Odell Brewing Company has a knack for crafting brews that are flavorful and balanced, and their IPA is no exception. This Colorado-based brewery has been a favorite of mine for years, and the Odell IPA shows exactly why they have such a strong reputation.
First Impressions
Right off the bat, the color of the Odell IPA is striking. Pouring a deep amber with a slight haze, it has a beautiful, frothy white head that lingers for a good while…always a nice sign in my book. The aroma is inviting and gives you a clear idea of what’s to come. You get a big nose full of citrus—grapefruit and orange peel, mainly…with a touch of pine and a hint of caramel sweetness in the background.
Taste
On the first sip, the hop bitterness jumps out immediately, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s bright and zesty, packed with flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and a touch of earthy pine. The grapefruit really shines through here, bringing a nice tangy bitterness that carries through to the finish. There’s also a subtle malt sweetness that rounds out the edges, making sure the hops don’t dominate the entire experience. I really appreciate this balance—Odell has struck a nice harmony between hop-forward intensity and drinkability.
Where some IPAs can feel like they’re beating you over the head with bitterness, this one is much more refined. The malt profile, though understated, adds a touch of biscuity warmth that keeps things grounded. You won’t find it too sweet, but it’s just enough to avoid the dreaded hop burnout that can happen with some IPAs.
Mouthfeel and Drinkability
At 7% ABV, Odell IPA is a little heftier than your average session beer, but it’s surprisingly easy to drink. The body is medium, and the carbonation is spot on—not too aggressive but enough to keep things refreshing. There’s a pleasant dry finish that keeps you coming back for another sip. However, I do notice that after a few glasses, the bitterness does tend to build up, so if you’re not a fan of hops sticking around a bit longer than they should, this could be a slight drawback.
Critiques
While Odell IPA is generally a fantastic, well-rounded beer, I wouldn’t mind a touch more complexity in the malt department. As much as I enjoy the clean, crisp nature of the beer, a slightly deeper malt backbone could elevate it further and provide more contrast to the hops. Also, while the bitterness is well-handled for the most part, those who aren’t hardcore IPA fans might find it a bit too intense as they work their way through the pint.
Final Verdict
Odell IPA is a standout in the crowded IPA market. It’s bold, flavorful, and incredibly well balanced. The hop flavors are punchy without being overbearing, and the malts provide just enough sweetness to balance out the bitterness. The only minor downside is the slightly repetitive finish if you’re drinking a few in a row, but that’s a small gripe in the grand scheme of things.
If you’re an IPA lover, Odell IPA is definitely one to try. It’s a solid choice for both everyday drinking and more special occasions when you want a reliable, tasty IPA.
Rating
- Appearance: 9/10
- Aroma: 8.5/10
- Taste: 9/10
- Mouthfeel: 8/10
- Overall: 8.5/10
Whether you’re a seasoned IPA drinker or just dabbling in craft beer, Odell IPA delivers a well-rounded, satisfying experience with a refreshing hop kick.
If you’ve tried Odell’s IPA, please share your thoughts about it in the comments below.
Leave a Reply