Foolproof Brewing Company is adding another Yahd to its lineup. Queen of the Yahd, a raspberry India Pale Ale (5.2% ABV), debuted last week on tap at the newly expanded tasting room; four-packs of 16-ounce cans will be in stores in a month or so and be available through mid-July. The backstory: “We dumped a stupid amount of American hops into this beer, giving the Queen a gorgeous bouquet of tropical fruit that is complemented by a subtle tartness from raspberry purée.” Yum! And the Foolproofers just squeezed two 1900-gallon tanks into their Pawtucket HQ. They’ll be put to use for their new partners — Farmer Willie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, the Truro, MA-based company. With the expanded capacity, the brew will be distributed in RI soon.
In January 2015, Narragansett launched its Lovecraft Series to celebrate the 125th birthdays of the brewery and the venerated horror author. The fourth entry — I Am Providence, an imperial red ale (8% ABV) concocted by brewmaster Sean Larkin — is out now and was scheduled to be the final release. But wait — there will be more beery chapters devoted to H.P.’s legacy! A ’Gansett rep reports: “We’re having too much fun with it! At the very least we’ll be continuing the series through the year.” The I Am Providence tallboy cans, designed by local aritst Gunsho, depicts Cthulhu — Lovecraft’s high priest of the Great Old Ones — wrapping the state house in a creepy embrace. ’Gansett prez Mark Hellendrung notes that Lovecraft “had a deep sense of local preference, declaring that ‘Providence is part of me — I am Providence.’ It was with similar spirit and love of place that we endeavored to bring back Narragansett Beer a decade ago. This beer is an extension of the unwavering connection to the city that we both call home.” It’s a potent concoction, with warrior and citra hops blending nicely with the caramelish malts. All hail Cthulhu’s brew!
February was a big month for Proclamation Ale Company. Founder/Brewmaster Dave Witham graced the cover of Beer Advocate, and shared his trademark wit and wisdom in the Q&A. A sample: “We’re after an extreme flavor profile, but in a way that’s balanced and drinkable. I don’t want to drink a four-ounce glass of a sour — I want something I can drink a full glass of without having to take a swig of Pepto.” And Proclamation’s Derivative placed No. 14 in Paste magazine’s blind-tasting of 83 American pale ales. Congrats to Dave and his creative crew!
Another accolade: The results of CraftBeer.com’s annual Great American Beer Bars poll were released last week, and the top vote getter in Rhode Island was Norey’s in Newport. The fun and funky establishment deserves the honor. It boasts superb beer selections, monthly tap takeovers, and a varied and ultra-tasty menu. Congrats to Tyler and his hard-working crew!
Boulevard Brewing Company, the veteran (est. 1989) Kansas City, Mo, beermaker, debuted in our market two weeks ago. A few of their excellent offerings are on tap now (the Calling, a double IPA, is highly recommended), but they won’t be on retail shelves until March, when Boulevard introduces its new labels and package designs nationwide. But you can get instant gratification from Jack’s Abby. Their new cans are rolling into RI stores, so you can stock up on Hoponius Union, Calyptra and Leisure Time now!
Heads up: Tickets for the 5th Annual Newport Craft Beer Festival are on sale. The event is at the Great Friends Meeting House on Saturday, April 30 (there’s also a VIB — Very Important Beers — session at Newport Storm on the 29th). We’ll have more on the fest in an upcoming issue, but get a jump on tix at newportcraftbeer.com.
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