When you crack open a can of Odell Mountain Standard IPA, you’re greeted with the promise of a quintessential mountain experience. Brewed in Fort Collins, Colorado, this West Coast-style IPA embodies everything that a craft beer fan looks for in a balanced, flavorful IPA. But, as with any beer, it’s not without a few minor faults. Let’s dive into the experience.
First Impressions
Pouring it out, you get a gorgeous golden-amber color with a nice frothy head that sticks around for a bit, leaving just enough lacing on the glass to give it that Instagram-worthy vibe. The aroma hits you right away with piney and citrus notes—think freshly cut spruce trees and a burst of grapefruit. There’s also a touch of floral sweetness, which sets the stage for what’s to come.
Tasting Notes
From the first sip, Odell Mountain Standard IPA comes at you with an assertive but not overwhelming bitterness. It’s hopped to perfection with a blend of pine, citrus, and earthy undertones. You’ll notice grapefruit and maybe even some orange zest upfront, which gives it a refreshing, almost cleansing character on the palate. There’s also a subtle malt backbone that adds a touch of sweetness and balances out the hop-forward flavors.
As you drink, the resinous, piney quality becomes more pronounced, which is a signature of the West Coast IPA style. For IPA lovers, this is a big win, but if you’re not a fan of super resinous hops, this might start to feel a bit intense after a few sips.
One of the things I love is how it finishes. You’re left with a crisp, dry finish that doesn’t feel heavy or cloying, making it incredibly drinkable. It has a clean feel, even though it’s full-flavored. At 6.5% ABV, it’s just enough to give you that slight buzz without knocking you off your feet.
What’s to Love
- Incredibly balanced: The pine and citrus hop flavors are the stars, but the malt keeps everything in check.
- Drinkability: It’s a great beer for an afternoon hangout, pairing just as well with a backyard BBQ as it would after a long hike.
- Aromatic nose: You could spend minutes just inhaling the delicious aroma before even taking a sip.
Minor Gripes
- Bitterness for days: While that piney bitterness is a hallmark of the style, it could be a bit much for some. After a few sips, it starts to edge on overly resinous.
- Malt sweetness: Though balanced, some might find the malt a little too subtle, which could make it feel one-dimensional if you’re craving more depth.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Odell Mountain Standard IPA is a fantastic example of what a West Coast IPA should be. It’s bold, crisp, and delivers a punch of hop-forward flavors without being overwhelming—unless you’re sensitive to bitterness. If you’re a fan of classic IPAs with piney and citrusy notes, this beer is going to be right up your alley.
Rating: 8.5/10
Would I grab this again? Absolutely. It’s perfect for the IPA lover who enjoys a classic, well-executed style without too much fuss. If you’re newer to IPAs or prefer softer, juicier ones, you might find the bitterness a tad strong, but it’s a solid brew nonetheless.
If you’ve tried a Mountain Standard IPA, please share your thoughts about it in the comments below.
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