While staying in Fort Collins, Colorado, I ended up in a bar that offers a $2-per-pint special on the state’s brews. As I’m not familiar with many beyond New Belgium’s offerings, I asked the bartender for recommendations. He poured my boyfriend and me a few samples from one of Fort Collins’s other microbreweries, Odell Brewing Company. We tried the 90 Shilling Ale, Easy Street Wheat, 5 Barrel Pale Ale, and Cutthroat Porter. All of them were noticeably balanced and strong, and there wasn’t one I didn’t like, but my favorite was the 90 Shilling, Odell’s flagship beer. It’s a “lightened up” version of a traditional Scottish ale, with a beautiful deep amber color, good depth of flavor, and a clean finish.
As it turns out, Fort Collins is quite the brewing town, home not only to multiple microbreweries, but also to one of Anheuser-Busch’s huge plants. Had I done my research beforehand, my trip probably would have been based around beer tasting and brewery tours. Next time I’m in Colorado, it’s on.
Odell Brewing Company’s 90 Shilling Ale, $14.99 for 12 bottles
Having lived in Fort Collins since 1991, it never ceases to amaze me the quality products that Odell Brewing and New Belgium Brewing put out. My current favorite is Skinny Dip, a limited production brewed by New Belgium.