TASTING NOTES: Odell's IPA

There has been a lull in recent posts, primarily due to an increasing workload and Christmas. However, the backlog will be heartily rectified with many beer tasting notes that have been in the works.

The beer this evening is an example of a balanced American IPA. To be honest the breweries, for better or worse have a habit of making IPAs in excess of 8%, hopped over 80ibus and have as much balance as a blue whale on a see-saw. In my experience its no bad thing. I don't seem to have a hop limit, I can't remember in five years using the phrase 'this is too hoppy', however balance is a commendable attribute in brewing.

This is a 7%abv IPA by Colorado based Odell. Served chilled in a La Chouffe goblet.

Pours with a rich deep yellow body. Rich amber hues, tight creamy nicotine stained head. Good retention and some snake-like lacing up and down the glass

Nose is full of sweet, honey-infused piney hops. A hint of freshly cut grass and a touch of lavender floating around there too. Some sweet caramel malt.

Taste, crisp, oily, silky hops. Perfectly balanced, citric hop bitterness permeated with chalky, sweet malt. Lasting spicy lemon hop bitterness on the finish

A very refreshing, balanced and drinkable ale. Tastes very fresh and the abv is well hidden. Certainly a contender in the US craft import market, stands up there with Stone, Victory, Flying Dog and Sierra Nevada.