Odell Shenanigans Aged Crimson Ale

Odell Brewing Company
Fort Collins, Colorado


APPEARANCE: 2.5/3Thick tan head, orange-brown color. Steady stream of bubbles. Rocky head.

AROMA: 3.25/4
Sweet nose. Orange peel, citrus, lemon, orange blossom. Dried fruit. Sugary, malty.

TASTE: 7.5/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 3/4: Spicy woodiness, nicely balanced. Oaky. Malty sugar mixed with sour tart and an earthy finish. Unique.
Aftertaste: 2.5/3: Sour tart, almost puckering. Nice bitter finish, like a period at the end of a sentence. Subtle brett.
Mouth-Feel: 2.5/3: Dry, effervescent, bubbly. Big but not boozy.

OVERALL: 2.75/3
A fun, weird, sour, funky, citrusy treat. I don't know exactly what it is, but I don't care, it's a good beer.

TOTAL: 16/20–Pour Me Another


NOTES:
Ben says it reminds him of a circus peanut, and I hate circus peanuts, so we disagree there. We DO agree this beer is sugary, earthy, sour, tart goodness. A fun beer, so if you're lucky enough to find it, do yourself a favor and buy it.

Horizon Red Ale

Summit Brewing Company
St. Paul, MN

APPEARANCE: 2/3
Red-brown color. Foamy, creamy head. Steady stream of bubbles. Clean and clear.

AROMA: 2.75/4
Clean. Malty-sweet. Candy sugar, a touch of citrus and pineapple.

TASTE: 5.75/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 2.5/4: Woody. Nicely bittered, very malty up-front. Sweet malt that fades to bitter. No real hop flavor.
Aftertaste: 1.75/3: Bitterness up-front and at the end, and it lasts. Very bitter for the style.
Mouth-Feel: 1.5/3: A bit thin; chemical aftertaste.

OVERALL: 1.75/3
A mass-produced red, Minnesota's version of Boulevard. Not awful, kind of an interesting style, but not a great beer.

TOTAL: 12.25/20–I'll Try A Pint

NOTES:
Matt: Started okay and became less appealing as I drank it. Just can't get past the astringent chemical taste.
Ben: It's a red, and I'm not a big fan of reds. Definitely bitter, too much so for style. Don't go out of your way to try it.