Thursday, October 24, 2013

For the Brave at Heart








Brewer-Odell Brewing Company

Beer- 90 Shilling Ale

Style- Scottish Ale

ABV- 5.30%

Description – 90 Shilling pours clear dark amber with a foamy deep beige head that settles out slowly leaving a thick persistent lacing on the glass.  The aroma is dominated by malts with caramel being the strongest with hints of toffee and brown sugar cutting through as well, very little hop aroma coming through.  Malts are also the first taste to hit the palate, standard for the style. Notes of caramel, chocolate, bread, brown sugar, and ever so subtle hints of oak wash over the palate creating a lovely malt sweetness that lingers long.  The body of 90 Shilling is a bit different that many traditional scotch ales in that it is much lighter and this combined with the moderate carbonation creates a very sessionable beer.  The subtle complexities and easy drinkability of 90 Shilling makes it obvious why this is Odell’s flagship beer.

Food pairing – The malty character of this beer make it a great accompaniment for a wide variety of meat dishes.  90 Shilling is absolutely perfect with lamb especially lamb chops covered with olive oil, rosemary, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of sea salt.  Also try with an assortment of game birds such as pheasant, partridge, and quail are all perfect companions.  Being that Scotch ales have the British tradition behind them they are perfect for many traditional English dishes and the heartier the better. Try with dishes such as braised rabbit, grouse, venison steak medallions, guinea fowl, quail,  or even a hearty Scotch egg, all of these dishes will pair perfectly with this delicious malty Scotch ale. 

The Final Word – 90 Shilling is another world class example from a world class brewery.  The Scottish Ale style is one that many breweries have on their roster, but is for the most part a forgotten style amongst breweries.  Odell has capitalized on this and produced an absolutely striking example.  While the malty character of this beer may put off the IPA diehards that have come to dominate the craft beer market, do not be mistaken that this beer is just amazing.  The complex character within this beer and the lingering malty sweetness combine to produce a beer that can be enjoyed for long hours as the depth of character continues to evolve within 90 Shilling as it warms up.  Bottom line: try this beer!

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Where can I get it? -  Odell beer can be found in: AZ, CO, ID, KS, MN, MO, NE, NM, SD, and WY

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