Odell 90 Shilling 6Pk is a Scottish-style amber ale from Fort Collins, Colorado, packaged as a six-pack of 12 oz bottles at 5.3% ABV. Named after the traditional Scottish shilling system used to classify ale strength, this flagship brew from Odell Brewing Company earned an 89/100 from Wine Enthusiast and holds an 87 on BeerAdvocate across nearly 2,000 ratings — cementing its reputation as one of Colorado's benchmark amber ales. Quick Facts: ABV: 5.3% | IBU: 27 | Origin: Fort Collins, Colorado | Style: Scottish-Style Amber Ale | Brewery: Odell Brewing Company Production & Heritage Odell Brewing Company was founded in 1989 by Doug, Wynne, and Corkie Odell in Fort Collins, Colorado, and 90 Shilling has been the brewery's flagship since the beginning. The grain bill centers on British Crystal and Chocolate malts, which build the beer's signature toffee-like backbone, while Perle and Nugget hops provide restrained bitterness at just 27 IBUs. Fresh Rocky Mountain water drawn from the Cache la Poudre River and a proprietary house yeast strain — used across all Odell beers — contribute a subtle fruitiness that distinguishes 90 Shilling from more straightforward amber ales. Tasting Notes Aroma: Caramel and toasted biscuit lead, followed by roasted malt and a gentle suggestion of brown sugar. Subtle raisin and apple-peel notes emerge as the beer warms slightly in the glass. Taste: The entry is smooth and malt-forward, with sweet caramel and bready, biscuit-like flavors coating the palate. Mid-palate, the Chocolate malt brings a light roasted quality, while the house yeast lends delicate fruit character — think ripe apple and dried stone fruit. A measured herbal, lemon-tinged hop presence arrives just before the finish, providing balance without sharpness. Finish: Medium in length with a dry caramel and lightly smoky malt tail. A faint spice from the hops lingers alongside clean bitterness that invites the next sip. How to Drink 90 Shilling Serve at 45–50°F in a tulip pint or nonic glass to let the malt aromatics open up; this beer rewards a deliberate pour with a finger of head. 90 Shilling is built to drink on its own, but it also works well in beer-based mixed drinks: a Boilermaker paired with a bourbon shot, where the caramel malt mirrors the whiskey's sweetness; a Shandy with fresh lemonade, where the low bitterness keeps things balanced; or a Black and Tan layered beneath a dry stout, using 90 Shilling's malt sweetness as the base layer. Best For Introducing craft beer to someone who prefers malt-forward, easy-drinking styles Backyard grilling sessions where a versatile, food-friendly ale is needed Stocking a Colorado-focused beer fridge alongside other Front Range staples Cool-weather drinking when hop-heavy IPAs feel too aggressive Frequently Asked Questions What does 90 Shilling taste like? 90 Shilling is a malt-driven amber ale with prominent caramel, toasted biscuit, and light roast flavors, balanced by restrained herbal hop bitterness and a subtle fruitiness from Odell's house yeast. How does 90 Shilling compare to Fat Tire? Both are well-known Colorado amber ales, but 90 Shilling leans more heavily on British Crystal and Chocolate malts for a richer, more roasted character, while New Belgium's Fat Tire tends to be lighter-bodied with a toastier, biscuit-focused profile. Many drinkers note that 90 Shilling delivers greater malt complexity and depth at a comparable ABV. Is 90 Shilling good for beginners? Yes — its low bitterness (27 IBU), smooth malt sweetness, and approachable 5.3% ABV make it an excellent gateway into craft amber ales for anyone transitioning from mainstream lagers. Where is 90 Shilling made? 90 Shilling is brewed by Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins, Colorado, situated along the northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, using water sourced from the Cache la Poudre River. What foods pair well with 90 Shilling? Grilled burgers and sausages complement the caramel malt sweetness; sharp cheddar and aged Gouda echo the toasty, nutty notes; smoked brisket or pulled pork mirrors the beer's light roast character; roasted root vegetables align with its earthy malt profile; and apple-based desserts like tarte tatin play off the subtle fruit notes from the house yeast. What sizes does 90 Shilling come in? 90 Shilling is commonly available in 6-packs of 12 oz bottles, and Odell also distributes it in 12-packs and on draft at select locations. Is 90 Shilling worth the price? 90 Shilling positions as a flagship craft amber ale at a mainstream craft price point, and its consistently high ratings — 87 on BeerAdvocate, 89 from Wine Enthusiast — suggest strong value relative to other beers in the style. Why 90 Shilling? Since Odell Brewing opened its doors in 1989, 90 Shilling has served as the brewery's calling card — a beer that has remained in continuous production for over three decades without reformulation. The combination of British Crystal and Chocolate malts with Odell's proprietary house yeast creates a flavor profile that is recognizably richer and more layered than most American amber ales. Its 89-point Wine Enthusiast score and enduring BeerAdvocate ratings reflect a beer that continues to earn critical respect year after year. In a market saturated with hop-forward styles, 90 Shilling stands as proof that a well-built malt backbone can carry a beer on its own.
