Ebenezer Ale - BridgePort Brewing Co. / Brewpub

birdypowder

Oregon

3.25/5  rDev -11%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Put Ebenezer into a room full of Ambers and he wouldn't stick out so much. However, amongst the winter warmers he's left out in the cold.

Appearance: This and drinkability were the beer's strong suits. A gorgeous deep hazy amber capped with a respectable off-white head of foam got things started off right. Lacing was decent.

Aroma: Everything was very subdued but with some effort the aroma was mildly complex and comprised of dark fruit and chocolate, slight fig and faint spice. Some mild leather and a hint of DMS were also present.

Taste: A malt forward brew with some caramel and fruit but nothing too interesting. Hops add possibly a bit of spice but are relegated to a supporting role and do not intrigue.

Mouthfeel: A bit light for the style.

Drinkability: Good for the style. There aren't really any problems with this beer, it's decent and enjoyable but bland for a winter warmer.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2011 01:37:57 | More by birdypowder

Elendinn

Oregon

3.58/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Served in a half-pint pilsner glass.

Upon being poured, Ebenezer is a dark, moderately-translucent, gradient ensemble -- dark, cola-like brown in the middle, becoming a progressively-lighter copper as it tapers outwards; not much of a head, though it was poured slowly, just a thin cap of faintly off-white foam, and only a modicum of lacing. Not a whole lot going on here aesthetically, but it still manages to look rather appealing.

Not a whole lot going on in the nose, either: a bit of malty caramel or brown sugar, nicely balanced by some subtle, fruity hops, spices (nutmeg and cinnamon, perhaps), and bread. Simple, but pleasing.

On the tongue, it's not much different: malty up front, balanced by an undercurrent of passive hops, with a bit of pleasant spice and bread rounding out the backend. Despite the timidness of the flavors and the lack of anything remotely akin to complexity, I appreciate what it's trying to do. It's not as hoppy as many of the winter warmers I've tried recently, which I think better suits the style, though I wish the malt and spices were more prevalent.

It's a pretty thin-bodied beer with a fair amount of vibrant carbonation. Not what I want in a winter warmer, but what I've routinely come to expect.

I've yet to be impressed by a winter warmer and, sadly, Ebenezer is no exception. That being said, it _is_ one of the better examples of the style I've had, but there's still so much room for improvement. It's a great value, though, and so drinkable that I'd be happy to purchase it again to see me through next winter, whilst continuing my hunt for something better.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2011 05:24:53 | More by Elendinn

scruffwhor

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev +11%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The color is a deep copper with a little ruby. The head is about one finger at best and tan in color. No residual foam after the pour and hardly any bubbling.

The aroma has a more malty and faintly earthy smell of Christmas. Rich bread and biscuit malts with lots of caramel aromas.

The taste has a nice, muted X-mas flavor. You get some Cinnamon and cardamon, but well mingled with breads, biscuits, fruit cake, and un-malted grains. The soft dash of alcohol helps the X-mas warmth of this Bah-Humbug beer.

Very flavorful and sessionable Winter Warmer that has just a little abv. warmth on the finish.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2011 08:12:33 | More by scruffwhor

bum732

Maryland

3.75/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

S: X-mas spices, some spruce, clove/nutmeg/ginger, lots of cinnamon sweetness, almost like fresh baked snickerdoodles.

L: Slight amber-orange, light tan head.

T: Slightly fruity sweet, caramel malt with a herbal slightly spicy finish. Low bitterness leading to slight spicy dryness with just a touch of roast.

M: Fairly thin mouthfeel for the style, low carbonation.

Nose on this is fantastic, screams of Christmas. Unfortunately, the taste doesn't match the aroma. The mouthfeel was also surprisingly thin, this beer should be bigger. Not bad though.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2011 04:00:47 | More by bum732

benclimbs

California

3.13/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

pours red brown with a slight head and a bit of lacing

smell is nice, bit of nutty malts, spice driven, decent but not overly exciting.

taste is just ok - reminds me of a lot of english/scottish winter warmers had on cask when living there, but the worse half...simple, lagery smoothness/unexciting profile finished by a dry, non-complex hop bitterness.

not overly exciting but somewhat drinkable, probably wouldn't buy again.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2011 02:44:28 | More by benclimbs

Bitterbill

Wyoming

3.58/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

It pours a slightly hazy rusty colour with a 1 finger head of foam and does very nicely with the lacing.

The smell has some nice sweet malt that also reminds me of sweeter fruits and a light touch of bitterness.

Sweet malt dominates the taste but again, I'm getting or at least perceiving some fruit to this WW and the fruit in the taste adds more of a semi tart, more of a bitter flavour and sort of tempers and later, takes over, from what the malt brings to the table. I like the taste but I wish the malt could have been left to do its thing and actually stand out.

Medium body, medium...check that..more of a light carbonation and is nice and smooth.

Drinkability is fine and the 6er will be enjoyed; I'd enjoy it more if it was more focused. If that makes any sense.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2011 20:16:55 | More by Bitterbill

smurder187

Massachusetts

3.03/5  rDev -17%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

My older brother sent me some Christmas goodies from the NW this year. I was excited to see this in the mix. The label has a great old timey illustration of Scrooge and pours a somewhat foogy amber color. It smelled like dull nutmeg and cinnamon. The taste hinted at warm, holiday flavors like the scent but is surrounded by a more malty taste. It's smooth and good for drinkin', but lacked the holiday punch I was hoping for.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2011 03:05:17 | More by smurder187

Bizz88

Colorado

3.38/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured a cloudy dark amber, minimal tan head with next to nothing lacing, Ebenezer indeed. Malty roast carmel on the nose and not much else I'm sorry to say. On the palate a warm fruity spicey citrus affair with a medium body and good carbonation, fooled me. I would have to say all in all, sure!

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2010 22:24:39 | More by Bizz88

jdense

Oregon

3.78/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle gifted from buddy for Xmas, consumed 12.27.10, poured into pint glass. Had this several times before different vintages, first review from current version.

Finger and a half off white head, dark reddish brown clear body hard to discern any visible carbonation until held up to bright light which revealed multiple trails of carbonation, significant lacing retained after pretty slow dissipation. Sweet malty nose, toffee more than caramel (or is that treacle?) a bit of roast and spicy brown bread, noble hops. Taste pretty sweet up front, mirrors the nose but hops are pretty faint at best. Mouthfeel on the full side of medium, average effervescence, some stickiness. Decent drinkability, could have several of these, though the sweetness ends up being a trifle cloying.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2010 04:56:47 | More by jdense

notsoprobeer

Oregon

3.9/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The tasting:  Poured a golden orange with an off-white head that lingered for most of the drink.  Nice lacing on the glass.  Aroma is not very strong, but I'm picking up some malts.  Flavor is mostly caramel malts.  Hops take a backseat this this beer as it has little hop flavor or bitterness.  Light to medium bodied, nice carbonation, and very drinkable.  Personally, I would like it to be a touch heavier.

I've been drinking Ebenezer throughout the years.  It's a great winter brew.  Try it out if you want something with a rich flavor, but without the heaviness.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2010 06:15:11 | More by notsoprobeer

Hoopster4hire

Oregon

3.5/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a standard pint glass from a bottle

Copper, amber hue when poured with an off white lace that trailed the entire time

Aroma of roasted nuts, nutmeg and a slight coffee aroma

Quite malty with a nice spice background. Fig, almond and slight hazelnut taste with the taste of nutmeg, faint cinnamon and toffee.

Slightly overcarbonated, but not too overwhelming.

Fairly drinkable but after a few you begin to feel a little heavy, both in the head and stomach.

Pretty good winter warmer, nothing too amazing. A great beer to have by the fire or on a cold, rainy day where you sit around and watch movies

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2010 03:48:07 | More by Hoopster4hire

csiewert

Oregon

3.38/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Classic nut brown ale with some spiciness to it. Pour a dark amber color with a little off white foamy head. Aroma is strong with malt and nutty notes. Tastes of the same qualities and finishes smooth. Mouthfeel is good with the right amount of carbonation. Overall a good beer for those who like brown ales.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2010 21:26:10 | More by csiewert

tronester

Oklahoma

3.5/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a hazy dark copper with a thin tan head. Smells of dried fruit and cut hay. Taste is spicy fruit up front, a wheat bread middle and a hint of cinnamon in the finish. Earthy hop bitterness as well. Mouthfeel is smooth, low carbonation. Drinkability is pretty good. A pretty good beer overall.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2010 01:14:21 | More by tronester

StaveHooks

Oklahoma

3.65/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a hazy dark orange brown. 1 finger of tan head.

S - Dark malts, candied oranges, faint cinnamon apple. Unkown fruits. I had to really try and find anything in the nose. Overall the aroma was pretty subdued.

T - Spicy wheat breadiness, a good amount of toasted toffee malt, spiced oranges, over-ripened red grapes. Good hop presence. Has a soft spice blend that I couldn't quite pick out.

M - Moderate carbonation, light to medium body.

Nice malt flavors but a very faint nose on this one. Drinks very easy and finishes dry. Seems a bit thin for a Winter Warmer but a tasty beer nonetheless. I would get this again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2010 03:07:02 | More by StaveHooks

MNJR

Illinois

4/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer scores solid 4.0s in all categories. Dark brown color, a bit cloudy. Smells woody with understated hazelnut, prune and walnut aromas. The taste is good: creamy mouthfeel, bitter hops and tangy dried fruit flavors dominate with a slight cinnamon flavor - not added as a spice, I think, but hinted at somehow. The aftertaste is a bit chewy and the bitterness lingers, but these qualities are balanced by a good sharp bite. As I say about the smell, the flavor is a bit understated for a Christmas/Holiday brew, but it is quite good overall. Has qualities similar to English bitter ales.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2010 01:24:23 | More by MNJR

climax

Kansas

3.53/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

The pour uncovered a cloudy chestnut brown with shades of red. The head was modest with equally as understated retention.

The nose is interesting and fairly complex. Nutty light toasted malt aromas are at the forefront. I had to dig a bit deeper to reveal the fruity hop aroma. Roasted coffee bean, brown sugar, and a dash of bourbon make for a plethora of aromas.

The flavor is bitter with dry roasted flavors of coffee and dried fruit. The hop profile is earthy, and balances out the malt more so in the finish, which is nice. Banana esters and alcohol in the finish add to the dry aftertaste.

The body is on the light side, not as thick as I was hoping from a winter warmer. It does have a slight creamy coating mouth presence with crisp carbonation. The finish is very roasty and dry, aiding drinkability. It's a good beer, but I was left wanting more.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2010 02:08:00 | More by climax

drpimento

Wisconsin

3.5/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Poured with lovely, big, foamy, frothy, fluffy, cream colored head that lasted a while and lots of lace. Color is a clear medium amber. Aroma is malt and a little caramel and toffee. Flavor is similar, with a little roast added along with some sweet solvernt. Body is decent and so is carbonation. Finish is like flavor but ends up with the sweet solvent thing.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2010 06:17:55 | More by drpimento

sweethome

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Pour is chestnut brown, tan head. Looks the part of an english style old ale.

Nose of brown bread, cinnamon, and light dose of noble hops.

Soft on palate - hate to say it but a bit watery feel. Bready flavors, light spicy hop backing. Nice malt backbone. Decent for style. Mouthfeel lacking.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2010 03:40:33 | More by sweethome

velosuds

Oregon

3.58/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a clear pint glass.

A-Pours a chestnut amber hue with about a two finger tan head. Modest retention and lacing.

S-Bready malts and some spice, probably from the hops. Not bad, just not developed enough for the style.

T-Toasted malts with spicy fruitcake type fruit flavors. Decent.

M-Medium body is a bit dry. Carbonation was adequate.

D-Another so-so beer from Bridgeport. Although a local brewery, they must have a different merchandising arrangement than Full Sail, Widmer, and Deschutes because I almost never see Bridgeport on sale. Thus, I rarely buy.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2010 03:07:38 | More by velosuds

Thansen44

Wyoming

4/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bought a sixer. Split with a buddy and each beer found its place in a chilled pint glass.

Poured a dark amber with a respectable head, which held it's own all the way through the bottom of the glass. No doubt that the carbo level was on point, present, subtle and smooth.
Not terribly aromatic but a distinctive roasted malt note.

Those notes go on to play your tongue quite well, then the hops come in as if to play "just the tip". Nothing too crazy, but that's a good thing. It's well balaced, smooth, and makes for a wonderful refreshing beverage.

I sought out a winter beer that I could drink in quantity and found it.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2010 06:39:36 | More by Thansen44

Lemke10

Wisconsin

4.03/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I bought a single bottle of this from Woodman's in North Aurora, IL for $1.50 in Fall 2010.

Expect the unexpected with this ale. It pours a dark brown color with a long lasting head. There is a slight scent to it, but nothing that stands out. It was quite heavy for an ale while there was a slight nutty taste, very slightly bitter but finished quite smooth. A very nice find and something I would suggest to others.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2010 20:29:11 | More by Lemke10

Tilley4

Tennessee

3.13/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

New arrival to these parts so I picked a sixer up for the evening...

Pours a deep amber with a thick creamy head atop... Lots of carbonation here... Nice....

Not picking up a lot here... Faint maltiness with maybe a touch of spice but not much else... Decent...

Peppery hoppiness to the forefront followed by a solid malt backbone that has a touch of spice to it... Finishes with more spices and perhaps a little cinnamon apple...

A bit watery in my opinion... Not thick or hearty enough to claaaified as a Winter Warmer...

An ok brew here... It grew on me at the end but not enough to improve the scores any..

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2010 04:25:46 | More by Tilley4

Bfarr

Washington

3.5/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Ruby amber with medium tan foamy head with okay retention and decent lacing. Spicy sweet herbal aroma.Very peppery hops with earthy herbal tea undertones with a balanced roasted malt sweetness. Moderate bitter lingering. Lightly syrupy/creamy mouthfeel with sharp carbonation.

It's like a spicy winter toddy. I'm not entirely thrilled with anything in particular about this beer but it's still fairly enjoyable from a unique sipping experience. It's something that must be tried to understand the interesting flavors in this one.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2010 20:03:11 | More by Bfarr

wmtxbb

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Nothing to get excited about, a little lacing of head around a caramel colored beer. Low levels of carbonation coming to the top.

Smell: Pleasant clean malt smell with some yeast.

Taste: This is where the "magic" happens for this beer. A sort of soft malt hits your tastebuds first followed by a zing effect, possibly from the high level of alcohol. Light aftertaste of peppermint, cinnamon, possibly ginger and sort of dry. On a second taste this beer has an interesting malt presence that comes at you first followed by this crazy "second meeting" of flavors that makes this beer interesting and complex.

Drinkability: I could have a couple of these in a night and not be upset. Not a perfect, all the time beer, but interesting enough every once in a while for an occasional drink.

Overall this beer has character. It is aptly named and a great addition to winter beers.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2010 04:56:38 | More by wmtxbb

Nerudamann

Arizona

3.58/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Look - fairly dark and murky amber in color. Good finger's worth of a foam that dissipates slowly. Slow carbonation.

Smell - sharp and hoppy smelling. Not malty at all in the aroma. Maybe a bit spiced.

Taste - Tastes more like an IPA. Hoppy and bitter, but not overwhelmingly so. There is a tinge of maltiness that just seems to serve to balance out the hops. Some spices there I think, but I can't tell which ones. Texture is very creamy. Aftertaste is slightly bitter, but short-lived.

Drinkability - mildly complex, worth buying a sixpack of, and a decent taste in general. The aftertaste is mild enough to make the bitterness bearable.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2010 02:00:49 | More by Nerudamann