Bridgeport Brewpub

Well, the new Bridgeport Brewpub has been open for a while now, so I decided to finally drag myself down Marshall street and have a looksee. Not bad. The place has a funky Portland-apropos feel to it, a little hip for me, but relatively comfy. I decided to scarf a pork butt sandwich before diving into my taster tray - eight brews on tap, for $5. Not a bad deal (20oz pint for 2.50 at happy hour is not bad, either). To start - the Supris - a take-off on the Belgian style, with the taste to prove it. This one is light and airy, with a mouthy malt to balance hops that really are quite gentle, but flavorful. This is one light beer that doesn't skimp on strength (6.0%ABV). A great summer brew. The India Pale Ale is hoppy in the best sense, while remaining understated - a sophisticated IPA. A little less punch at 5.5%ABV, but very tasty and easy to quaff. The hoppy E.S.B. has me convinced that Bridgeport is on the right track - this one has all the Special, without too much of the Extra or the Bitter. Nice. A Cask Conditioned IPA is a nice, very mellow version of the style, notable for being shy yet still carrying the goodness of the original. Old Knucklehead Barleywine is a strong brew, no doubt about that - but it is so balanced that there is little to complain about. Unfortunately, there is also not too much to rave about - it is so mellow it has little personality, in spite of potency. It does have a nice deep red color, and the strong hops and malt are there, but it doesn't speak as a good barleywine should. The Porter is also short on personality, but it does have a good flavor, and the molasses shines through as a sweet toasty note. Only as potent as the Surpris, this is not going to win any medals, but it does do the style justice. Not bad. The signature Blue Heron Pale Ale is tasty, though it does leave room for improvement. It is a weaker (4.9%ABV) brew, and has the weaker character inherent in such a beer. It has notes of malt and hops, but an abrupt finish kills any lingering hoppy tingle. Last but not least, the Ropewalk Amber Ale is a caramel malted, mellow brew. It doesn't hit the high notes, but it carries its own weight and does a nice job bringing up the rear - it is a representative ale for Bridgeport, but not something special. Overall, Bridgeport makes good beer, in any style - but nothing spectacular. At $2.50 for 20oz, though, one could go far here, and could do far worse elsewhere.