St. Lupulin; Odell Brewery, Fort Collins, CO; 6.5% by volume; 46 IBUs
If you feel a certain sense of comedic dread at the thought of an albino reviewing an “extra pale ale”, you’re not alone. But despite my jocular trepidation, I went home, closed the blinds, applied my SPF 376 sunblock, donned my wide-brimmed hat, and dove in.
St. Lupulin is Odell’s newest addition to the summer ale family. Named after a supposed mythical figure who relentlessly “tended the hops” (beer geeks, I’m giving you that euphemism, gratis, so I expect it to be used), I found this a nice example of a summer brew, something I’m normally not that thrilled with.
Color: Deep clear gold to yellow, thin, white head, little effervescence.
Aroma: Hoppy, hoppy, joy, joy, Hoppy, Hoppy, Joy, Joy, HOPPY, HOPPY, JOY, JOY, JOY!! Oh, did I mention the hops?
Taste: Very light and refreshing, but not overkill. Light mouthfeel, comes on subtle with just a hint of malt. I got a bit of a charred barrel flavor just before the finishing hops took the stage with a memorable ending.
Overall: I’m usually not a fan of the summer brews; too light and flavorless for my taste. This one, however, stood out, particularly how it brought the hops to the forefront without overdoing it and maintaining a heavier feel than your Bud Light clones. I’ll definitely add this to my summer beer rotation, as should you.
In keeping with the extra pale theme, I’ll leave you with a question to ponder. Why does everyone hate us?
John
mistressothepit
Darrin
Andy
Adam
beerisdirus
J. Andy Lambert
August 19, 2010
St. Lupulin might be the patron saint of hops, but SAINT ARNOLD is the Patron Saint of Brewing and Beer and he was a real Church Bishop.
He encouraged his flock to drink beer because water could kill you, which back then, it could.
Oh and Saint Arnold is also also Texas Oldest Craft Brwerey and is located right here in the Bayou City.
Don’t bother checking your liquor store shelves though, It’s only available in Texas and one town in Northern Florida where a brewpub imports it specifically to offer an approved alternative to their house brews.