Despite the temperature, it is indeed autumn, meaning new beers to pair with the changing of the weather. With so many breweries in the city of Fort Collins comes no end of a selection. Here are five beers to start your fall into new brew flavors.
- Odell Brewery’s Cloud Catcher Milkshake IPA
Even if you are not a fan of the bitter taste of IPA’s, this may still appeal to you. Unlike others, this IPA does not have the brazen taste of hops that turns away many people. Instead, Cloud Catcher balances it’s flavors evenly between hops, creamsicle and citrus flavors.
As the “milkshake” in the title implies, the beer has a thicker texture, but it never stops being smooth and light. The beer never feels heavy, and as a warning, it might be easy you could easily drink several servings of this beef and not notice.
More Fort Collins beer events including Odell’s 7th Annual CinnsationAle Release, can be found at www.fortcollinsbreweryguide.com
2. Black Bottle Brewery’s ‘Cerealously’ Count Chocula Stout
With strong and sweet flavors, you won’t want to miss this limited edition brew while it’s here. Normally beer will take a fruity approach to sweet flavors but this beer sports a creamy sweet, chocolatey body, that comes in a thick body and hearty texture.
Count Chocula Stout like the liquid and boozy version of a favorite childhood cereal. This beer is just right for sipping on, perfect for situations like a casual conversation or an after dinner treat.
3. Rally King Brewing’s Pumpkin Spice Sour
This beer cannot get any closer to the taste of liquefied pumpkin pie than actually sticking a slice in your blender. This beer doesn’t sport the usual blend of ingredients that make up pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin beers, or the endless pumpkin related products. Instead, you can taste what seems like real pumpkin, which compliments the sour taste surprisingly well.
The light body makes for an easy drink. The beer also has no issue balancing the spices, as the flavors are delivered in two parts, first the wholesome spices followed by the sour after taste.
4. Horse & Dragon Brewing’s ‘Harry Hughes’s Aggie Ale-‘ Green Tea Pale Ale
The name does not lie this beer really does taste like jasmine and green tea. The beer is named in honor of Harry Hughes, who coached Rams football for 31 years, and is the namesake of Hughe’s stadium.
Compared to the dark and smoky flavors of the other beers, this one may suite you better with subtle flavors like geranium, lemon citrus and earthy green tea. The beer sports a dry and tart body that makes it excellent for a straight forward beer with a twist.
5. Snowbank Brewing’s Totality Bourbon Aged Stout
This is a beer for the true aficionados. The Totality is an imperial stout aged in rye whiskey barrels and has 12 percent ABV. Make no mistake this is a strong beer both in taste and alcoholic punch. The Totality has a coffee black body with an extra thick texture and a bitter taste so pungent it is sure to catch you off guard.
The rye bitterness has a slight sour twist that leaves a staunch after taste, it is definitely a sipping beer. What I described may sound unappealing, but if you’re looking for a non-sweet beer that compliments the fall weather and aesthetic, you would be hard pressed to find a better choice.
Ty Davis can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @tydavisACW.
