Odell 90 Shilling is a flagship amber ale that’s been a staple for beer lovers since its inception. Named after the Scottish tradition of taxing high quality beers at 90 shillings, this brew pays homage to its roots with a modern American twist. Overall, it’s a solid, reliable beer that’s worth sipping, though it may not blow everyone’s mind.
First Impressions
Right out of the bottle (or can), 90 Shilling pours a beautiful copper hue with a slightly reddish tint. The head is frothy and off-white, though it dissipates a bit quicker than I’d prefer. The aroma is welcoming…malty and warm with a whisper of caramel and toasty bread. There’s also a faint floral hop note that keeps things from feeling overly sweet.
Rating for appearance and aroma: 8/10
Tasting Notes
The first sip is smooth and satisfying. You’ll notice a malty backbone right away (think caramel, toffee, and a touch of nutty goodness). It’s not overly sweet, though, which is a huge plus. Odell balances the malt with just the right amount of earthy hops, giving the beer a crisp, slightly bitter finish. The bitterness isn’t aggressive, sitting comfortably in the background to cleanse your palate.
The body is medium-light, making it incredibly drinkable, almost dangerously so. At 5.3% ABV, it’s sessionable enough for an evening hangout but flavorful enough to feel like a proper craft beer experience. That said, if you’re a fan of bold or extreme flavors, 90 Shilling might feel a tad reserved. It plays it safe rather than pushing boundaries.
Rating for flavor and body: 9/10
Positives
- Well Balanced: The interplay between malt sweetness and hop bitterness is spot on.
- Approachable: This is a beer you can introduce to craft beer newcomers without scaring them off.
- Versatile: Perfect for pairing with a wide range of foods, from burgers to grilled salmon.
Negatives
- Head Retention: That foam disappears faster than I’d like, detracting slightly from the visual appeal.
- Conservative Profile: While it’s a solid brew, it doesn’t have the wow factor that some adventurous beer lovers might crave.
Final Verdict
Odell 90 Shilling is like your favorite pair of jeans…dependable, versatile, and always comfortable. While it may not win any awards for bold innovation, it excels as an easy drinking, well balanced amber ale. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser with solid craftsmanship, this is it.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Would I drink it again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to someone who loves big, bold IPAs or stouts? Maybe not. But for fans of well executed classics, 90 Shilling is a beer that deserves its spot in your fridge.
If you’ve tried a 90 Shilling, please share your thoughts about it in the comments below.
90 Shilling is a go-to beer for me. Can’t go wrong with it.