Able Ebenezer Brewing Company

Brews with military history

Able Ebenezer Brewing Company was founded by three retired United States Army officers and named for pre-Revolutionary war hero Ebenezer Mudgett, who defied British oppression in 1772 and rallied local New Hampshire citizens in the Pine Tree Riot, which is said to have inspired the Boston Tea Party. It’s no wonder that the 10-barrel brewery, which opened its doors in a renovated battery distribution warehouse just three months ago, prides itself on creating revolutionary ales and bold craft beers.

Here they brew what they term uniquely “West Coast-style ales,” which are well-balanced libations and serve them in a pre-Prohibition-style tasting room and bar reminiscent of the days when people across the country patronized their local butcher, baker, candlestick maker and brewer.

The beverage they are best known for is Burn the Ships, a smoked India Pale Ale, which bears the description “unique, complex and confusing.” With a 7 percent ABV and a smooth finish with a hint of smoke, a lot of sweetness derived from four different and complex hops and a strong aroma, the moniker Burn the Ships is intimidating while the beverage, surprisingly, is not. Adding to the confusion is that non-IPA lovers and IPA aficionados alike are raising their pints in salute.

This fall, ask for the Homecoming Harvest Pumpkin Ale, which is made in part by digging out the raw meat from the orange orbs harvested from seven local farms and then adding it to the brewing process. The owners/brewers at Able Ebenezer, where patrons can belly up to the 27'-long bar made from a freshly cut New Hampshire white pine tree, intend to hire veterans as they continue to expand and create some local history of their own.