As I posted earlier, Odell Brewing Company of Fort Collins, Colorado is set to launch in the Minnesota market on May 3rd. I have long been a fan of Odell from my many trips to Fort Collins visiting family. 5-Barrel Pale Ale is one of their regular offerings and one that will be rolled out when their beers go on sale in the Twin Cities. Here’s my notes:

5-Barrel Pale Ale
Odell Brewing Company, Fort Collins, Colorado
Style: English Pale Ale
Serving Style: 12 oz Bottle

Aroma: Fruity hops are the dominant feature; citrus, blackberry, melon, passion fruit and a hint of resinous pine. Light grainy malt with notes of biscuit and toffee. Simple but elegant.

Appearance: A moderate off-white head dissipates quickly to reveal a beautiful copper/amber color and crystal clarity.

Flavor: Toffee, caramel, and biscuit malt balances the sharp, crisp, Burton ale-like, mineral bitterness. Hop and yeast derived fruits blend well with the malt revealing melon, berry, and orange marmalade. Dry finish. Crisp and refreshing.

Mouthfeel: Medium light body and medium carbonation. Sharp, dry bitterness is not astringent, but has a biting sensation nonetheless.

Overall Impression: A very nice American/English pale ale hybrid. Has the rich malt character and sharp, mineral bitterness of a classic Burton pale ale, but the through-and-through hop flavor and aroma of an American pale. The mélange of fruits from both hops and what I took to be an English yeast strain is amazing. If you are looking for an easy drinking but flavorful pale ale that doesn’t overwhelm you with hops, give this one a try.