Odell Isolation Ale - Odell Brewing Company

EgadBananas

Louisiana

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A = Pours a red-orange-yellow mixture with a light tan finger of bubbly head. Dissipates quickly, laces well.

S - Rich and malty, with a nice milk chocolate aroma. Slightly sweet and caramel-like.

T - Malt forward, naturally, a bit of that chocolate sweetness like in the aroma. There is a hint of citrus. The finish is roasted malts.

M - On the rather high end of light in body, rather creamy. Little bit of carbonation.

D - The drink is good. Not problem having a couple.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2010 00:06:46 | More by EgadBananas

Rayek

Colorado

3.98/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: Deep copper colored brew with nice clarity and fairly active carbonation. Rocky cream had has decent retention and leaves spots of lace.

S: Clove, anise and caramel dominate. Smoke and citrus scents linger in the background.

T: Malt has a caramel and lightly charred oak flavor to it. Bitterness comes on with lemon, clove, pepper and allspice flavors that provide good balance. Finishes tart, dry and woodsy.

M: Medium body is bit too fizzy and detracts slightly from the experience.

D: Odell is quickly becoming my favorite CO brewery. This yet another excellent offering from them.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2008 16:52:18 | More by Rayek

Haybeerman

Colorado

4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Light brown color with a red tinge. Poured a one finger tan head that dissipated to a skim. Laced in broken rings.

S: Slightly sweet, bready malts. Citrus hops.

T: Sweet, bready caramel malt. Sharp bitter for cleansing finish with just a hint of cereal flavor that lingers.

M: Medium body. Medium carbonation. Great balance.

D: Very drinkable. Farily flavorful and very balanced.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2010 15:00:01 | More by Haybeerman

budgood1

Minnesota

4.55/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

pours out a slightly hazy auburn/amber colour with a thin fine head and slight wisps of lace. woody, hoppy aroma...grassy, herbal and toffeeish. a beer i know i'm going to like just from the smell. belgian malt flavour is the star here...and the dry, woody flavours derived thusly are just what i like. the sweetness of the malts are spectacularly balanced by the overall dryness of the beer. i love the oaken notes, the understated earthiness and barley nuances of whatever malt bill was used. damn i like beers that taste like this. the body and mouthfeel is perfect for intended style...a super tasty but sessionable winter drinker. i have only one bottle and wish i had much more, because i could polish a sixer no problem i'm sure.

my first odell brew, and i'm impressed. i wish i could get this in my area.

thanks to my bro for gifting this my way for x-mas.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2007 02:01:35 | More by budgood1

far333

Connecticut

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Copper caramel colored with a low off-white head that settles down quickly. Low aroma of toasted malt and toffee.

Flavor of roasted malt, marshmallow, root beer, caramel and toffee. Notes of brown sugar, fig and plum. Mild bitterness offsets the malty flavors.

Even mouthfeel, moderate carbonation. Tasty beer, pretty drinkable. Thanks for BuckeyeNation for sending this over.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2009 16:52:02 | More by far333

pmcadamis

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - This one is a stunning shade of clear brilliant ruby like Dorothy's shoes. A one finger khaki head rises above the shimmering hues, and quickly fades to a collar, but leaves some spotty lace behind. A quick swirl brings back a full finger of creamy head.

S - Cherry hard candy, brown sugar, caramel, and Chic-O-Stix candy....remember those? Plump cherries are very prevalent, along with some gooey cherry and strawberry hard candies. Not a lot of "beer smells," but it's really nice nonetheless.

T - Earthy mud and 'shrooms with some underlying fruitiness. Jammy, gritty, lightly fruity, and buttery. I'm reminded of marmalade and toast. Its a little soapy and funky, but funky can be good!

M - Incredibly soft and supple. Velvety and creamy. Almost no carbonation here other than what creates the foamy full body in my mouth. The finish is neutral and earthy with a trace of muddy outdoorsy hops.

D - This is one odd brew. I'm not really sure what to think. I don't really think that I'd ever really buy a six-pack, but it's worth trying since it's so unique and earthy. I really don't like mineral flavors in my beer, and this has it in spades.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2008 18:28:06 | More by pmcadamis

andrenaline

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a nice amber colour, thumb of head with decent retention and some nice sheeting lacing.

S - Scent is quite mild, but buttery caramel and grassy hops come through.

T - Although mild on the nose, the flavour is where this brew shines dominated with milk caramel and toffee. A buttered bread flavour lingers alongside a touch of grassy hops and musty cardboard.

M - Medium, smooth and wet.

O - I was expecting something with a bit of spice and was pleased to find a simple, yet perfectly balanced ale offering up a solid caramel malt profile with a lightly hopped finish. Easily sessionable and well worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 02:09:20 | More by andrenaline

arizcards

Arizona

3.98/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Picked up a sixer from Total Wine in late October for $8.49.

Beer poured an amber orange with a two fingered head that has retained nicely and is leaving some lacing behind. Bottled i believe on 10-14-10.

Nose is biscuity malts with notes of roasted nuts.

Taste is pretty well balanced between the nutty biscuity malts with just enough hop action.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and pretty smooth.

Overall drinkability is good. I understand this is the winter seasonal but this sure drinks like a better version of a Fat Tire!

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2010 23:52:38 | More by arizcards

jera1350

Minnesota

3.48/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Crystal clear copper color with a tan head that offers plenty of lacing even though it's not the most thick.

Getting some floral and earthy hops in balance with the malt which has moderate sweetness. Grape juice/Kool-Aid like. They really do not form a good combination. Kind of a confusing smell really.

Having the same problem with the taste as with the nose. Grape juice along with some roasted caramel malt. The hops add some bitterness, earthy and floral notes. Getting some spice notes too even though I'm not sure any were used. Alcohol comes through in the end. Just confusing tasting.

Creamy and chewy mouthfeel that is very satisfying.

Probably to style, but just confusing and overall not all that enjoyable for myself. Kind of a mess in the smell and taste. Give it a shot, but I will not be having this one again.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2010 03:47:36 | More by jera1350

Beaver13

Colorado

4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The Isolation poured a copper-orange with a thick and creamy white head that had pretty good retention. The aroma is kind of bready and toasted malt. It has a toasted malt initial taste with a very mild hoppy, piney finish. Overall, a very nice winter warmer that goes down very smoothly.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2004 03:55:40 | More by Beaver13

yemenmocha

Arizona

3.95/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours amber with off-white head that is generous in size and retains rather well. Nose is soft with some toasty aromas and light caramel. Easygoing and appetizing aroma. More caramel and toasty flavors on the palate with less than average hopping for a winter warmer. Light to medium bodied and very, very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2009 02:46:13 | More by yemenmocha

Onenote81

North Carolina

3.88/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle received from readbaron in a trade recently. Thanks, Baron!

12oz bottle, best by: 3/18/11, printed on the side. Poured into a chalice.

Pours a deep amber with a thin half-inch off-white head on top. Minor lace left behind. The nose is fairly sweet, with notes of apple, brown sugar, maple, and light cinnamon. Not very potent though. I've really got to swirl this one to get any nose on it.

The body is moderate. Mild crispness; easy finish. This isn't your typical Winter Warmer, though what is? I guess this is a pretty all-encompassing style. This one is sweet with hints of honey, vanilla, applesauce, mild spices, and a bready finish. This isn't what I expected, but it's good nonetheless. Glad I have a couple bottles.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2011 17:34:49 | More by Onenote81

GilGarp

Colorado

3.8/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a beautiful shade of copper-orange with a good inch of white head. It sticks around very well and leaves nice lacing.

Aroma sweet and tart like pears and apples. Hops are there too but it's mostly malts in the smell. Some yeasty aroma too but it's pleasant.

Flavor is sweet and bitter with a bit of tartness. It's unusual in that there doesn't seem to be any defining characteristic but it's well-balanced. There's a bit of spice to it but nothing that jumps out and screams it's name.

Mouthfeel is nice, medium bodied, good smoothness, and not overly carbonated.

Drinkability is good except that it's not exceptional in any way. Just good all around. I remember enjoying this one very much the last two years but this time it's not doing it for me. It does get better as it warms but I haven't warmed to it quite yet.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2008 00:37:24 | More by GilGarp

BeerBelcher

Ohio

2.42/5  rDev -37.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

I was not very impressed by this beer. It had barely a whiff of hops, had a fair amount of malt character, a touch of sweetness, and a lot of rusty-tasting iron at the finish. If that sounds like a good time to you, by all means buy tons of this beer, but I was hardly taken with it.

Appearance was beautiful; a nice copper red with abundant head. Aroma was non-existent. Flavor was definitely not outstanding...some maltiness, some sweetness, some rustiness, but nothing stands out. Mouthfeel was a bit thin and disappointing. I would not recommend this beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2007 01:17:52 | More by BeerBelcher

htomsirveaux

Texas

3.5/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle tried 14 Mar 2011. Served in the 0.4 L Eichbaum snifter.

Medium sized orange tinged head. Well carbonated. Clear reddish mahogany in color. Aroma is earthy, malty sweet, almost dusty (in a good way), some fruitiness. Starts fairly nutty with a bit of astringency. Some caramel and toastiness. Medium body, lightly warming ethanol. Sweet and malty finish. Lingering earthy sweetness and a light bitterness in the aftertaste.

Decent and easy drinking.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2012 19:22:26 | More by htomsirveaux

joemcgrath27

Alberta (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Weather finally turns summer-like and i'm cracking a winter warmer, go figure!
A - hazy burnt orange tint, one finger of head held at half a finger with some random lacing
S - hints of toffee and allspice, touch of peppery hops and mild mustiness
T - big malty start with toffee and buttery bread, then gentle hints of allspice and brown sugar, finishing with a hint of earthy hoppy goodness
M - medium body, slightly creamy, just a touch of spice tingle in the background, finishes mildly bitter
O - this beer grew on me with every sip, its somewhat unassuming which increases the drinkability while still having complex enough flavours to keep me entertained

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2013 03:58:09 | More by joemcgrath27

MTNboy

Missouri

3.88/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: It has dark bronze colored body with average head and lace. A little bit cloudy towards the top of the body.

Smell: It aroma is a bit spicy.

Taste: The flavor is toffee like with tones of caramel and coffee. It has some fruity bitterness form the hops. Herbal flavors come through as well.

Mouthfeel: Smooth with some carbonation bite.

Overall: It is a good beer. I like it better on tap of course but even in the bottle it is pretty good.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 06:24:27 | More by MTNboy

MuenchenerKindl

Germany

4.4/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle to a pint glass the liquid is quite dark and has good carbonation. The head is 2 fingers of dark tan fluff and leaves very good lace.

The smell is faint yet evident of a nice roasty malt.

The taste is great, roasty malt and a very good toasted caramel flavor, nice and rich. The hops lend a very nice finish.

The mouthfeel is very good as well better then medium body and good carbonation.

The drinkability is very good, you need to try this brew to be sure. Prosit und Zum Wohl., MK

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2008 23:56:29 | More by MuenchenerKindl

sinstaineddemon

Connecticut

3.4/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - this winter warmer pours a clear, crisp, brown with a thin tan head

S - a strong hoppy backbone in the aroma, with some buttery elements, with a great balance of rich roasted malts

T - hoppy and malty, a great and perfect balance, with a subtle nondescript sweetness, a great layered flavor, rather nice flavor, a great winter beer, a great winter session beer

M&D - smooth, and rather palatable, a quality winter warmer, wish it was more available on the east coast

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2007 15:08:45 | More by sinstaineddemon

JayS2629

Alabama

4.18/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap from brewery.

A- Deepp amber with a foamy tan head and descent lacing.

S- Toasty biscuit. Complex mix of grapes , plums, and earthy hops. Hints of caramel and chocolate. Sweet malts. Cloves, and allspice. Toffee and cinnamon.

M- Medium bodied. Crisp and rich with a creamy finish. Nice alcohol tinge around the edges.

D- Delicious and complex. Easy to go down with the slightest alcohol tinge.

Serving type: on-tap

11-17-2010 19:39:59 | More by JayS2629

Oxymoron

Colorado

4.05/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

It’s back! Had it available on tap at Odell’s. How did I not rate this before? Pour is a darker brown color with amber hints when held up to the light. Good clarity and a mostly puffy white head.

The nose is mostly malty. A good sweetness with some toasty aromas. A light spiciness as well. The hops are subtle but noticeable with a earthy smell.

The taste has a great malt presence and good body. To start the malt is a good bready flavor with a touch of biscuit and a light roasted hint to the end. The hops are more noticeable then the smell would indicate. A great bitterness that is enhanced by a spicy finish. The spices aren’t exactly noticeable but still drink out a good finish.

The body is good with a full body feel. Not quite chewy though. I wouldn’t exactly call this a Winter Warmer as the spices are blended more then stand out but a fantastic beer to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

10-11-2006 01:24:51 | More by Oxymoron

portia99

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a Bruery tulip.

A - Pours a murky, dirty light brown color with an amber tint. Not much of a head forms. Really only a thick but uneven white collar and a skim coat of bubbles that both hang around throughout the glass. No lacing left behind.

S - Malty up front, lots of biscuity and bready aromas, some alcohol, spicy, a bit floral, a bit citrusy.

T - Again, malt is the focus. Very, very toasty and biscuity at the base with yeasty, bready character as well. Mild spices and light citrus and fruity yeast flavors as well. Earthy, dirtlike flavors towards the swallow.

M - Medium bodied with prickly mid level carbonation. Some light sweetness is shown throughout. Mild fruity citrus lingers well into the aftertaste. Very smooth overall.

D - Very enjoyable beer (even on a 85 degree summer day) with tons of rich roasty/toasty malt flavors combined with earthy and citrusy hops and a bit of spice. Smooth drinking - goes down easily. Think I'll be seeking this out again in the winter season.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2010 00:35:04 | More by portia99

TexIndy

Texas

3.43/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass. 2009 edition with a best by date of 4/1/10 on the front label. It was a cloudy amber color with plenty of floating bits. A couple stray carb streams. It had an average sized head that quickly settled into a collar with a thin incomplete film.

The aroma was caramel malt with spiced dark fruit. Not as wintry spiced as most other winter warmers which was good. Aroma really starts to fade as it warms up. The taste was also less spiced than others with the malt showing up more upfront with the spice and fruit hitting at the end. Some hop presence in the nose and taste but not much. Mouthfeel was medium with light carbonation and not bad aftertaste.

Overall, one of the better winter warmers that I've had. Recommend. Rotation - not avail here in TX so had ummagum ship me an Odell sampler. This isn't one of my favorite styles so only have a few per year if at all. So one is enough for me unless best choice. More a style thing than a taste thing.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2010 02:30:56 | More by TexIndy

bsp77

Minnesota

4.15/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Serving glass: Poured from bottle into Nonic Imperial Pint.

Appearance: Clear reddish-brown with thin off-white head.

Smell: Rich caramel malts, very spicy English hops, and a light fruitiness. Fairly dry aroma.

Taste: Just lightly sweet malt body with caramel, dark fruit and a touch of tea. Very spicy, floral and citrusy English hops are used to great effect on the finish. While not particularly bitter, the hop profile suggests it is higher than the listed 29 IBUs.

Feel: Moderate carbonation, smooth medium to full body, very dry finish.

Drinkability: Quite simply, this is one of the best traditional English-style Ales I have had. Drinkable, full flavored and delicious.

Edit: Lowered my taste score from 4.5 to 4, as by mid-November, the hops had faded somewhat. So this so-called Winter beer is best in October.

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2010 02:26:05 | More by bsp77

jazzyjeff13

United Kingdom (England)

3.75/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I had originally intended to drink this on the longest day, but circumstances conspired against me. Still, what could be better than a winter ale at the beginning of summer?

A 12 oz bottle; there is a date of Sept 2010 on the label although I presume this is the botting date rather than the use by date? I like the stylised image on the front.

Poured into a Sam Smith's pint glass. A hazy coppery-brown with good carbonation. Produces a thick, creamy head of off-white foam that lasts for a few minutes before collapsing to a surface layer. Aroma of rich, sweet malt with hints of grain, caramel, dried fruit and a whiff of alcohol.

Tastes of sweet biscuity malt with a dry finish. Notes of grain, caramel/toffee, brown sugar, and dried fruit. A hint of alcohol in the background. Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and dry, but a bit thinner than I expected. Sweet malty aftertaste.

Pretty good, although from experience I was expecting a 'winter warmer' to be slightly spiced. A nice balance of flavours with pleasant sweetness. Could perhaps have done with some subtle roasty notes to add character. The body seemed a little thin, but a very drinkable beer nonetheless. Worth sampling....

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2011 00:44:22 | More by jazzyjeff13