Hop Collins: Basil Cucumber Ale - Odell Brewing Company

dirtyskunk

Colorado

3.48/5  rDev -7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Very unusual beer, got it on tap at the brewery.

Slightly opaque orange/tan with a thin white head and a thin trace of lacing.

Smells grassy and a little citrusy, mild floral/herbal hop smell.

The cucumber is the big flavor in this beer. It's refreshing but definitely takes some getting used to. It somewhat drowns out the other notes in the beer, I taste no basil and only get a little lemon and the same mild herbal hops as the nose. Clean grassy finish.

Surprisingly solid mouthfeel for such a silly tasting beer. Gives it some body so you don't feel like you're drinking cucumber water.

Overall I'm glad I tried it but I can't picture many situations where I would want to drink this again. Maybe with a nice summer brunch. Got to give it to Odell for going out on a limb with this one though. Definitely a partial success, and it might appeal more to some tastes other than mine.

Serving type: on-tap

10-20-2011 19:25:05 | More by dirtyskunk

GilGarp

Colorado

4/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to Tony for bringing back a growler!

A beer brewed with cucumber, basil, and squash blossoms - all from the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins.

Served cold into a pint glass. Hop Collins is a slightly hazy, pale, golden oranage color with no head.

Aroma is definately interesting with the basil coming through as well as mint and other herbal character.

Flavor is totally expected if you were told what was used in making the beer but very strange if you don't see it coming. Cucumber, basil, and squash is all growing in our garden so the flavors and smells are familiar. All are in good balanced and use in such a way that they taste fresh and natural.

Mouthfeel is medium-light in body and very low in carbonation.

Overall a really interesting and complex beer.

Serving type: growler

09-04-2011 02:23:13 | More by GilGarp