Imperial Stout

Odell Brewing Co.
Ft. Collins, CO

Available: CO, WY, SD, KS, NM, NE, MO

Odell’s was the second microbrewery to open in Colorado, in 1989

ABV: 8.1
ABW: 6.5
Color: 110
Bitterness: 55
Original gravity: 1078

A brown/black beer that weighs in at 8.2%, with a barley white head followed by a creamy/milky aroma with powerful hints of figs and cappuccino coffee. Bitterness from dark, roasted grain and hops builds in the mouth, balancing burnt fruit and coffee notes. The dry finish has a big hop presence with notes of roasted grain, dark fruit and bitter chocolate. A fine member of the imperial family.
- Roger Protz

Nearly black, this beer raises a rocky brown head. The aroma reminds me of Ovaltine — malt, chocolate, espresso and some earthy hops on top. Up front, the roast combines with hop bitterness for a brisk opening, with roast and caramel flavors playing across the dry center. A hint of plummy fruit and it moves into a long chocolaty finish. At 8.2%, it’s not terribly big, but sometimes that’s just what you want. A fine beer from a brewery that has gone from strength to strength in recent years. You could pair it with a not-too-sweet dessert, but it’s also light enough to enjoy with traditional chocolate-based Mexican mole sauces.
- Garrett Oliver

Roger Protz
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Garrett Oliver
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.

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