Katy Benson, a Food Science Masters student at UC Davis, recently had the opportunity to gain some invaluable insight into the world of craft beer. Colorado's Odell Brewing Co. co-founder Doug Odell dedicated some of his precious brew day to share his wisdom and experiences with Katy, who is on a mission to help shape the future of beer. What did Doug tell Katy? Find out by reading this article!
When it comes to craft beer, Doug Odell is certainly a man with enough experience and expertise. Co-founder of Colorado’s Odell Brewing Co., Doug Odell has been in the beer-making industry for decades, where he’s built a name for himself as a passionate pioneer who has helped craft breweries grow exponentially. As such, it wasn’t surprising that when Katy Benson, a graduate student in her second year of the Food Science Masters Program at UC Davis, wanted to learn more about craft beer brewing, she went straight to the source and sought out the co-founder of Odell Brewing Co. during one of his brew days.
Craft beer is a rapidly growing industry in the United States, particularly since 1980 when President Carter signed bill H.R. 1337 that allowed small brewers to start operating in the U.S. Craft breweries typically brew only small batches, which gives them a great deal of room for variation and experimentation, as well as a higher degree of quality control. Since their humble beginnings, craft beer has been steadily growing both in popularity and in production numbers.
One of the pioneers of the craft beer industry is Doug Odell. After graduating from business school and making his way back to Colorado, Doug, along with wife Wynne and friend Corkie, opened Odell Brewing Co., in 1989. Since then, the brewery has seen a steady stream of success, with simultaneous expansions in both the beer selection and the production quantities.
When Katy Benson arrived at Odell to learn more about the craft beer industry, she found a thriving business, complete with both tradition and modernized technology. Taking a break from a busy brew day, Doug took some time out of his schedule to answer all of Katrina’s questions andshow her around the facility. During their tour, Doug showed her the inner workings of the brewery, as well as the process of packaging and bottling Odell beers.
Doug Odell and the other brewers at Odell Brewing Co. produce their beer using traditionalbrewing and mashing techniques. Through fermentation and conditioning, the beer is transferred to stainless steel tanks, where it is left to mature and develop its unique, distinct flavours.
Brewers at Odell have recently adopted newer technologies, such as reverse osmosis and foamite, to purify and prepare the water for brewing. In addition, new techniques such as centrifuging, gas stripping and oxygenation are helping maximize efficiency and save energy. Additionally, modernized processes, such as automated chilling, provide finer control over the slow-cooling process that is necessary for certain styles of ales.
By the end of her visit, Katy felt much more informed about the craft beer industry. She left Odell with a newfound appreciation for the craft of brewing and the passion of the professionals behind it. Thanks to Doug Odell’s thorough explanation and demonstration, Katy was able to gain insight into the intricacies of craft beer brewing.
Doug Odell’s willingness to take time out of a busy brew day for someone as passionate about craft beer as Katy Benson speaks to his dedication to the craft of beer-making. Thanks to the perfect combination of traditional techniques, modern technologies and passion, the quality and flavor of Odell’s beers have been consistent over the years. Craft beer brewing is certainly an art and thanks to Doug Odell’s insight and dedication to the craft, Katy Benson was able to get a close look at the process from a master himself.