Come Together

In recent years breweries have begun to work together more and more with the results being absolutely fantastic. These collaborations between these breweries do countless things aside from giving brewers a chance to get to know one another better. Collaborations allow for brewers to share techniques, tips, tricks, and styles with one another and release something truly special. Collaborations between small breweries is really cool however when larger breweries get together it can be something really special.

With this I was able to try 'Blowin' Smoke' a collaboration between Other Half and Bissell Brothers, two breweries I absolutely love but do not get to have enough of. They came together using their own techniques for this beer and it was quite delicious and that is the beautiful thing about collaborations. 'Blowin' Smoke' is a beer with an initial taste and mouthfeel similar to most Bissell beers, however the aftertaste that lingers is very, very similar to the offerings I have had from Other Half. It is these things that make collaborations so special. 

What collaborations are some of your favorites? Also what breweries would you like to see collaborate together? I know that I would kill to see something from Trillium and Treehouse. 

Ocean State Beer Fest 2019

This past Sunday was the fifth annual Ocean State Beer Fest and it was an absolute blast. I attended with my girlfriend and we spent the festival talking with the different brewers and their staff about their offerings and what they had coming up. Now last year I had a very in depth review about best beer, best brewery, most unique, and biggest surprise but this year was a bit different because I was not able to check in most of the beers I had as I spent most of the afternoon relaxing and talking with others. However, here are some thoughts about the event as a whole.

- Taproot continues to be one of the most underrated breweries in the state. All of their offerings were simply exceptional and their variety was good too. Their Double IPA with New Zealand hops was both hoppy and a refreshingly crisp and clean finish and the ESB was surprisingly light with a nice malty finish. While getting out to Middletown is a pain I will be heading that way more frequently.

- While the separate cask room was a really cool idea I wish that each brewery had their cask with them. I know that the big pull this year since it was the fifth anniversary was cask/barrel aged beers and they were very good I just wish they were with each brewery.

- Big and I mean B-I-G props to LineSider Brewery for not bringing an IPA to the event. While I absolutely love IPAs it was quite refreshing. Their Blonde ale was one of the best I had ever had and their stout was the best of the day.

- Grey Sail is a lovely brewery with an awesome taproom and fun location but it was definitely too small for something this size. It did make things very cozy and allowed for more interaction between patrons it was much different than last year's wide open spaces.

- Not to leave them out but props to Buttonwoods Brewery for offering a brand new beer, Providence Brewing Company for continuing their interesting and awesome offerings, Proclamation for bringing so many different options, and Tilted Barn for bringing 'Seek The Wild' which was a special treat... that lasted for maybe 15 minutes.

- Lastly I visited Smug, Shazdion, Crooked Current, and Long Live and very much enjoyed their offerings (Ghost of Summer was one of the best beers of the day). While I wish Crooked brought another beer or two they brought my two favorites and that made me very happy. Also that I really need to get to Smug, Shazdion, and Ragged Island much, much, more frequently.

Ocean State Beer Fest was a great time and I will be attending again next year and I cannot wait for next year.

New Brew "Thursday": 'Here's To Feeling Good All The Time' from Bissell Brothers

A few years ago while waiting in line at Trillium when I first heard of this brewery. As someone who went to college in Maine and drank his fair share of beer (not always craft but we were all young once) I was upset at myself for not knowing about this brewery and vowed that my next trip up I would stop by and check them out. They did not disappoint, but that is a story for another time. Today is about 'Here's To Feeling Good All The Time' an action, and beer, that is just awesome.

This Double IPA clocks in at around 7.8% ABV and yet still has an amazing lightness to it. Light in appearance, light smelling, light mouthfeel, and light with a slightly lingering bitter finish. The oddest, and yet most amazing, is this beer's taste as it is anything but light. The complexities of the galaxy, mosaic, and simcoe hops all work in perfect harmony together while this is a galaxy beer in both appearance and taste the three hops work magnificently well together giving the beer a very piney taste. 

While I typically do not write about an IPA's malt profile here I feel it would be a disservice. 'Here's To Feeling Good All The Time' has a very distinct oat taste that is solely due to the malt. I typically hate IPAs were the malt is this present but this beer's galaxy forward hop blend make this an awesome beer to the last sip. 

I have to be honest, I did not get the Seinfeld reference because I did not remember the episode but after seeing a clip 'Here's To Feeling Good All The Time' is a perfect representation of it.  

New Brew Thursday: 'Broccoli Kong' from Other Half

I have recently gotten into beer trading (more on that later) and thanks to someone in one of the groups I joined I was finally able to try a few offerings from Other Half. I had heard of Other Half sometime last year and while I have a weird prejudice against New York breweries I had always wanted to try brews from Other Half and they did not disappoint. I had a few of their Imperial IPAs and Double IPAs however I save 'Broccoli Kong' for last.

'Broccoli Kong' is an Imperial, multi-hop IPA that is a shockingly light 8% ABV and an even shockingly lighter mouthfeel. Before even opening the beer the artwork on the can is magnificent. As stated before I am a sucker for a good name and while this one is pretty solid it is the artwork on the label that really made me save this one for a good night so sit and relax.

While this offering has Simcoe, Mosaic, Citra, Nelson Sauvin, and Simcoe Cyro hops the two main stars of the show are the Simcoe and Mosaic. This beer has a distinct Simcoe look as does its initial taste with that trademark sweetness with those subtle piney hints. The finish however is mostly Mosaic with a lingering juicy finish with hints of grapefruit. Citra and Nelson Sauvin play an incredible supporting role providing balance and citrus notes as well.

'Broccoli Kong' is an awesome beer that also has a fun name with a awesome label. One of the only times in life where you can judge a book by its cover and not be disappointed.

"My Favorite Beer Is Bud Light"

I was at an event with my girlfriend about a week ago when someone had told me this. Let me back up a second. The event was a Proclamation, one of my favorite breweries, and this was an older gentleman. He looked at the draft list in bewilderment, not knowing what to order or even what the beers were. I was standing next to him when he asked if I had tried any of the beers on the list and due to my frequent patronage to Proclamation I had. I first asked if he liked hoppy beer and was greeted with a blank stare. I knew that I was dealing with someone who was use to the shallow end of the beer pool. Knowing this I reverted to a a tried and true question, "what is your favorite beer to drink?" This will almost always unlock the perfect recommendation because you can just pair that beer's style with the next closest available and it typically will yield a great result. However, his answer was the title of this post.

As I saw it I was faced with roughly two options: (1) roll my eyes/make some other distasteful remark and go by to order my beer or (2) try to help someone who was a pure novice to this beautiful world of craft beer. I elected to do the latter and recommended 'Flummox' a pilsner that is a pretty good beer and a great pilsner. I saw him a few minutes later and asked what he thought and he really liked it. Then as I sipped by 'Cocoboi' (probably my second favorite stout from them, slightly behind 'Moon Destroyer') I told him about the big and beautiful world he had just become a part of and gave a few other beers to try.

While I am DEFINITELY guilty of judging other peoples tastes, since working at a liquor store after Law School I grew to appreciate giving a hand to those who may not know the vast world of craft beer. I stop to think of myself a in college as a newly 21 year old trying his first craft beer and realizing just how good it is giving that feeling to another is awesome and if you are presented such an opportunity I hope that you take it.

New Brew Thursday: 'Ghost Hugs' from Long Live Beerworks

In the spirit of the "Summer of Sours" tonight's beer while not the best cure for that hot summer day is just one of the better sours released this year. 'Ghost Hugs' is very similar to the other Long Live beers that bear the 'Ghost' name as it too is a Berliner Weisse with ample fruit. This offering has large quantities of blackberries, raspberries, and black currant. The blackberries and black current really amp up the tartness and gives this beer a very distinct and instantaneous sourness in the front of the mouth. The raspberries play a very nice supporting role to help with a very subtle tartness and just the right amount of sweetness. However, it is the vanilla bean that really does steal the show. It gives this beauty very distinct vanilla notes and helps to sweeten things up just as well and helps to round out the beer with a soft but lingering aftertaste. The vanilla also does give the beer a little thicker mouthfeel, while most Berliner Weisses have a light mouthfeel this is a little thick and creamy. Initially when I first opened the beer and had my first sip I had almost convinced myself that there was lactose in this due to how creamy it felt. After multiple sips and doing multiple takes on the label I was pretty shocked that it did not.

While 'Ghost Hugs' is neither on tap nor available in cans at the brewery if you are able to get your hands on one it is definitely a solid choice.

The Summer of Sours

We are roughly half way through the summer and the heat is really starting to amp up. While IPAs and Stouts are my favorite styles there is nothing better than a super tart and crisp sour for that summer scorcher. 

I vaguely remember the first time I had a sour. I believe it was a Flemish Red but I cannot remember which one it was. I really liked it as it was unlike anything I had ever tried before and it began to peak my curiosity. Next were various Goses and Berliner Weisses but then it was the American Wild Ales that really blew me away to becomes my favorite type of sour. While the Goses and Berliner Weisses are more tart and deliver their trademark sourness in the front of our mouth, Wild Ales coat the mouth in an ever loving blanket of sourness. They can be light or heavy but always deliver an amazing sourness that cannot be beat. 

Most breweries have begun to brew more sours for  the summer because they are perfect for the heat. They allow for a crisp refreshing experience with not only that awesome sourness but have more substance that other lighter beers. Often the ABV is lower so you are able to have multiple and still be able to function. While I do love my craft lagers and wheat beers I will take a sour over them more often than not. So on those hot summer days when you're out and about or just need something cool to drink after a long day and it is way too hot for something heavy go for that sour in the fridge or at your nearest brewery/liquor store. You will not be disappointed. 

New Brew Thursday: 'Permutation 109' from Trillium

I Have not featured a Trillium beer on "New Brew" yet. But today my aunt and uncle came into town in for a family wedding this weekend I figured I had to break out something good and here we are.

'Permutation 109' is of course part of Trillium Permutation line which I have always been impressed with. While I can almost never remember some of the numbers of my favorites but their Triple IPA that was the inspiration for 'Plane Over Car Over Train Over Boat' was simply amazing. Their take on a typical Lager was one of the best I have ever had and their Gose that was the most beautiful shade of pink was nearly perfect. So, needless to say that when I heard the description of what 'Permutation 109' was, an imperial stout with toasted almonds and coconut with vanilla and coffee I knew I just had to have it.

I had this bad boy in the cellar for a few months so needing something both amazing and unique now seemed like as good of a time as any to open it. Like most imperial stouts the head had a beautiful deep brown color and its time in the cellar mellowed the overly malty smell that will often plague most imperial stouts. The initial notes are very soft with a light smell of coffee and vanilla with only mild notes of coconut. The taste is actually quite similar as well with the initial flavors being that very same coffee and vanilla with the toasted coconut and almond rounding it out. For an imperial stout clocking in at 12.4% ABV it has a remarkably lighter mouthfeel  than I was expecting as well. Moreover, for having that high of an ABV it does not suffer from it and it is very drinkable (even on a day when it's around 85 degrees).

That being said if you are able to trade for a 'Permutation 109' or see it on a tap list or in a cellar Sunday line-up I highly recommend getting one, or whatever the limit may be.

New Brew Thursday: 'Single Shot' from Tree House

On my trip to Tree House I was able to pick up a wide variety of cans and a couple bottles. One of which was 'Single Shot' which sounded just heavenly on the can list. When it comes to coffee milk stouts I have routinely been disappointed by multiple different breweries. To me, a coffee milk stout should taste like an alcoholic version of coffee milk. A beer that is both sweet and rich with strong notes of coffee. Now being a Rhode Islander I have had more coffee milk than I care to admit and for years my favorite coffee milk stout was from Narragansett because it perfectly encapsulated what a coffee milk beer should be largely in part to its inclusion of Autocrat Coffee Syrup. My preferred coffee syrup when making coffee milk.

It should come as no surprise that 'Single Shot' has bested the 'Autocrat Coffee Milk Stout.' With a rich dark head and the aforementioned strong notes of coffee this beer looks and smells absolutely perfect. The first sip is rich and creamy with a very subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate well after the beer is gone. Flavors of both chocolate and coffee are present that really show just how rich and creamy this beer is. 'Single Shot' is an awesome and the perfect morning beer. But it is also good at any time of day.

Brewery Trip! Tree House Brewery

Last Wednesday while on twitter I happened across something magical. Tree House had just announced a run of King JJJulius. I panicked, as I had heard the stories of this mythical and delicious beer and knew I had to get to Charlton ASAP. However, with the annual RI Bar Association Meeting along with some family events I could not get out there until Saturday so I suggested to my girlfriend a trip to this amazing and scenic brewery. I also mentioned that Burgundian Waffles was going to be there and that sealed the deal.

Now I have had Tree House beer on numerous occasions but I have only been out to the brewery in Charlton one time before. I had forgotten just how beautiful it really is. Nestled in the countryside on a cozy hilltop with a scenic view of the valley below it is one of the prettiest breweries that I have even been to. While getting there can be difficult for yours truly I am definitely going to start venturing out there more frequently.

We got there roughly an hour early so we were guaranteed our allotment of not only King JJJulius but some other offerings and part of a father's day present for my dad. We could not have picked a better day weather-wise as it was perfect, both warm and sunny. With the line moving very fast and before we knew it we had already gotten our cans/bottles (King JJJulius, Haze, Hibiscus and Dragon Fruit Tart, Sap, Single Shot, Treat, Triple Shot, and Impermanence) and our drink tickets. I did have time to run to the bar and grab a pour of 'That's What She Said' which was just an exceptional. This Milk Stout brings numerous compliments that would make Michael Scott simply respond with this beer's name.

We next we got our waffles which were also amazing (we both love Burgundian Waffles) and then got back in line for our final pour. I went with 'Perfect Storm' and she went with 'Triple Shot Chocolate Truffle' and we headed outside to sit on the Adirondack chairs and look out on this beautiful almost-summer day.

Now I have said multiple times that my favorite beer is 'Heavy Mettle' by Trillium but 'Perfect Storm' may have taken that title. This wasn't just a beer but an experience as to what an IPA can be. This double IPA packed to the brim with Simcoe and Citra hops is an absurd combination of tropical sweetness and juiciness that is out of this world. My girlfriend's 'Triple Shot Chocolate Truffle' was also amazing but 'Perfect Storm' was something exceedingly special and while this was the first, and so far only, time I have had this beer but I will be crossing my fingers in the hopes that I am able to get back up there for the next batch.

New Brew Thursday: 'Clever Girl' from Revival Brewery

This week's New Brew Thursday is a little different as I was able to spend it with my extended family and it gave me (and by extension them) the opportunity to try 'Clever Girl' from Revival.

We all met up at my sister's house for a night of conversation and delicious Indian food. At all family gathering I am always the one with the interesting craft beer and with this recent release from Revival I knew I had the perfect beer to bring.

'Clever Girl' has a lot going for it even before your first sip. The name is a callback to the famous line from Jurassic Park and the label is simply hysterical with a Velociraptor holding a completed rubik's cube. Just saying the name and thinking of the label is enough to put a smile on my face but this beer is more than just a fun name/label. This self described paloma sour interestingly enough does not pour bright pink but more of an orange with a slight pink hue. It has a very light and crisp mouthfeel and the initial wave of grapefruit is very tart with just a little sweetness to help balance things out. However what really takes the beer up another notch is the smokey, sour aftertaste that lingers just long enough to make it an awesome sour.

I would highly, highly recommend getting down to the brewery to try this perfect summer beer as soon as possible.

End of the Rhode

This past Sunday was a momentous occasion. My girlfriend and I visited Grey Sail down in Westerly, RI and not only did we have a lovely time at what is one of the nicest/most unique tap rooms that I have been to but we finished our Rhode Island Brewers Guild Passport.

The Rhode Island Brewers Guild started the passport a some time ago and I started mine roughly a year ago. The passport has all of the members of the Rhode Island Brewers Guild and anytime you visit one of the breweries and make a purchase you can obtain a stamp. Visit half of the breweries and get a free pint glass, visit all of the breweries and get the Rhode Island Brewers Guild Beer which is amazingly named 'End of the Rhode.'

We got version 3.0 of 'End of the Rhode' which is a saison with lavender which I was lucky enough to try at the Ocean State Beer Fest last year and immediately loved the beer. The lavender is an amazing addition to this traditional sasion. The notes are very lavender forward as well as the aftertaste and the subtle citrus notes and flavor perfectly balance the beer.

The Rhode Island Brewers Guild passport was updated recently and now has 22 breweries on it. Not only does it give you and excuse to travel all around Rhode Island and drink delicious craft beer while supporting local business. You have the chance to get something out of it. If you haven't started your passport yet just visit any of the Rhode Island Breweries and ask about it so you can get your first stamp.

"New" Brew Thursday: 'Object Permanence DDH' from Buttonwoods Brewery

Tonight's beer was something I have been excited to try since it was announced on Instagram earlier this week. Actually when I got to Buttonwoods earlier tonight I joked with the staff that as soon as I saw it I said to myself "welp, see you on Thursday."

'Object Permanence' is one of my more favorite beers from Buttonwoods. Its light mouthfeel along with a beautifully hoppy taste with lingering bitterness is just an amazingly solid IPA and a great beer. The DDH version (DDH is short for Double Dry Hopped) of this is still quite good, not as good at the regular version but still well worth drinking and getting once again.

'Object Permanence DDH' is not like other DDH offerings. The citrus notes are not very offensive and are somewhat mild in nature. Much like its normal offering the mouthfeel is quite light and the aftertaste lingers ever-so slightly but not as much as the original. Its appearance in the glass is as always textbook beautiful unfiltered IPA and it's flavor profile is simple, yet complex.

'Object Permanence DDH' is definitely one of the more mello DDH IPAs that I have had but I would still highly recommend it.

Taking It To The Streets

A few weeks ago my favorite brewery Trillium, released one of my favorite beers, 'The Streets.' This Triple IPA is my absolute favorite triple and a release I look forward to every year. I was lucky enough to try the first batch of 'The Streets' back in 2017 when it was brewed for their anniversary. That batch was much different than this current batch.

'The Streets' that I know and love was first brewed last year and replicated this year was just as good as ever. This beauty is super hoppy and very drinkable despite being 10.6%. It is tough to say what you notice first, the hazy orange/yellow color or that undeniable tropical smell. Each sip is an absolute mouthful of hops each one shinning in it's own right but somehow working in perfect harmony with one another. Getting flavors and notes from each one but yet they all blend together. It may only come once a year but the next time it's brewed you're not going to want to miss this one.

Back in the Saddle... Again

After a L.O.N.G. hiatus I am back with lots of different stories and even more different brewery/beer experiences. Sometimes when we are thick in the weeds of life we neglect ourselves and forget to stop and smell the roses... or in this case, the beer.

While I have been to a lot of different breweries since I was last here, I was able to get down to my favorite Rhode Island brewery last week, Tilted Barn. They recently re-brewed 'Pour Sap' a brown ale that they brew with maple syrup from a farm down the road. Typically, I do not like brown ales as I do not like beer that is overly malty,but this is a very special brown ale.

At first it has a smell of dark brown sugar, sweet and syrupy with a distinct light boozy smell. In the glass it is a rich and hazy brown with a gorgeous light white head. The first sip is heaven. The sweetness does not come from the malt with most brown ales,
but does come from the maple syrup.

The initial sip is light and flavorful with that aforementioned sweetness that is so smooth it is essentially velvet on your tongue. That lingering sweetness rests in your mouth long after the sip is gone and compounds with each sip long after the beer is gone.

It is likely still at the brewery so I recommend HIGHLY that you visit the barn and get yourself a pour before it runs out.