Beer of the Week (Vol CXXVII)

After a two week hiatus, we’re back with another edition of Beer of the Week sponsored as always by the jolly old elves at Glen Lake Wine & Spirits who can help you find the wine, whiskey, and beer you need to make this a most Merry Christmas. And Glen Lake Wine and Spirits is open today until 5pm to serve all your last minute Christmas needs.

Ten days in Europe makes one pine for American craft beers and our featured beer this week is from one of my favorites, Odell Brewing Co. in Fort Collins, Colorado. Isolation Ale:

A funny thing happens here around summer’s end – our eyes start searching the skies for those first fall flakes. As we welcome autumn’s first snow, we celebrate the return of Isolation Ale. A sweet caramel malty ale that is balanced by a subtle crisp hop finish. Whether you ski, shred, or shoe, Isolation Ale will inspire you to make first tracks.

12oz brown bottle. Standard paper style Odell label with violet colors and a cozy and isolated winter scene featuring a cabin in the mountains.

STYLE: Winter Ale

ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 6.0%

COLOR (0-2): Light copper brown, mostly clear. 2

AROMA (0-2): Mostly malty on the sweet side. 2

HEAD (0-2): Bright white color with good volume and lacing. 2

TASTE (0-5): Carmel malts with some spiciness and a little heat up front with a lighter hop finish. Medium-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel. Surprisingly drinkable for a winter warmer. 3

AFTERTASTE (0-2): Sweetness lingers with a just hint of bitterness. 2

OVERALL (0-6): Isolation Ale is lighter and more refreshing than most winter seasonal and is definitely one to have if you’re having more than one. The flavors are perfectly decent, simple, and straightforward but underwhelming. I’m looking for more robustness in a winter warmer and while Isolation Ale is a good beer it doesn’t quite deliver up to expectations. 3

TOTAL SCORE (0-19): 14

Whatever beer you’re drinking this weekend, I wish you a joyous and merry Christmas.