Mushrooms are seriously funky organisms. Maybe you recently watched Fantastic Fungi and now you’re as obsessed with mushrooms as we are. They may be squishy and slimy, but they are truly superb - in so many ways of the word. Mushrooms are made up of many parts such as the cap, gills, ring, stem/stalk, and mycelium. The cap is what gives many mushrooms their umbrella-like shape and provides protection for the rest of the mushroom body. The gills appear right under the cap and are used to produce spores (otherwise known as little mushroom babies). The stalk is the vertical part of the mushroom that holds the cap and gills above ground, allowing the spores to be carried away and spread by the wind - creating fungi families across the forest floor. All of these parts combined are what make up the “fruiting body” of a mushroom. The fruiting body is the fleshy part of the mushroom that you would find above ground in a forest or on your dinner plate. Mycelium, on the other hand, is a web of sprawling, interconnected fibers that exist below ground, supporting the mushroom “fruiting body” that is found above soil. Together, these components create the structural makeup of a mushroom and house the potent nutritional properties recognized by consumers today. While there is some debate about which part of the mushroom contains the highest concentration of nutrients, both have unique properties and health benefits. Some species contain different bioactive compounds in their fruiting bodies and mycelium and so both are being utilized to create different functional mushroom products. However, at Odyssey, we decided to only utilize the fruiting body of different adaptogenic mushroom species during extraction for a number of reasons. The fruiting bodies of various mushroom species contain bioactive compounds (such as polysaccharides and carotenoids) as well as vital nutrients (i.e. protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) not found in mycelium. The fruiting body is home to various compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties . We looooove the beta-glucans - a form of fiber that lights up your immune system, making you feel your best. Many mycelium based products, on the other hand, tout similar health benefits but have lower potency levels. Take for example, myceliated grain products. Many mycelium based products utilize a grain growing process where mycelium grows out on a grain substrate, creating an inseparable white mass. Eventually, both the grain and mycelium are harvested together - meaning the grain dilutes the mycelium product making it less potent. Many products using this type of production method will tout their “mushroom-based” products despite the minimal mushroom content in them. In fact, mushroom pioneer and expert Paul Stamets estimated that myceliated grain contains 60-70% grain. When you drink Odyssey, you can find peace in knowing we are providing the best of the best. Potent, powerful and pretty darn good - we’ve got you covered.

Looking for a new way to spice up your holiday season? Look no further. This year, we’re getting into the holiday spirit, Odyssey style. We’re all about the festive fungi this season and we’re here to spread the love. Whip up this autumn cocktail and you’ll wow your friends and family with your mushroom mixology skills. This combination of fragrant ingredients like rosemary, rooibos, cognac, and citrus with ~2000mg of functional mushroom extracts will leave you and your whole holiday squad feeling more joyous than ever. Ingredients Rosemary Rooibos Simple Syrup 1.5 cans of Mood Boost 6 sprigs of fresh rosemary 1 cup sugar or 1/2 cup honey/maple syrup Sidecars 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup rosemary rooibos simple syrup 2 cups cognac Ice for serving Rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish Directions Rosemary Rooibos Simple Syrup Boil the water and rosemary sprigs in a saucepan for 1-3 minutes, remove from heat, add in the tea and let steep for 5-10 minutes. Remove (strain) tea and rosemary sprigs, return saucepan to stovetop and bring to a simmer. Add in the sugar/honey/maple syrup and stir constantly until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. This will keep well in the refrigerator in a sealable glass jar (mason jar) for up to 1 week! Sidecars Rim the glasses with sugar (by using honey) if you'd like and set aside for now. In a large pitcher combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and cognac and stir well. Add more simple syrup or lemon juice to taste. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs! ***Recipe inspired by & adapted from: Sips By

Today, and everyday, we strive to impact the communities around us. So in honor of the giving season and in true Odyssey spirit - we decided to donate 10 pallets of our Energy Elixirs to our friends over at the Food Bank of the Rockies.⠀ Food Bank of the Rockies provides food and necessities to more than 800 Hunger Relief Partners across Colorado and Wyoming, who then provide their local communities with food, necessities, and support. Food Bank of the Rockies is the largest hunger relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region that distributes over 1 million meals per week. We donated 1920 cases (23,040 cans!!) so that we could help provide nourishment to those that need it most. We want to share the medicine of mushrooms with the world and this is one way to do just that. ⠀ As we step into the New Year, we’re filled with gratitude for all those who have supported us on our journey. Now it’s our turn to give back. As we continue to grow as a brand, we’re continuing to think about the ways in which we can also grow our impact.

Ever heard of the term brain food? It’s the kind of stuff that’s so damn good for your brain, you could maybe (just maybe) break the world record time for completing a rubik’s cube after consuming it. Okay, maybe not but there are indeed certain foods that are incredibly good for cognitive function, helping to enhance cognition, focus, memory, and even mood. We present to you….natural nootropics. By definition, natural nootropics are naturally occurring “ substances, or nutrients that affect mental performance .” In fact, the word nootropic comes from the Ancient Greek word nóos meaning ‘mind’ . There are certain natural substances that have brain-boosting properties, many of which have been used for thousands of years in both Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic healing. Some of the most recognized nootropics include ginseng, turmeric, L-theanine, and our personal favorites; Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms. Lion’s Mane was used by Buddhist monks in order to enhance brain power, and heighten their ability to focus during meditation . Lion’s mane has long been recognized for its potent effects on the brain, namely its ability to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) , a regenerative compound in the brain. Today, healers, medical practitioners, go getters, health nuts, and hustlers are all turning to these natural nootropics to support mental health and optimize cognitive performance. Anyone seeking ways to step into their best self should consider nootropics a powerful tool for their mental toolkit. Natural Product Insider said it best; “ Total cognitive wellness is at the center of the companies bringing nootropics to consumers who strive for a lifetime of higher cognitive function.” We each want to be and feel our best and thrive in all that we do. But let’s face it, modern life takes a toll on our brain each and every day. Between incessant screen time, sensory overload, unprecedented access to information, and the rise-and-grind culture we’ve all become accustomed to, “ many consumers today report feeling especially scattered, stressed, depressed, foggy-brained, and all around exhausted .” In a world that only continues to get more chaotic and fast-paced, consumers are looking for ways to ground themselves. People of all ages are showing a renewed commitment to holistic health; focusing on protecting the body, mind and spirit. That’s why we’ve taken everyday drinks and elevated them, using functional ingredients with nootropic effects to help our fungi family feel their best.

Odyssey Wellness LLC announced today they will be showcasing their premium functional mushroom elixirs at BevNET, a leading beverage industry conference, in Santa Monica on December 6th and 7th. Odyssey is meeting the increasing demand for beverages with functionality and health benefits for consumers, especially those seeking enhanced focus, clarity, energy and mood from the vast cognitive benefits of mushrooms. “The rapid acceptance we’re getting from major retailers and distributors so early in our launch confirms there’s an untapped market for our innovative premium elixirs with less sugar, exotic flavors and an intentional infusion of the most potent, bioavailable mushrooms available,” said Scott Frohman, CEO and Founder of Odyssey Wellness. During the conference, Odyssey will be hosting an afterparty where they plan to showcase the beverage line’s diversity by offering samples of their drinks as well the option for elixirs infused with premium spirits to provide flavorsome, functional cocktails. Odyssey looks forward to creating an elevated vibe and engaging experience for all in attendance. “We are excited to be participating at BevNET. Our goal is to introduce our brand to industry professionals, engage in substantive dialogue with potential strategic partners and support the beverage community,” added Frohman. “Odyssey is a bold, empowering, and cutting edge brand that is uniquely positioned to be disruptive in the natural beverage category.” The company will be unveiling their portfolio of premium elixirs to industry professionals and decision makers at BevNET, highlighting the potent mushroom extracts they’ve infused into each one of their beverages. Odyssey’s beverages are differentiated by these highly concentrated extracts that range from 8:1 – 10:1 in concentration - meaning the mushroom extracts used have 8-10x the active compounds as the original mushroom products in dried form. This level of potency is unmatched in the industry and brings credibility to the beverages’ health enhancing potential. Odyssey’s portfolio of potent elixirs include: Sparkling Elixirs each with 2500 mg of Lion's Mane and Cordyceps extracts esteemed for nootropic benefits, plus 85 mg of natural caffeine in three exotic fruit flavors: Energy + Focus - Passion Fruit Orange/Guava with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Energy + Focus - Mixed Berry with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Energy + Focus - Dragon Fruit Lemonade with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Coffee + Tea Brews each with 1000+ mg of varying functional mushroom extracts in four flavors:  Energy - Cold Brew Oat Latte with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Focus - French Roast Oat Latte with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Mood Boost - Chai Rooibos Tea with Reishi, Turkey Tail & Ashwagandha Immunity - Berry White Tea with Reishi, Chaga, Maitake, Turkey Tail, Shitake & Elderberry All of the Odyssey Elixirs are made with organic ingredients, contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, and are vegan, non-GMO, and kosher.