Spring is a confusing time for cocktails. My mind is on gin and tonics and summer ales with an ocean view, but the chilly nights keep me craving bourbon and red wine. When the temperature still gets below freezing and I’m seeing dirty gray piles of snow in every grocery store parking lot, I can’t get down with cool […]
Foolproof continues to expand its versatility, and there’s no better example of that than the Forecast series. This series of limited edition brews is full of unique and interesting offerings, almost always breaking some kind of mold, and as Part 77 of my infinity part series looking at locally made craft beer, I decided to try […]
In the Spring Guide edition of “Got Beer?,” we noted that the details re: the 3rd Annual Bacon & Beer Fest were TBA – but we can A ’em now! The best-of-both-worlds bash, brought to you by the folks from Beervana Fest and RI Food Fights, will take place on June 16 from 2 – […]
On a chilly Friday night, a surprisingly large crowd is navigating the concrete and brick labyrinth of 560 Mineral Spring Ave. This old converted mill has held space for DIY businesses Black Grease Bicycles, Mixed Magic Black Box Theater, Mode Merr fashions, Bucket Brewing and many other small arts and crafts spots. It still boasts […]
When she answered the phone, Cathy Plourde sounded excited and anxious and bewildered that her new Pawtucket distillery will open on March 9. Cathy explained that the idea came as she and her wife, Kara Larson, “honed our love of gin in England for two years.” The couple moved to RI two years ago. Investigating small gins […]
The first flowers sprout from the ground, and our thoughts turn to lighter fare and wine. Pinot noir, with bright cherry fruit flavors, light body and purity, creates perfect synergy with everything spring. One failing of pinot noir, however, lies in the value the grape offers. Thin skins, small berries and tight bunches mean tiny yields and […]
From the old guard represented by Sons of Liberty to new kid on the block, RI Spirits, distilleries seem to be having a moment and it’s one we hope lasts and lasts. I recently took a tour through Rhode Island’s four distilleries to bring you all the info you need to know before you plan […]
The clocks spring ahead on March 10, and in this edition of “Got Beer?,” we’re springing ahead to guide you to some of the season’s notable gatherings, plus some more immediate pleasures. The 8th Annual Newport Craft Beer Festival presents its VIB (Very Important Beer) session on April 26 from 8 – 10pm at Newport Craft Brewing […]
Right over the line from Providence into Pawtucket, on the former site of Bucket Brewery, is one of the newest of the many breweries in RI, Smug. I recently checked out their Blocker Pale Ale and their Short and Stout. The pale is billed as an American pale ale, which I assumed means significantly more […]
I’m so done with this winter. My yard is an ice rink, my fingers are perpetually frozen and I look like a vampire. The only way I’m getting through this month is day-drinking. I’ve come to realize that drinking during the day is way better than doing so at night. It only takes one or two to get […]