Odell Brewing Releases Woodcut No. 4 Oak Aged Lager 6


In the eyes of The Wench, Odell can do no wrong. Every beer of theirs that I have had, whether it be from the normal lineup or the reserve collection, has been solid, if not spectacular.

Odell recently announced the release of the latest edition to its Woodcut series — an oak-aged double Märzen-style lager. Does this confuse, yet intrigue anyone else? This is the first time I’ve heard of someone making a double Marzen as well as the first time I’ve heard of someone aging a lager in wood. It is either a brilliant idea or an absolute disaster.

Unfortunately for me, Odell does not distribute in California. So unless I orchestrate some sort of bribe/trade … I will probably never see this beer. Which makes Wenchie a sad pupppy. If anyone wants to trade me for a bottle, shoot me an email. Otherwise, I look forward to hearing feedback from all those who get to taste this rather peculiar creation.

Here is the official press release:

Fort Collins, Colo. – On May 17, 2010, Odell Brewing will release Woodcut No. 4, an oak aged double Märzen-style lager. This is the fourth release in the Woodcut series of beers from Odell Brewing, but it is the first lager.

“Our first three Woodcut offerings were fermented with ale yeasts,” said Brendan McGivney, head of production. “We wanted to stretch our innovation by creating a small batch strong lager.”

Originally from Bavaria, Märzens were brewed during the cooler months, and then stored in a lager (cave or cellar) during the summer months. Woodcut No. 4, best described as a double Märzenbier, boasts a malty body with a clean, refined finish. Hints of toasted cedar, vanilla and almond are created by lagering the beer in new American Oak barrels.

Each Woodcut offering is packaged and bottle conditioned in 750ml Champagne style bottles with a cork and cage finish. Once released, the recipe and label are retired making these beers truly limited-edition.

Odell Brewing will celebrate the release of Woodcut No. 4 on May 22, 2010 as one of many weeklong events honoring American Craft Beer Week. Brewery guests can enjoy samples of the beer paired with artisan cheeses and chocolates.

Woodcut No. 4 will be available throughout the brewery’s nine state distributor region, and will retail for approximately $24.99 per bottle.

Odell Brewing was named a “Best Company to Work For” in Colorado and is an award winning brewery, nationally and internationally: 2010 World Beer Cup® – bronze for Red Ale. 2009 Stockholm Beer and Whiskey Festival – silver medal for 5 Barrel Pale Ale, bronze medal for 90 Shilling. 2009 BrewNZ Awards – gold for 5 Barrel Pale Ale, silver for 90 Shilling, and silver for IPA. 2009 Australian  International Beer Awards – gold for IPA, gold for Extra Special Red, bronze for Isolation Ale, bronze for 90 Shilling, bronze for Cutthroat Porter. 2008 North American Beer Awards – gold medal for 5 Barrel Pale Ale. 2008 World Beer Cup® – gold for IPA, silver for Double Pilsner, silver for Cutthroat Porter. 2007 Great American Beer Festival® – gold medal for IPA, silver medal for Easy Street Wheat, bronze medal for Extra Special Red.

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About The Beer Wench

Ashley is a self-proclaimed craft beer evangelist & social media maven on a mission to advance the craft beer industry through education, inspiration and advocacy. She is currently the “Director of Awesomeness” at Bison Brewing in Berkeley, CA — where her responsibilities include everything from marketing, sales, PR, social media & events. Ashley is also a freelance consultant and professional speaker on the subjects of social media, beer mixology, food & beverage pairings. She is the founder of DrinkWithTheWench.com & BeerMixology.com as well as a regular contributor to CraftBeer.com.


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6 thoughts on “Odell Brewing Releases Woodcut No. 4 Oak Aged Lager

  • D.Lux

    Okay, reading this post has made me very curious and very, very thirsty…
    As Odell sends the majority of their brews my way (Arizona) I think I may just have to go to the store today to see if I can find myself a bottle!
    Thanks for the suggestion and if do find it I’ll be sure to share with you how fantastic (or god-awful) this strange style turned out.
    -Prost!
    D.Lux

  • Wenchie Post author

    A good friend and fellow blogger, Jay Brooks, was kind enough to share the Woodcut #3 with me!

  • Sarah Beninger

    Hey…..was surfing the net and came on your post. I visit california (LA) every year in january and I’m looking for someone who can tell me or show me where to go to have great beer. I live in Kansas and enjoy Odell very much. I’m going to stock up on bottles of bourbon barrel stout. Its such an amazing beer! I would be happy to trade some Odell bottles for some of your regional brews. Email me if you would like at beningers@gmail.com

    Sarah :-)

  • Wenchie Post author

    @sarah — Would love to set up an Odell trade! There are so many FANTASTIC breweries in CA, I don’t know where to start. You interested in SoCal or NorCal?

    SOCAL = Port Brewing Company, Ballast Point, Kern River Brewing Company, The Bruery, Stone Brewing, Green Flash, Lost Abbey, and more!
    NORCAL = Russian River Brewing Company, 21st Amendment, Moylan’s, Marin Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, Bison Brewing and more!