Cutthroat Porter more than just a beer – it’s a Colorado mountain symphony, where the cool of the Rocky Mountains meets the warmth of the malt kilns. This porter has become a story of endurance, as a classic British recipe is reborn in the hands of American artisans, becoming a timeless icon.
Every sip Cutthroat Porter is a journey that takes us back to the most primitive nature of the art of brewing beer. No ostentation, no sophistication, just a perfect balance between bitter and sweet, between tradition and modernity, leaving an unforgettable aftertaste on the tip of the tongue. It deserves to be enjoyed slowly, like the way one turns the pages of a classic novel, to fully feel each layer of aroma, each layer of flavor that has created the legend for nearly 30 years ago.
1. Odell Brewing Company: A Passionate Glass Journey
Year 1989, as the autumn breeze gently caresses the mountains Colorado, family home Odell – Doug, Wynne and Corkie – had a dream glass: turning their love of craft beer into an artistic brand. From a small brewery in Fort Collins, they created the first 90 Shilling Ale – the foundation stone for a craft beer legend.
By year 1994, the factory expanded as a Fermented Love Song, increased capacity to satisfy the souls who are passionate about the original flavor. And then, as a promise to nature, the year 2009, Odell transformed into a “green wizard” – operating entirely on wind power. The 2010s saw a proud step forward: their craft beers spread across the US states, such as Rocky Mountain flavor infused into every drop of rich beer.

2. Cutthroat Porter: A Black Masterpiece From The Colorado Mountains
Born in 1994, Cutthroat Porter is one of Odell Brewing’s oldest “treasures”. The name “Cutthroat” – inspired by the cutthroat trout – is a whisper of the wild Rocky Mountains, where the forest and bravery crystallize into a truly American porter.
This is for the classic soul – those looking for a traditional English porter with a delicate balance. From the local Colorado market to the national craft beer map, Cutthroat Porter has always held its position. "champion" in the hearts of beer connoisseurs.
What's special? The 1994 formula remains intact like the first day - an unpretentious "symphony" but enough to make the listener vibrate from the first note to the last drop. It is not surprising that it is honored as the "flagship porter" - the sparkling black pearl in Odell's collection.
3. Classic Style with a Modern Touch
Cutthroat Porter is a fusion of British tradition and American free spirit, where the classic English Porter is lovingly re-engineered by Odell Brewing to become the captivating American Porter. This is more than just a beer – it is a work of art of fermentation, where every drop tells a story. perfect balance.

3.1. Attractive Appearance: The Colors of the Rocky Mountains Night
When pouring into a glass, Cutthroat Porter put on mysterious dark brown, like the night sky in Colorado. But look closely under the light, and you will see the hidden ruby glimmer - like the last rays of the day sun on the mountain tops. The light brown creamy foam hugs the glass, fragile but resilient, like the whisper of the yeast through each second of enjoyment.
3.2. Wandering Taste: From Mildly Bitter to Sweet
With alcohol content 5% ABV, Cutthroat Porter is a smooth express train into the world of easy-drinking porters, suitable for even the most novice of souls. Bitterness 30–40 IBU not too harsh, but gentle lingering like the sound of wind blowing through the pine trees, mixed with the sweetness of toasted malt. The beer is full-bodied but not heavy, with a smooth creamy feel thanks to the subtle carbonation – like a silk ribbon caressing the palate.
3.3. Difference Creates Brand
- Compared to Robust Porter (US): Cutthroat Porter is less smoky, instead full of malt, echoing classic roasts.
- Compared to Baltic Porter: It's less sweet thanks to the use of Ale yeast instead of Lager, retaining a lightness while still being full-bodied.
This is no empty porter – it’s a love song Odell wrote in 1994, and it still resonates today. Every sip is a journey to the Northwest mountains, where tradition and innovation dance hand in hand.

4. The Art of Enjoying Cutthroat Porter: A Dance Between Taste and Emotion
4.1. Temperature & Beer Glass: The Secret to Unlocking the Full Aroma Layer
Let Cutthroat Porter shine at 10–13°C – the golden temperature allows the sweet malt notes and roasty aromas to blend together like a pair of dancers in a winter night dance. Too cold will numb the taste buds, too warm will make the beer lose its sophistication. Think of it like a fine bottle of red wine – it needs to be treated properly.
Pint Glass (Nonic/Tumbler cup): This wide-mouthed cup acts like a stage for the chamber, allowing the caramel and coffee bean aromas to create a multi-layered symphony.
Snifter Cup: If you want an enchanting solo, the tulip-shaped glass will concentrate each aroma, taking you into the deep world of yeast and malt.
4.2. Food Matching: Perfect Pairs
Cutthroat Porter is multi-talented concert artist, ready to duet with:

- Grilled/Smoked Meat: A melty cheeseburger or honey BBQ ribs will make the beer's roasty flavor explode like fireworks.
- Dessert: Dark chocolate 70% or fudge brownie – the sweet and bitter combination feels like kissing your lips in winter.
- Cheese: Blue Cheese with its rich flavor will counterbalance the creamy body of the beer.
- Sip: Salted roasted nuts or crunchy pretzels – like quiet notes in a musical score, they help cleanse the palate between sips.
4.3. The Occasion to Enjoy – When Air Is Also a Spice
- Fall to winter: This is when Cutthroat Porter shines brightest – its warm body hugging you like a wool blanket by the fireplace.
- Weekend evening: With ABV 5%, it's light enough to sip throughout a conversation, deep enough to spark endless stories.
- Intimate dinner party: Place a bottle of beer in the middle of the table, and watch how it connects people – like a quiet friend who always knows how to spice up the atmosphere.
Pro tip: Try drinking it slowly – notice how the taste changes from slightly bitter → malty sweetness → lingering cocoa aftertaste. That’s the “aftertaste” moment that beer connoisseurs are after!

5. Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece In The World Of Craft Beer
Take a sip Cutthroat Porter, you’ll understand why Odell Brewing calls this their “silent love song.” Since 1994, this porter has remained pristine – like a classic oil painting preserved amid the hustle and bustle of the beer market. The ruby black color, honeyed foam, and smoky caramel aroma – all tell the story of the consistency in every drop of yeast.
This is not the beer that gets you drunk after a night out, but the drink make the heart passionate with every breath. It’s balanced like a violinist – just enough bitterness to awaken the senses, just enough sweetness to soothe the soul. Whether you enjoy it with a smoky burger or a piece of chocolate that melts on the tip of your tongue, Cutthroat Porter always knows how to support the flavor without overwhelming.
Born in the wild mountains of Colorado, this masterpiece is a monument to endurance – proof that a simple recipe, cooked with heart, can become immortal. Raise a glass, let the aroma warm your soul.p takes you back to winter nights huddled around the fireplace, where time seems to stand still… and all that remains is love for simple things.


