Odell - India Barley Wine

Dead Soldier 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

India Barley Wine
Odell Brewing Company
800 East Lincoln Avenue
Fort Collins, CO USA
Est. 1989
www.odellbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 9.7 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review
Light, hazy amber color.
A large amount of hops, followed by malt caramel and a touch of yeast aromas to the nose.
Short head disappears to a cover but leaves clingy lacing.
Soft, sweet malt taste, some bold hops and honey (?) sweetness.
Soft carbonation.
Full flavored, somewhat complex bodied. Even more flavorful as it warms. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy 
I have had this aging for nearly one year. It was brought out in the company of great beer lovers.  All agreed it was an excellent sipper. Not a heavy handed barley wine, as some tend to be. Not overly complex, nor difficult to consume.  In fact, it was deceptively easy to drink at over 9% ABV. And did I mention the hops? That is where it gets its double identity (a.k.a India) as there are 68 IBU's of hop heat neatly tucked inside this barley wine.

So glad I was able to share with those that appreciate a well made ale. Kudos Odell!

Bell's - Third Coast Old Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Third Coast Old Ale
Bell's Brewery Inc.

8938 Krum Ave.
Galesburg & Comstock, MI USA
Est. 1985
www.bellsbeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep golden color with red hues.
Brown sugar, molasses and muddled plum fruits on the nose.
Draped lacing, off-white head that leaves a solid finger height throughout the glass.
Biting hops up front give way to rich fig and raisin tastes.
Stated alcohol presence in smell and taste.
Moderate carbonation. 
Full bodied. Powerful in flavor, taste and alcohol.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Not much to look at on the label...but explore the contents and you are in for a surprise!  Bell's spent their time brewing this ABV barleywine beast, but didn't waste a lot of energy on the label/packaging. Light pink border, maroon lettering and a bleak winter's scene are on the spartan neck and body labels of this beer. But when you open the bottle, you unleash the barleywine monster inside.

The 10.2% ABV hits you in the nose, and the back of the throat. It envelops your tongue. Do yourself a favor and pour into a small snifter or 4 ounce glass. Do not think for a minute that you'll be swigging this directly from the bottle. It's no-excuses strong.

It will warm you up with comfort on the bleakest of a winter's day. Also, it will likely kick your ass at the same time.

You have been warned! Muahaaahahahaha!