Odell Brewing Co. Releases Bull Proof Bourbon Barrel Stout

Odell Brewing Co. out of Fort Collins, Colorado has released the latest beer in the brewery's Cellar Series, a bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout called Bull Proof. You may read more information on the beer from the brewery below.

Fort Collins, CO. - Odell Brewing has released their latest from the Cellar Series, Bull Proof, a 12% Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout. This marks their first package release of a Bourbon Barrel Stout since 2011. 

A bourbon barrel stout is, by design, an exercise in collaboration and this beer has become a neighborhood affair. Odell Brewing partnered with local Fort Collins based Old Elk Distillery, to source bourbon barrels for aging their beer.

“When Old Elk opened their distillery less than a mile from the brewery, we did the neighborly thing and paid them a visit,” explains Marni Wahlquist, Barrel and Pilot System Manager. “After sharing a few pints and pours, we got to talking and the idea behind Bull Proof was born.” 

“We’ve actually been working together for a couple of years,” explains Kate Douglas, head Distiller of Old Elk. “When we first got started, Odell made a few barrels of beer available to us so we could test recipes on our pilot system. We’ve been friends ever since.” 

Old Elk recently brought their bourbon to market in late 2017, now available across six states. Old Elk Distillery practices “slow cut” blending, adding water slowly over longer periods of time. This process requires extra time and patience but produces a much more complex, smooth bourbon. 

“Because Old Elk was ramping up production, they had an abundance of barrels. Fortunately we were able to put them to good use,” explains Wahlquist. “Working with super fresh barrels allows the beer to take on stronger, more complex flavors.”

This Bourbon Barrel Stout has hints of sweet vanilla, soft oak, and deep molasses that complement the full body of rich roasted malts. Coming in at 12%, Bull Proof will be available in very limited quantities as  a single 12oz bottle across Odell’s 16-state distribution footprint.