Odell Brewing Company - Cutthroat Porter

Aye Matey, this brew was originally formulated in 1993 as a house beer for a local tavern and named by the fisherman (or perhaps, pirate) proprietor. This is a smooth, robust creamy dark ale in the classic London porter tradition. In 1996 this porter won the Silver medal in the Colorado State Fair. This beer has a flavor profile that falls somewhere between a standard porter and a stout. Note the excellent sweet chocolate nose, also present as the main body of the flavor, along with some toasted coffee notes. Expect a velvety-smooth mouthfeel that most porter makers would kill for. Anchored by a mildly hoppy, slightly dry finish. We agree with the Odell's that this is indeed perfect as an after dinner sipping beer.

In the mad rush of the early 90's to start one's own microbrewery, hundreds of people ended up in the business of the brew. However, if one has a look at the lifespan of a microbrewery started in the early 90's, well, the results could be a bit dismaying. A great many have seen their taps run dry and their brew tanks gone empty. Then there are the success stories, the railblazers that started very early on in the microbrew revolution and are still pleasing customers today. The Odell Brewing Company is one of these companies. Founded way back in 1989, rather early considering the age of most microbreweries in the country today is less than ten years of age, they're currently enjoying their second decade of success in the industry. Family-founded and owned, the company was only the second microbrewery to be opened in the state of Colorado.

So, what's their secret? Well, it really comes down to the beer, and these guys craft some great ones. Take a look at this abbreviated list of their commonly used malts and see if you don't start to salivate: Chocolate, Amber, Munich, Roasted Barley, Crystal, and Honey Malt. Owners Doug Odell, wife Wynne and sister Corkie have their good family name on every product, which certainly helps ensure that what they deliver is top notch. Combine this element of family pride with the finest and freshest ingredients, throw in equal parts adherence to English-style ale-making tradition and American microbrew ingenuity, and youve got a true recipe for success.

Much like our first featured brewery, inventive and catchy monikers can aid the success of the trade. 90 Shilling, Easy Street Wheat, and, of course, Levity Golden Amber Ale and Cutthroat Porter are a few examples of Odell brews. We're proud to offer you two of their finest selections: Cutthroat Porter and Levity Golden Amber Ale. Very different styles with one thing in common, great taste. Perhaps theyll inspire you to want to run out and start your own microbrewery. Just remember, these guys have been at it for a while now, so if your early homebrews aren't up to par, well then, don't be surprised, it takes years to get beers this good. If you do manage to concoct something that even comes close to the flavor and body of their Porter, however, get to work starting that microbrewery (and send us a few bottles while you're at it!)

For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call (970) 498-9070 or check out their web site at www.odellbrewing.com.