Red Ale (Odell Brewing, Fort Collins, CO)

Red Ale is a copper ale with an off white head that falls with a nice lace. The American amber ale has a great nose with lots of toffee, caramel and strong hop spice. Big malt shows up in the taste w/o some of the other flavors in the nose. Hop bite is light but pleasant. Overall, a nice amber ale that gives the senses a run for the money and is still very drinkable. Might not buy for home again, but would gladly get a pint in a bar for a refreshing change of pace or a great go-to beer for a place with a limited selection.

Serving type: bottle

Reviewed on: 11-14-2011 02:45:03

Lips of Faith BELGO (New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO)

Glimmering straw gold beer with a nice lace down the glass. Nose is fruit and spice, apples, pears, unripe grapefruit, pepper and pine, and bread with a hint of earthiness underneath. Carbonation and hop bite is strong and tingles the tongue. Love it. Spice spreads out and lingers on the tongue, and it seems to be a combination of hop and yeast creating the tangy spice. Looks light in the glass but has a solid mouthfeel. Very nice beer and, to me, seems to be a much better beer than the initial rating from BAs. Glad I got a six pack of this one.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2011

Clutch-Lips of Faith series (New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO)

Being a fan of sours, New Belgium is always a good bet and this one doesn't disappoint. Dark brown to black beer with a tan head that falls with a nice lace. Sour note on top of chocolate malt and some dark fruits. Subtle but interesting. Light sourness in the mouth that lingers nicely with taste of dark chocolate and cherries. Sweetness and malt underneath the sour in a fine balance. Well worth the effort to get a bottle.

Chocolate Stout (Fort Collins Brewing, Fort Collins, CO)

A black, brown ale that is opaque. No head after a short period, but what started with fluffy and light tan fell away completely. Singular roasty nose that is clean and light, which continues well through the mouth plus a smooth grainy taste in the center (oatmeal??). Sweet initially with a dry finish. Good, solid stout that is smooth because it's just a little light in the mouth. Good choice. I'd get it again.