BridgePort Brewing Co: Ebenezer Ale

It's been a long journey but I finally found a beer. Not just any beer but a BridgePort brew. Why was I searching for a for this brand of beer? Well, let me be incredibly ridiculous and quote myself: "As you've probably noticed, I like to try to hit at least two beers from the same source so as not to make a snap decision on a brewery before sampling a couple of their craft." - Me, 801onTap; 1/23/09. I still hold to that belief and I was reserving judgment on BridgePort's quality of brew until I found another one of their offerings. Well, as you've probably figured out by now, I couldn't get my hands on another BridgePort craft since I sampled the brewery's IPA. Until now.

I was originally attracted to BridgePort in September of 2008 because they prominently advertise their bottle conditioning on their IPAs. At the time I was looking forward to my own bottle conditioning with my home-brew and I figured I'd give this Portland company a shot. But I didn't think it'd be a full 12 months until I was able to find this brewery again in California. Many liquor stores claim to hold BridgePort's Haymaker Extra Pale Ale, but it was all talk. As you can see, I finally found their Ebenezer Ale.

The Ebenezer Ale is a winter warmer. So this seasonal six pack must be left over from last year. My theory is supported by the fact that the sixer was on sale for $4.99. That's just fine for me as I've specifically been searching for the brewery. As for the taste, it's a little lighter and sweeter than expected. Don't get me wrong, it's clearly a winter warmer because it has a little bit of spice, a decent alcohol flavor, and a dark amber color. But the most prominent flavor is the sugary candy taste. Overall it's a ok beer but I'm glad I found Ebenezer in September. I myself prefer something a little spicier or thicker around holiday time. But overall, I'm just glad I finally found it. Cheers.

BridgePort Brewing Co: India Pale Ale

So I finished (with the help of friends) drinking my second home-brewed batch of beer. Very soon I'm going to start up the process of making my third batch. In tribute of this fine style of beer creation, I picked up a six pack of 'authentic bottle conditioned' beer.

You can't miss BridgePort's prominent advertising of their bottle conditioning: right on the neck of each individual bottle. (Click picture to right). After a full pour into a pint glass you also can't miss the syrupy yeast mixture left behind at the bottom of the empty bottle. So BridgePort isn't kidding, this micro-brewery is carbonating their beer the same way I carbonate mine; in the bottle.

As for the taste, overall a pretty good beer. For an IPA it's not nearly as hoppy as you would expect from a West Coast India Pale Ale. Due to it's mild hoppiness other flavors have the chance to emerge. There are noticeable citrus and bread flavors that round out this ale.

While finishing, the brew leaves a thick smear of lacing all the way down the glass. It's quite beautiful. It really get me ready to start brewing again. Cheers.