Isolation Ale
Odell Brewing Co., founded in 1989 in Fort Collins, was one of the first Colorado breweries born out of the microbrew revolution. Odell’s specializes in hearty English ales but has broadened its line to include a wheat and a pale ale.
At the other end of the beer flavor spectrum is its Isolation Ale, a bold and malty ale available between now and the end of the year.
The beer, unchanged (except for its cozy mountain cabin label) since its introduction in 1997, has a deep copper color with a pronounced malty aroma and a nice hop finish. Especially welcome is a long-lasting, frothy head.
Unlike a lot of holiday beers, Isolation Ale contains no spices or fruity-fruits, but the alcohol level has been pared from 8.1 percent (by volume) to a still-robust 6.1 percent.
Odell Brewing, 800 E. Lincoln Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524; 970-498-9070.
– Dick Kreck
