Abita Brewing Company is located in Abita Springs, Louisiana, just a short drive from New Orleans. Their “Jockamo” IPA is, according to the brewery, a “full-flavored beer … hopped and dry hopped liberally with Willamette and Columbus hops from the Pacific Northwest”. It’s got a healthy 6.5% ABV and is not for the faint of “hop”. The brewery suggests pairing strong cheeses, spicy dishes, wild game, and grilled meats.
The name comes from “Mardi Gras Indians”, a tradition that’s over 250 years old. African Americans that dress up like Native Americans with ornately beaded and plumed costumes have participated in the parade for over two and a half centuries. Some of these costumes weigh up to 150 pounds and cost as much as $5,000! You might be more familiar with the term from the famous song “Iko Iko” by The Dixie Cups:
[...] Abita Jockamo IPA B Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye C Capital Brewing Pilsner D Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale E Efes Pilsen [...]