes well to the crisp, semi-dry finish.

O: A very pleasant offering, once again, from FFF. I have to say, however, that the level of hops doesn't really say "wheat beer" to me but feels more like a blurring in IPA. In addition, I feel like the wheat is lost behind the potent, although balanced, hop flavors. Regardless, I did enjoy this beer and doubt it will be my last Gumballhead.

Note that my ratings are pulled down by my opinion that this blurs the line too much to be called a wheat beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 00:38:00 | More by HopZen

lungboy

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

As a general rule I would not choose a wheat beer. I usually taste circus peanut and fake banana even in the most subtle of brews. Gumball head, however, is like a punk rocker in a Laura Ashley mall-outlet store when it comes to this category. I want to watch it rip the living hell out of the pastel bunting and fling poo on the marbled wallpaper facades.

This beer has a sturdy astringent backbone sinewed with sweet and hearty muscle that has been arrived at honestly. No high-altitude/HGH treatments here. I drank a 22oz. bomber and really look forward to the next. This is not a wheat beer. Yeah, it was made with wheat, but if you put a lemon in it, I wouldn't be surprised if it gave you a black eye.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2004 02:25:22 | More by lungboy

chiefkellen

Illinois

4/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

-12oz bottle served in Weizen glass.
-03/08/2010 At home, relaxed

Aroma: Light nose of (citrusy) Amarillo hops and sweet malt.

Appearance: Light, hazy gold, almost yellow; would be effervescent if not for the suspended sediment. Quick carbonation formed a thin, white head that dissipated. Light carbonation observed thereafter.

Taste: Similar to the aroma. Some light citrus from the Amarillo hops with a forward wheat malt and a subdued sweetness. Floral hop flavor with moderate bitterness in the aftertaste.

Palate: Medium carbonation with a light, creamy body.

Overall: A pleasant take on an American wheat beer. God, light citrus and hop flavor plays well with the wheat malt. I really enjoy the use of Amarillo hops.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2010 22:10:36 | More by chiefkellen

sonnmr31

Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours a light yellow color, almost clear

S - Standard citrus note. Smell hoppy for a wheat beer

T - Taste more like a pale ale than a wheat beer.

M - Good balance of hops and the wheat makes it smooth. Real easy to drink.

O - Perfect beer for the summer

Serving type: bottle

07-19-2011 00:05:02 | More by sonnmr31

FridayDave

North Carolina

4.3/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

This the best wheat I've ever had.
Poured from a bottle from a case my bro-n-law was kind enough to ship down. into a shaker pint glass it poured amber looking creamy smooth with as much head as you would want. The smell is unexpectedly hoppy grapefruit, really perks up your nose and tastebuds. The first taste washes smooth over your tongue, refreshing and light, where are those hops? The boom the back of the tongue it's a full dose of them not too bitter just enough to leave you wanting more. The second sip clears the first, the carbonation bubbling across, then boom there are those light citrous hops again.
A really great version of the wheat variety, should be duplicated in more regions especially since 3floyds is so frugal in their distribution.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 23:17:11 | More by FridayDave

Cee-Poe

Wisconsin

4.49/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The wheat ale for the hop head...

A -- Slight haze with a straw appearance and a Swiss cheese two finger head

S -- The first notice that this is not your average wheat ale. The aroma pulls much more of hops than banana or other usual notes from other wheat beers.

T -- A good deal of hops coming forward with a great aftertaste.

M -- Large bubbles and a light feel work well with this style of beer

O -- Not being too large a fan of wheat ales, this is a remarkably easy drinker that I will be happy to have again

Serving type: on-tap

02-13-2013 20:12:53 | More by Cee-Poe

gusdabrew

Ohio

4.6/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75

Served into a Sam Smith pint glass. A dear friend turned me onto this one.

A- never seen such a clear wheat ale. Its color displays its crispness.

S - like fresh grapefruit rind, very clean and inviting.

T - just like the smell, very fresh and drinkable. Maybe too drinkable. Could get a guy in trouble.

M- medium to light. Clean and refreshing.

O - gotta go get some to stock up for summer. Its our first 90 degree day in SW Ohio and Gumballhead is the perfect remedy.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2013 18:29:43 | More by gusdabrew

gamblor21

New Jersey

4.58/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had it at a festival on tap.

Great hop flavor but not to overpowering. Would compare it with Hop Goddess, or 60min IPA

Would love to drink again, but almost impossible to find outside of Illinois or midwest area

Smooth finish no strange or overpowering after tastes

Serving type: on-tap

08-05-2008 00:33:13 | More by gamblor21

fishbrew

Michigan

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

6 pack purchased at Three Floyds Brewing Co. Pub

Appearance:
Perfectly clear golden hue, almost exactly 7 SRM. Nice head that dissipated quickly. Beautiful lacing.

Smell:
Mostly floral citrus hops, some pineapple. Not overpowering, but pleasant and just right for a pale ale.

Taste:
Plenty of flavoring hops immediately evident up front, citrus and very pleasant. Once hop flavor subsides, a hint of wheat and pale malt sweetness. Finishes with a light bitterness, not overpowering. This beer places emphasis on flavoring hop additions over malty sweetness or bittering hops.

Mouthfeel:
Just right for a pale ale. Not watery, not thick. High carbonation, typical of the wheat beer style, helps to carry out the aroma.

Drinkability:
Very drinkable. This is a great "Intro to bitter" beer for those looking to explore beyond their thin American Pilseners. Not tongue splitting or overpowering in any department, yet manages to be very flavorful, complex, and most importantly sessionable.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2009 21:36:07 | More by fishbrew

Kvltbm

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Got this in N00B BIF 5 from Urbancaver, so big thanks to him for my first 3 Floyds beer.

12 oz bottle to pint glass.

A: Hazy gold/yellow straw color. There was about a finger of bright white head with some good lacing. Not a ton of head retention, which left it looking pretty average once the head died down.

S: Mouth-watering citrus and some definite hoppiness at the front of the nose. Big lemon notes, grapefruit, some sweetness, and a bit of wheat. Love the aroma on this; I found myself burying my nose in the glass before each sip.

T: Follows the nose nicely, but the flavors are lighter. Citrus up front, flavors of lemon and grapefruit. Some light hop bitterness at the middle of the tongue. As the bitterness fades, it leads into the wheat base of the beer and a nice sweetness on the finish.

M: Mild carbonation. I guess you could say that the mouthfeel is a little bit oily, but it's not at all a bad thing.

O: Extremely drinkable, very flavorful, refreshing.. just great overall.

I'll have to trade for more of this sometime soon. I have to say, I'm a big fan of this beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2011 04:53:46 | More by Kvltbm

mcb4538

New York

4.68/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On draft, appears light golden with half finger of head.  Appears very carbonated, but dies quickly. Smells of fresh grass and pines.  Complimemted by amazing floral tastes. The hops are not overbearing in the least. Very smooth taste and mouthfeel. This would make a great session beer. Very impressive. 

Serving type: on-tap

11-04-2011 23:49:29 | More by mcb4538

blastyaker

Kentucky

4.88/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Great anytime beer. Light yellow in color hoppy smell on pour citrus taste. Small head disapates rather quickly. Had it New Years Eve but would definitely drink anytime. Three Floyds hit the mark again for me. The store where I usually buy my growlers sells out of this very fast and I was lucky to get some this time cant wait to have some again real soon.

Serving type: growler

12-31-2011 23:35:37 | More by blastyaker

kpclemens

Illinois

4.85/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured on tap at the brewpub.

A - a hazy gold den color. a little clearer than most wheat beers. about a finger and a half sized bright white head.

S - what a great smell for a wheat beer; a little bit of your expected citrus but mostly hops. Hoppier than any other wheat beer I've smelt, like a mild IPA.

T - First thing I taste is hops right up front. Then in the back of the mouth there's grapefruit and some other citrus flavors. Some people say they taste bubblegum in the end but I think that's all mental with a name like Gumballhead. No alcohol taste as expected.

M - The mouth feel of this beer is fantastic. Its creamy and smooth and you just want to keep drinking it. There's nothing quite like having a beer on tap at the actual brewpub.

O - This is in my top 3 favorite beers. Wheat beer helped me get into craft beer and this a perfect breakaway. You get the wheat beer name I used to love plus the hops and flavors lacking in a lot of wheat beers. Its more like a Wheat IPA. If you can find this I definitely recommend getting a case of it. You wont regret it.

Serving type: on-tap

10-16-2012 14:55:57 | More by kpclemens

mdavis31481

Maine

4.08/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Gumballhead pours a light, hazy amber color that is more reminiscent of an IPA than a wheat beer. The slightly off-white head was rich but provided minimal lacing.

The aroma... WOW... hops, hops, and more hops. Am I smelling a wheat beer or an IPA?

I'm having a difficult time figuring this brew out. Does it want to be an APA, IPA, or Wheat beer? Perhaps some amalgamation of the three.

The first sip yields a floral hop taste that smoothes out nicely. Unlike an IPA there is no real hop attack. A gentle sweetness quickly follows the hops leaving a pleasant citrus finish.

The mouthfeel deftly walks the line between thick and thin.

This is a very nice beer, one that I would never turn down. But it would not be my first choice if a wheat beer was what my palate craved.

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2005 16:46:59 | More by mdavis31481

clintone

Wisconsin

4.65/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Just about the best thing about my move to West Lafayette, IN was that Three Floyds is sold all over the place. In my effort to try them all I picked up a 6 pack of this at a local liquor store

A- a very nice golden brown, very clear, only the slightest hint of haze. Not a lot of head, maybe 1/4" or so, but good lacing throughout.

S- I hadn't read any reviews on this before I got it so I wasn't sure what to expect and it kind of shocked me to smell it at first. Very flowery and citrusy, like lemon grass almost. Very crisp and refreshing.

T - Just like it smelled, a different taste than I was expecting, I actually wasn't to fond of it at first sip. By time I had finished the whole beer though it was excellent. Very citrusy and hoppy, it's difficult to actually explain because I've never tasted anything quite like it.

M - Extremely crisp and refreshing. Very nicely carbonated.

D - Not only could I have drank several, I did. My friend was so impressed that he went out after we polished off the 6 pack and got another.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2008 20:35:44 | More by clintone

Flup

Belgium

4.22/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I have this one on my birthday, thank you MacDomer for trading this one with me!

A. Nice Golden Colour

S. Strong Grapefruit smell

T. Hop very present, I like the bitterness

M. long and persistent bitter aftertaste

D. Nice Carbonation, very refreshing

Great experience, I have it in my Golden Carolus Chalice
Cheers MacDomer

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2008 21:05:57 | More by Flup

makdeco

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Its been long over due for me to review this beer

At first glance you can smell the hops, and I say?? American wheat beer with hop smell... But this is great. I am a big time wheat beer drinker but that little kick of hops is really different and add a complex taste to this style.

I prefer it in a weizen glass over a pint glass but it will do in both if the beer bar has no clue on correct glassware

I have had it in both Bottle and on tap and really enjoy both. Great job FFF...

Serving type: on-tap

02-15-2009 14:34:56 | More by makdeco

lucasbm

Mississippi

4.4/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured a golden straw color with a nice thick off white head. Has a large 2-3 finger head that lowered to about a finger quickly and had noticeable lacing. Aroma has a nice hoppy citrus smell with a little lemon and grapefruit. The aroma is one of the most impressive qualities of this beer as it lingers the entire time it's drank. Tastes clean and balanced, not malty and has a slight bitterness. I would drink this everyday. Would love to homebrew a clone to keep around the house during the summer. If you couldn't decide between a nice moderately hoppy pale ale or a good wheat beer, this is definitely the beer for you.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2009 23:40:46 | More by lucasbm

hworking

Indiana

4.75/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

S-Bottle
A-Slightly cloudy fairly clear , but had good carbonation, has a medium sized head that eventually disappeared
S-smelled somewhat fruity
T-Very hoppy taste but with a wheat taste
M-smooth mouthfeel
D-good beer wasnt to bitter but not real sweet overall i really liked the beer I'm glad its a good Indiana beer since I'm from Indiana

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2010 04:39:48 | More by hworking

KBHops

Indiana

3.85/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: Lovely yellow/orange color, looks a bit like apple juice. Poured three quarters of an inch of head that settled to thin layer on top with lacing on sides.

S: My first instinct is hoppier than I expected, but the more I smell, the more it seems to smell like sparkling grape juice (the non-alcoholic stuff), which I really like.

T: Starts with some citrus and then the wheat completely dominates, but as it lingers you get some of the orange like citrus back. Very nice.

M: Maybe a bit thin, but not water by any stretch

D: I could definitely drink a sixer. There is no alcohol taste anywhere. I almost can't help but down this thing in a few minutes. The flavor just completely dominates the palate and leaves you with an almost dry mouth that needs something to wet it, oh and look I've got a beer in front of me, I'll use this.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2011 06:12:00 | More by KBHops

sbennett22

Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev -10.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Purchased a 6-pack and poured the 12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

A: Transparent gold in color. Thin foamy head that doesn't stick around very long.

S: I instantly smelled piney hops which was surprising since it's listed as a wheat beer. Slight smell of citrus too.

T: Pine was the dominant flavor, but the wheat and citrus also came through. Bitter at the tail end and not as wheat flavored as expected.

M: Very refreshing and drinkable. Leaves the mouth somewhat dry which may account for why I found myself drinking this beer very quickly.

O: Another quality beer from FFF. This beer is a good session beer. Refreshing and enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2011 04:00:19 | More by sbennett22

ndepriest

Georgia

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Excited to finally give a Three Floyds beer a try.

I really didn't know what to expect from this, but it's just delicious. It sort of tastes like a sessionable version of little sumpin. It pours a pale straw color. The smell is just sweet wheat. Super sweet. Very light body. I could take down a whole bunch of these. Will seek out again. Well done. My first FFF beer did not disappoint.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 01:28:39 | More by ndepriest

garylite

Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

How many times have you said or heard someone say I am not a big fan of Wheat. I suspect those in this category have not had Gumballhead. With a solid well balanced dose of Amarillo Hops it is hard to say this is a Wheat Beer. A friend suggested I mix Bell's Two Hearted and Oberon and it tastes really good. Almost as good as Gumballhead.
A great session beer with perfect balance of Pine, Citrus, Wheat and Hops.
This is the king of Session Beers

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2012 20:41:01 | More by garylite

mikeburd1128

New Jersey

3.88/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

12 oz bottle picked up from the brewery a little over a month ago. Poured into a Dogfish Head Signature glass.

A: Really nice copper color to it with about a finger of head. Fades fairly quickly but some sticks around throughout. Decent lacing.

S: Grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, and some mild grassy notes in the nose.

T: Grapefruit and tangerine really working together nicely up front. Tangerine keeps it nice and juicy. Moves to more of the lemon on the back end. Finishes clean with the lemon. I'd like to see more grassy notes and the back end to give it more of a dry finish, but I'll certainly take this any day.

M: Certainly has a much thicker body to it than your average wheat. Not entirely sure of what I think of this for the style. Works well though and kinda makes you forget what you're drinking.

O: This is a great beer. My main gripe with it would be that I don't think it's true to style. It's missing that dry finish that a good wheat should have. However, like I said, this is a great beer, just not necessarily to style.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 22:16:19 | More by mikeburd1128

piwodevo

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

with no further ado, gumballhead returns. This incarnation (just released today) is stripped clean, filtered a bright High Life straw color with a thin white head that still manages to lace the glass. The aroma is classic 3F. Amarillo! Malt is barely discernable in the aroma, slightly more so in the flavor. The hops carry this beer. If you're not a hop fan, steer clear, because that's what this beer is all about. The flavor is all hops, the wheat and malt have to be there SOMEWHERE, but my attention turns to that aromatic and just plain dreamy hoppiness. TASTY.

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2005 02:11:13 | More by piwodevo