Odell Brewing Company is a staple in the Fort Collins, Colorado brewing scene. While on beercation in Denver, Colorado I knew it was worth the drive to get a tour, sample their latest offerings and bring something home to share. I made the trip to the brewery with my brother so we could enjoy the experience together.
As we entered the brewery I saw that it was a one stop shop with offices on the left and the taproom straight ahead. Walking through the taproom doors there was a moderate crowd buying beer, signing up for the tour and sipping on flights and full pours.
My brother checked the details about going on a tour and booked us on one. Since it didn't start for a bit, and they let you bring it on the tour, we grabbed a beer and chatted about Odell and life in general.
When the tour started our guide called for everybody to join her in a small taproom near a set of stairs. She then proceeded to provide us with a beer for the tour which I dutifully double-fisted while ascending the stairs to the brew house. We then were treated to smelling ingredients while the brewing process and inner workings of Odell were explained, including that we were standing on a spot on the floor what would eventually be the home of a new tank that could be lowered in through the roof.
My brother checked the details about going on a tour and booked us on one. Since it didn't start for a bit, and they let you bring it on the tour, we grabbed a beer and chatted about Odell and life in general.
When the tour started our guide called for everybody to join her in a small taproom near a set of stairs. She then proceeded to provide us with a beer for the tour which I dutifully double-fisted while ascending the stairs to the brew house. We then were treated to smelling ingredients while the brewing process and inner workings of Odell were explained, including that we were standing on a spot on the floor what would eventually be the home of a new tank that could be lowered in through the roof.
After the information had sunk in, we got to peek in on a group doing some quality assurance. The site of all the beautifully colorful beer in front of them made me thirsty despite the two beers in my hand.
Next stop was the packaging facility located downstairs and behind the taproom. It was a site to behold with lots of bottles running through the bottling line. Scattered throughout on the walls could be seen older signage and portrait size labels, acting as a sort of museum of the changes Odell has undergone over their more than 25 years of existence.
After finishing viewing the packaging area, our guide opened up the floor to final questions. She was very knowledgeable and was able to answer some very good questions from the tour group. We thanked her for the great tour and trickled back out to the taproom.
My brother and I split a flight of some of their more specialty offerings as we wandered around the taproom and out to the patio/beer garden area enjoying the atmosphere Odell had obviously worked hard to create.
Final stop before heading out of town was the cashier to purchase a selection of bottles for the trip home.
If you are in the area, make sure to pay your respects to a veteran of the brewing business. You won't be sorry you stopped in.
Cheers!
After finishing viewing the packaging area, our guide opened up the floor to final questions. She was very knowledgeable and was able to answer some very good questions from the tour group. We thanked her for the great tour and trickled back out to the taproom.
My brother and I split a flight of some of their more specialty offerings as we wandered around the taproom and out to the patio/beer garden area enjoying the atmosphere Odell had obviously worked hard to create.
Final stop before heading out of town was the cashier to purchase a selection of bottles for the trip home.
If you are in the area, make sure to pay your respects to a veteran of the brewing business. You won't be sorry you stopped in.
Cheers!