Try?
Portland’s
Bridgeport Brewing is Oregon’s oldest craft brewer. Of course, Oregon is
quite the beer loving state, so if Bridgeport were doing something badly,
the brewery likely would have folded a long time ago. On the other hand,
there certainly is a large market for craft beer in the state, allowing them
to do so well over the years.
I’ve always been a fan of Bridgeport beers. Heck, even the bottles are cool. Tapering off to the top in a conical fashion, they just seem to fit the hand better than traditionally shaped bottles. But again, that wouldn’t mean much if the beer inside wasn’t as good as it is.
I had my worries about what would happen to Bridgeport when they were acquired by Gambrinus Imports (they bring Corona into the United States). But it seems my fears were for naught, since Bridgeport, recently available in Georgia, is still a very good brew. Especially the ESB. I did have a feeling Bridgeport was on the way here, of course, when I spied an ad for it in the premier issue of the Southern Brewing News.
Bridgeport ESB pours to a reddish amber color with a thick, creamy rocky head formation and a slightly fruity nose. The palate is medium in body for a beer brewed in the Pacific Northwest, but there’s definitely good malt here. I’m getting a touch of caramel malt chewiness, and some toasted nut notes. But it doesn’t overpower by any means.
I’m also getting a lot of pleasant fruitiness, some apple and pear notes to be sure. They’re very appetizing and make the beer extremely drinkable. As the beer descends the glass, a thick layer of Brussels lace clings to the sides. A peppery hop character emerges early and becomes a tad more potent in the finish, which leans slightly to the hop side, but only slightly.
I think I’m looking for more hops than I’m actually getting here for an ESB, but I’m also thinking as I type just how much I’m enjoying this beer. It’s extremely drinkable, and it’s an effort just to put my glass down. I’m a sucker for balanced beers like this. Sometimes, I think American beer geeks get can caught up in the quest for that over-the-top hop monster. But a fruity, peppery, malty balanced brew like this one is just as much a treasure to be appreciated in my book.
Let it warm a bit to fully appreciate all of its delicate flavors. If you drink it too cold, you’ll miss a lot here. And what a shame that would be.
I’ve always been a fan of Bridgeport beers. Heck, even the bottles are cool. Tapering off to the top in a conical fashion, they just seem to fit the hand better than traditionally shaped bottles. But again, that wouldn’t mean much if the beer inside wasn’t as good as it is.
I had my worries about what would happen to Bridgeport when they were acquired by Gambrinus Imports (they bring Corona into the United States). But it seems my fears were for naught, since Bridgeport, recently available in Georgia, is still a very good brew. Especially the ESB. I did have a feeling Bridgeport was on the way here, of course, when I spied an ad for it in the premier issue of the Southern Brewing News.
Bridgeport ESB pours to a reddish amber color with a thick, creamy rocky head formation and a slightly fruity nose. The palate is medium in body for a beer brewed in the Pacific Northwest, but there’s definitely good malt here. I’m getting a touch of caramel malt chewiness, and some toasted nut notes. But it doesn’t overpower by any means.
I’m also getting a lot of pleasant fruitiness, some apple and pear notes to be sure. They’re very appetizing and make the beer extremely drinkable. As the beer descends the glass, a thick layer of Brussels lace clings to the sides. A peppery hop character emerges early and becomes a tad more potent in the finish, which leans slightly to the hop side, but only slightly.
I think I’m looking for more hops than I’m actually getting here for an ESB, but I’m also thinking as I type just how much I’m enjoying this beer. It’s extremely drinkable, and it’s an effort just to put my glass down. I’m a sucker for balanced beers like this. Sometimes, I think American beer geeks get can caught up in the quest for that over-the-top hop monster. But a fruity, peppery, malty balanced brew like this one is just as much a treasure to be appreciated in my book.
Let it warm a bit to fully appreciate all of its delicate flavors. If you drink it too cold, you’ll miss a lot here. And what a shame that would be.
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
