Johnny B. Gourd is a Pumpkin Ale brewed by Bangin’ Banjo Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a bottle.
Appearance
The ale pours a cloudy, chestnut brown and is topped by a thin cap of cream-colored froth that bubbles away almost instantly. Lace and residue are absent from the glass.
Aroma
Coconut dominates the aroma which is somewhat surprising, considering the beer’s name. But there is also a hint of pumpkin and spices.
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Flavor
Like the aroma, coconut permeates the entire tasting. Otherwise, the palate begins with a taste of nut and bread before striking a mellow note of pumpkin in the middle. A bite of herbal hops follows along with spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is sticky sweet with flavors of brown sugar and booze.
Mouthfeel
The brew has a relatively smooth mouthfeel that’s dry and warming with alcohol. It’s full-bodied with a medium-low carbonation.
Overall
The label on the bottle describes the brew as a coconut pumpkin ale and it’s worth noting the order in which those two ingredients appear. Because its coconut and not the latter that’s first and foremost in taste and aroma. Pumpkin plays a second fiddle at best. As such, Johnny B. Gourd isn’t really a pumpkin ale but doesn’t quite fit into another style, either. Just a fruit beer, perhaps? Regardless, this is a brew that’s sure to please coconut lovers or those just looking for a strong, complex brew.
Tribute to a Legend
Johnny B. Gourd was brewed as a tribute to the late rock pioneer, Chuck Berry, who penned the classic song Johnny B. Goode.
