A great brewery doesn’t need gimmicks—it needs discipline, vision, and a clear point of view. Odell Brewing Co. in Fort Collins, Colorado has all three. As an employee-owned stalwart with a portfolio built on balance and freshness, Odell has earned loyal fans from Colorado to the coasts. This spotlight gives you a practical plan for your visit: what to drink (start with 90 Shilling and Odell IPA), what the taproom feels like, how to pair your beers with food, and why Odell’s employee-ownership model shapes a better guest experience.
- Address: 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
- Website: https://www.odellbrewing.com/
Quick Snapshot
- Signature Beers: 90 Shilling (amber ale), Odell IPA (West Coast-leaning IPA), seasonal and small-batch releases
- Vibe in 3 Words: Balanced, welcoming, polished
- Why Go: Employee-owned culture, freshness-first approach, and a lineup that rewards both hop chasers and malt fans
The Beer
What They’re Known For
Odell built its reputation on beers that are expressive yet highly drinkable—flavor-forward without palate fatigue. Two signatures anchor the lineup:
- 90 Shilling: A modern Colorado classic. Expect toasty malt with hints of biscuit and caramel, a clean ferment, and a dry finish that invites a second pint. It’s malt-forward but never heavy, making it a versatile food beer and a reliable fridge staple.
- Odell IPA: A bright, aromatic IPA with citrus and pine at the forefront, supported by a lean malt base and a firm, clean bitterness. It’s a benchmark for balance—big on aromas, dry on the finish, and brewed to taste crisp from first sip to last.
Beyond the headliners, Odell rounds out the board with crisp lagers, seasonal pale ales, and small-batch one-offs that explore new hop varieties, fruit accents, or barrel-conditioning. You’ll often find taproom-only releases that let the brewing team experiment while staying true to house balance.
Brewing Approach: Why Odell Tastes So Clean
- Freshness mindset: Production and distribution practices emphasize cold-chain integrity and clear dating, keeping hop aromatics vivid and malt flavors crisp.
- Fermentation control: Tight temperature management and yeast health reduce off-flavors, resulting in clean, style-correct profiles.
- Intentional bitterness: IPAs are designed so bitterness lifts aroma rather than overwhelms the palate. Even higher-ABV releases stay structured and drinkable.
- Balanced grists: Grain bills support, not smother. You’ll notice bread crust, light caramel, or cracker notes without syrupy sweetness.
Must-Try Beers
- 90 Shilling: Start here if you value malt nuance and a crisp finish. It’s an ideal baseline for understanding Odell’s style.
- Odell IPA: Aromatic, balanced, and hop-bright—compare it with any fresh taproom IPA to see how bitterness and aroma interplay.
- Seasonal Pale or IPA: Ask what’s freshest. Rotating hop varieties showcase citrus, stone fruit, tropicals, or pine with a clean finish.
- Crisp Lager or Pils: A great palate reset and a proof point for the brewery’s technical precision.
- Specialty/Small Batch: Barrel-touched beers, fruited seasonals, or taproom-only pilots add contrast to a flight.
Build a Smart Flight
Try a four-pour set to see the range:
1) Lager or Pilsner (calibrate your palate)
2) 90 Shilling (malt balance, clean finish)
3) Odell IPA (aromatic hops, firm but focused bitterness)
4) Seasonal/Small-Batch (contrast—fruit, new hop, or barrel nuance)
Sip clean to bold. Add a small side taster of a taproom-only beer if something catches your eye.
Atmosphere & Experience
Taproom and Campus Feel
Odell’s Fort Collins home pairs polished hospitality with a relaxed Colorado vibe. The space blends wood, concrete, and stainless, with big windows and an indoor-outdoor flow that makes it easy to settle in. Expect:
- A light-filled taproom with clear board visibility and knowledgeable staff
- A patio built for Colorado’s sunny days, with shade solutions for summer and heaters for shoulder seasons
- A crowd that mixes locals, CSU visitors, and beer travelers—weekday afternoons are calm; weekends hum with energy
Service is engaged, not pushy. Staff can translate your preferences into a spot-on recommendation, whether you’re choosing between a pine-forward IPA or a fruit-accented seasonal.
Family- and Dog-Friendliness
- Families: Daytime and early evenings feel comfortable for groups with kids; seating works for both flights and full meals.
- Dogs: Leashed pups are typically welcome in designated outdoor areas when weather and policy allow—check signage or the website for current rules.
Events and Happenings
- Small-batch and seasonal release days
- Live music or community nights on select dates
- Cause-driven fundraisers tied to local organizations
Follow Odell’s social channels for calendar updates; limited cans and specialty kegs can go fast.
Food & Pairings
Food Options
Odell’s food approach keeps pairings front and center. Depending on the day, you’ll see:
- On-site kitchen or food truck partners serving tacos, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and shareables
- Specials that lean on bright acidity, herbs, and a touch of heat—elements that complement hop-driven beers and refresh the palate
If you’re planning a long session, check the day’s menu online or ask staff about the current partner. The team is quick with pairing tips based on what’s fresh on tap.
Best Beer + Food Pairings
- 90 Shilling + burger with cheddar and caramelized onions: Toasty malt echoes char and sweetness; a dry finish keeps each bite lively.
- Odell IPA + spicy wings or carne asada tacos: Citrus-pine hops cut heat and oil while highlighting grilled notes.
- Pale Ale + fish tacos with lime crema: Hop aroma amplifies citrus and herbs; crisp bitterness resets your palate.
- Lager/Pils + pretzel with mustard or fried chicken sandwich: Carbonation and snap slice through salt and fat.
- Seasonal Dark/Barrel-Touched + chocolate brownie or smoked brisket: Roast and oak lift dessert richness and smoky depth.
Tip: If you’re tasting across multiple IPAs, interleave a lager taster, water, and salty snacks to keep your palate fresh.
Employee-Owned Culture: Why It Matters
Ownership You Can Feel
Odell’s employee ownership isn’t a footnote—it’s a foundation. When the people pouring your beer also own a stake in the company, service gets sharper and the quality bar stays high. That pride of ownership shows up in small ways: clean glassware, well-maintained draft lines, guidance that meets you where you are, and a culture that invites questions rather than gatekeeps.
Community Investment
Employee ownership tends to track with local commitment. Odell backs Fort Collins through partnerships, fundraisers, and events that support nonprofits and neighborhood causes. You’ll notice a through-line of sustainability and responsible growth—choices that prioritize long-term community health over quick wins.
Practical Planning
Getting There and Parking
- Address: 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
- Parking: On-site and nearby street options; weekends fill quickly—arrive early or use rideshare.
- Getting around: Fort Collins is bike-friendly and walkable from parts of Old Town; plan a safe ride if you’re building a long tasting session.
Reservations, Tours, and Waits
- Taproom: Generally first-come; weekend waits are common during peak hours.
- Tours: Offered based on schedule. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at how Odell keeps beers so consistent, book ahead online—slots can go fast.
- Groups: For large parties or private events, reach out via the website for options and best times.
To-Go Beer
- Core cans and bottles: 90 Shilling, Odell IPA, and seasonals available cold to-go.
- Limited/Small-batch releases: Watch social feeds for drop dates and purchase limits.
- Freshness tip: Bring a soft cooler and ice packs—Colorado sun and car interiors are hard on hop aroma and lager snap.
Merch Highlights
- Colorado-forward apparel with clean, modern branding
- Glassware tuned for lagers, ambers, and IPAs
- Stickers, hats, and limited prints tied to special releases
Local Flavor
Odell in the Fort Collins Beer Story
Fort Collins is one of the country’s best beer towns—bike paths, a lively downtown, and a dense cluster of breweries. Odell stands out as a touchstone: a place you can send any friend, from IPA diehard to craft newcomer, and know they’ll find something dialed-in. The brewery’s balance-first approach fits the city’s outdoor ethos—beers that refresh after a ride, a hike, or a stroll through Old Town.
Nearby Attractions and Crawl Ideas
- Old Town Fort Collins: Grab coffee, browse shops, then head to Odell for an afternoon flight.
- Poudre River Trail: Bike or walk, then cool down with a lager or 90 Shilling on the patio.
- FoCo brewery loop: Plan a careful crawl with rideshare and water breaks; compare interpretations of West Coast IPA and modern lagers across a few stops.
Ask the Staff
Try these prompts to uncover gems:
- “What’s the freshest hop-forward beer on right now?”
- “Is there a taproom-only release that pairs well with today’s food special?”
- “Which small-batch beer shows a new hop or technique this week?”
Staff picks change often; asking is the fastest route to what’s exciting today.
Traveler’s Notes
Why Craft Beer Tourists Should Visit
- Taste two modern classics—90 Shilling and Odell IPA—at peak freshness.
- Explore a board that balances hop-forward excitement with food-friendly sessionability.
- Experience employee-owned hospitality that values education and consistency.
- Build flights that work for mixed groups without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Best Time to Go
- Weekday afternoons: Minimal waits, ideal for flights and staff conversations.
- Weekend late afternoons: Energetic patio vibes and broad tap availability.
- Release days: Electric atmosphere—arrive early and check social posts for details.
My Recommendation
Start with a four-pour flight: Lager/Pils, 90 Shilling, Odell IPA, and the freshest seasonal. Order a pretzel or wings to start, then a burger or tacos for your main. Pick your favorite for a full pour, grab a mixed 4-pack to-go, and ask about any small-batch you missed. If tours are available, book ahead and plan a second session after to revisit your top pick with food.
Conclusion: Plan Your Visit
Odell Brewing Co. proves that balance and freshness never go out of style. 90 Shilling shows how malt can be flavorful yet light on its feet. Odell IPA delivers bright aromatics with a dry, satisfying finish. Layer in an employee-owned culture that values community and quality, and you’ve got a Fort Collins essential. Set your GPS to 800 E Lincoln Ave, check odellbrewing.com for hours, tours, and release updates, and plan enough time to build a thoughtful flight, enjoy a meal, and linger on the patio. Whether you’re a local regular or a beer traveler mapping Colorado, Odell is a stop you’ll want to return to.
