Leopold Fernet Barrel Aged Cutthroat Porter
Odell Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoyed in a shaker pint during the Odell tap takeover at Flanny's.

Deep crimson-brown, with just a hint of clarity at the edges. The pillowy, one-finger head of dark tan bubbles becomes a frothy top layer after a minute.

Smells like a dark chocolate thin mint. Lots of spicy fernet in here, lending licorice notes that meld with chocolate and a touch of earthy hops. Some dark fruit — old prunes, maybe — is noticeable but very subtle. The underlying porter characters are a little overpowered by the fernet.

Fortunately, the liqueur is subtler in the flavor. Nice amounts of deep roast, burnt toast and dark chocolate balance the Fernet, though it’s definitely still there. Big licorice/anise spice lingers after the swallow and digs trenches in the tongue.

The soft, velvety body's a creamy delight to move on the tongue. Mild, massaging carbonation breaks it into a bit of fizz. There’s not a hint of the not-insubstantial alcohol. Dry.

Overall, the brew is interesting but may be a little too dry and bitter. Fernet isn't a spirit to be trifled with; most cocktails only use a drop or two. Some more malt flavor and sweetness would make this great. As it is, out tastes a bit too much like toothpaste.

on tap at the source. pours midnight black with a thin off white head. listed at 7.3%, not 5.5. smells like skoal wintermint chewing tobacco, no kidding. sharp alcohol and mint intermingle with the rich chocolatey porter underneath. flavor has all that happening with some nice mellow woody notes. it reminds me of christmas time, would love to share this around the holidays. booze is strong, and i have to think its more like the 7.3 than the 5.5. lots going on here, but the mint really dominates. feel is fine, a little thick, but the carbonation is there and the finish is fantastic. a good last beer at the brewery before driving home because the cops wont smell the ipa you had before. overall a beer id like to see make it to the bottle, this is damn good.

On tap at Freshcraft. A little history on the beer according to our server: Freshcraft was able to obtain a Leopold Bros. fernet barrel and took it to Odell "to put something in it". Odell chose to age some Cutthroat Porter in the barrel. The result was a one-barrel release available as long as it lasted at Freshcraft for Craft Beer week. The beer served in a pint glass arrives a dark brown color with a nice 1 finger head, good retention and lacing. The nose is rich and complex. Mint is most distinguishable though melts to the background as rich dark chocolate emerges. No alcohol detected. Mild toast malt character and sweetness. Smells phenomenal. The flavor is very much the same with a mild bitterness, earthy hop character, a touch of spruce and molasses. Finishes smooth and clean with a lingering mint and dark chocolate on the palette. Well carbonated. Overall, this really is a treat. If given the chance I would happily drink again.