Oak-Aged Ebenezer
Upstream Brewing Company - Old Market

No. 1316 of 1457 (bottled Aug 2007)

Appearance: We have a gusher! Foams at the cone and pours a cola brown color capped by a massive head

Smell: Chocolate and dark fruit; nice oak character

Taste: Tart fruit dominates, with a sour cherry character that is joined by oak at mid-palate; some chocolate arrives, after the swallow, but the finish really comes on strong with the rye character of the barrel

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a lot of spritzy carbonation

Overall: Not sure quite what to make of this. If this is supposed to be a barrel-aged RIS, it is infected; but the other site calls this an Old Ale, though I am not certain that style is designed to be sour either; bottom line - the flavors are interesting, particularly the use of rye barrels, but the end product is problematic

Up for review is a 750ml, hand numbered bottle of Oak Aged Ebenezer from Upstream Brewing Company. The barrel aged stuff I've had so far from these guys has been spectacular. And this is no exception. Tart fruits, oak and wine are dominant. Well balanced. Clean body drink swell.

Bottle: Poured a cloudy deep brown color ale with a super large foamy head with perfect retention and great lacing. Aroma consists of oak, deep sweet malt with some vinous notes. Taste is a quiet complex mix between some oak and woody notes with some huge sweet malt bill and a spicy finish. Full body with limited filtration and with great carbonation and no alcohol was discernable. Very different take on a style (old ale) that is not clearly defined, very intelligent used of oak and still very well balance. Wow!

Appearance: Pours a dark brown, clear body with a gigantic, off-white head.

Smell: Sour-smelling sour cherry with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, and cocoa powder.

Taste: Lightly chocolatey maltiness with distinct sour and spice qualities to it. Some woodiness. Funky, drying finish with a hint of exasperated cocoa.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Full carbonation.

Drinkability: No thanks. Fourth beer I've had from Upstream and the second I rather disliked. 2 oughta 4 now for those keeping score at home.

Brewed Sep 2006, bottled Aug 2007
Pours a dark chocolate color with 2 fingers of tan creamy head that makes a quick lived appearance before leaving. Some tight bubbled lacing. Looks good to me.

An aroma of Dark fruits, malt, alcohol, and the faintest bit metallic. Smells great. Very excited at this point.

Boom, a syrupy black licorice bomb. Toasted malts and oak are obvious. Raisins, and some bitter sweetness. Some definite coffee notes as well. Complexity is there, this beer taste mature.

The body is thick, and the carbonation is very minimal. This is delicious, I bought the last bottle in Lincoln, and am a bit upset I did not find it earlier. Upstream has done a good job again. Yum.

Brewed in November 2005... Bottled in November 2006

Pours a deep brown with some flickers of light passing through around the edges of the glass. 1/4", tan head that dissipates quick, but leaves a nice cap. Good lacing around on the swirl. A faint hint of legs... appearance is very good.

Aroma is pretty big. Some dark, dried fruits.. raisin, fig, cherry... Tons of wood from oak to cedar... quite spicy and complex. I dig it a lot... some pear and peaches even... a subtle smokiness in the back.

Taste is... well... extremely eff'n good! Wow... a blast of maltiness... some huge spice... cherry, fig, nutmeg. I'm very impressed. The wood aromas meet the nose but are quite muted on the palate. Chewy and fruity. Well done... very well done. Smallish alcohol burn and a nice warminess in the belly. Some chocolate lingers on the palate. Flavor all over.

A highly drinkable brew...