Try?
I first saw an advertisement for this beer in All About Beer magazine, and I knew I had to have it. The bottle alone was a celebration of the season, red foil adorned with a picture of Mr. Scrooge post-Spirit visitation, face curled in a smile and arms full of presents. A paraphrase of Dickens appears as well:
“There are many things from which good may be derived, yet sorry few from which greatness will appear. So it is in hope, and homage of the wonders of a changed spirit, that we offer our seasonal ale. An appropriately rich and complex winter warmer. Ebenezer Ale is a true celebration of the season-rich, malty, and enough flavor to stand up to any figgy pudding.”
I actually did not think I’d get to try this beer this year, but fate interceded in the form of one of Epinions greatest beer writers, David Teykaerts, to whom I am very much in debt.
Would that I could only make it out to the Bridgeport Brewery this holiday season. Bridgeport has an actor appearing nightly through December 29th who portrays old Scrooge. Upon sipping this ale, he is instantly transformed from crotchety old miser into an embodiment of the Christmas spirit (one hopes he spreads his cheer by buying rounds for the patrons).
Bridgeport Ebenezer Ale is a tasty winter warmer with a slightly murky brown color, a light head formation, and a sweet, very malty nose. The palate is rich and complex, very yeasty, a tad musty, buttery, with hints of cinnamon toast and an almost Ringwood yeast like character. The finish is dry and balanced with a touch of hops. Alcohol is slightly elevated at 6.4% by volume, multiple roasted malts are used.
A great beer with German Pfeffernusse cookies, a slice of Stollen, and a bit of plum pudding, all of which I’m eating tonight. Think I’ll follow this one up with an Old Fezziwig…..
Update 11/29/2012: Sipping a bottle of 2011 Ebenezer I've kept in the back of the DBR (Dedicated Beer Refrigerator) since last year. Delightfully malty, with flavors of burnt toast and subtle spice. Lightly roasty, and well balanced in the finish with subtly bitter hops. My bottle says 6.4% ABV as in the past. As always, a wonderful beer, not to be missed should you find some.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
