Odell Brewing Company embarks on new expansion

It was golden ales not golden shovels on June 9, 2009, as Odell Brewing Company officially broke ground on its new expansion. The project, which includes an expansion of the existing manufacturing, office, and tap room facilities, will help the brewery accommodate increased and enhanced brewing operations. “While we are expanding capacity, we are really viewing this as an investment in innovation in both style and process,” said brewery owner Wynne Odell. Not only will the brewery gain much needed space, but it will also improve its creative brewing processes with investments such as a single-serve packaging line and a new barrel aging cellar. Odell Brewing has partnered with local businesses RB+B Architects, BHA Designs, Northern Engineering, and Delta Construction for the project. The brewery has also incorporated multiple environmentally friendly installations and “green” considerations in its plans. “The design team made a concerted effort to create a facility that is both healthy and efficient,” said project manager Brendan McGivney. The brewery will work with Abound Solar on a roof mounted photovoltaic system. Abound’s solar panels, installed by Wirsol, will generate 50 KW of energy, which is approximately 1/3 of the brewery’s summer daily peak demand. Solar tubes in the brewery’s new warehouse will provide natural lighting, and a day-lighting system will actually turn off light fixtures when this natural light is sufficient. The brewery will also include a water recovery system in its bottling line that will capture clean rinse water and use it for landscape irrigation. In addition to the building, the brewery will include improvements to its parking, shipping, and overall landscaping. Drought-resistant plants will be used throughout the landscaping, and porous pavers will be used in the parking lot to minimize rain runoff. These porous pavers will be showcased by the city of Fort Collins as one of their Low Impact Development Pilot Projects. Odell Brewing expects to complete the expansion in early 2010.

New Posts Coming Soon

My apologies for not posting anything recently on this blog. I have been away, dealing with family matters. Will start posting again soon.

Brewery Tour: Chimay

Here is a glimpse into the world of the brewing monks at Abbey of Scourmont-Lez-Chimay with a brewery tour hosted by Father Thomas, Director of the Brewery.

Odell Brewing Set To Release Woodcut #2

Woodcut #2 will be released this Monday, April 20th at 2:00 pm in the tap room at Odell's in Fort Collins. Woodcut #2 is a strong golden ale aged in virgin oak barrels. This 11% ABV limited edition beer will be available in hand signed and numbered 750 mL bottles. I can't wait to try this beer! Woodcut #1 sold out very quickly so be advised, if you want to get your hands on some #2, don't delay. For more info visit: www.odellbrewing.com

Sour Beers May Be Catching On

Last night, I attended a meeting of the Brewnion Colony Homebrewers club. There were many fine beer, mead and cider samples passed around for all to enjoy, including two Belgian-inspired sour beers. Today, I came across an article in the Chicago Tribune that explores this unique style and how It's gaining favor with American craft brewers. Here is a quote from the article:

"In the beer geek population, sour beers are the Holy Grail," said Lauren Salazar, New Belgium's sensory specialist. "They're difficult to produce. They're impossible to control. But in the end, you end up falling in love with them."

Here's a link to the full story.

Colorado Beer Events 2009

Spring is here! It's time to put on your festival hats and get out and about! I have put together a list of events (festivals, beer dinners etc...) of interest to Colorado brewers and beer lovers. This document contains links that you can follow for complete information about each event. I will update the list and add new events periodically, so check back for updates. If you would like your event listed, just let me know! See the list here.

"Beer Wars" One Night Only

April 16, 2009 - "Beer Wars - Brewed in America" will be showing at a theater near you. This special screening will feature a live panel discussion after the film with Ben Stein. Ben will be joined by several of the country's leading independent brewers and industry experts, including Sam Calagione - Dogfish Head Craft Brewery founder, Rhonda Kallman - founder of New Century Brewing Company and co-founder of Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams), Greg Koch - founder of Stone Brewing Company, Charlie Papazian - Brewers Association president, Maureen Ogle - historian and author of Ambitious Brew and Todd Alstrom, Beer Advocate founder. For more info visit: www.beerwarsmovie.com