Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, its scene for craft beers is anything from small. With creative breweries opening Newport to Providence and beyond, the Ocean State has seen a rebirth in recent years. Often inspired by the coastal character of Rhode Island and New England customs, these Rhode Island breweries have developed unique personalities and signature styles. From cool summer ales to robust winter stews, Rhode Island’s brewers create special releases that capture the spirit of the time of year as each season unfolds. Like Southern Vermont weekend getaways drawing outdoor adventurers seeking natural beauty and recreation, these seasonal offerings provide the ideal excuse for beer lovers planning their trips. This guide will walk you through the must-try seasonal beers at Rhode Island’s best breweries and explain why you should look for them on your next trip to this little corner of New England.
Spring Awakening: Herbal and Floricultural Brews
Rhode Island’s breweries honor with light, aromatic beers that capture the spirit of rebirth as winter fades and the coastal state starts to bloom. The Spring Tide IPA from Newport Craft Brewing Company uses local wildflower honey and subdued herbal notes to reflect the first growth of the season. Proclamation Ale Company in Warwick provides Tendril, a farmhouse ale with subtle lemony and chamomile flavors that go great with the state’s well-known seafood. For those who usually enjoy the outdoor-oriented Southern Vermont weekend getaways during the warmer months but are looking for something different, these spring offers offer a cool substitute. For those who value both natural beauty and craft beverages, Rhode Island’s spring beer scene emerges wonderfully with the coastal wildflower blooms and the return of migratory birds to the many nature preserves in the state.
Summer on the Shore: Crisp, Cool Choices
Summer brings the most vivid reflection of Rhode Island’s close relationship with the Atlantic Ocean from the warm-weather releases of local brewers. Perfect after a day at Narragansett Beach, Whalers Brewing Company in South Kingstown creates their praised Rise pale ale, which balances brilliant citrus hops with a clean, refreshing finish. Long Live Beerworks presents Swell, a session IPA mixed with mango and pineapple notes that captures the tropical vibe of summer days, in Providence. These light, friendly beers present a convincing argument for visiting Breweries in Rhode Island in the summer, a coastal substitute for the mountain experiences usually connected with Southern Vermont weekend excursions. Along the state, the waterfront beer gardens and brewery patios become social gathering places for both residents and visitors to savor the ideal mix of ocean breezes and carefully made beers, so generating memories long after the summer sun has set.
Autumn Harvest: Rich, Malty Taste Notes
Rhode Island brewers seek richer, maltier flavors that fit the season as summer fades and the New England foliage starts its amazing color show. Housed in a 1940s barn among their own hop farm, Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter releases their sought-after Violet farmhouse ale produced with locally grown lavender and honey. Raincloud, a strong porter with notes of chocolate and coffee that fit wonderfully with the cool temperatures, is created by Pawtucket’s Foolproof Brewing Company Fall is when Rhode Island’s breweries really show their inventiveness, sometimes using locally grown harvest foods including maple syrup, apples, and pumpkins. This season finds an interesting parallel with Southern Vermont weekend getaways, which attract tourists for their renowned fall foliage trips. Fall is the perfect time to visit both areas for a whole New England experience since both Vermont with its vivid scenery and Rhode Island with its delicious seasonal beers celebrate the autumn harvest in their unique ways.
Winter Warmers: Strong and Complicated Offerings
Rhode Island’s brewers respond with strong, warm beers when winter arrives and brings nor’easters and icy coastlines. Legendary Captain’s Daughter Double IPA from Grey Sail Brewing in Westerly strikes a warm mix between strong malt backbone and strong hop character to help on chilly evenings. Working with the nearby coffee shop that makes a rich, roasty beer ideal for Rhode Island’s winter, Revival Brewing in Providence offers their White Electric Coffee Stout. For those who might otherwise be planning Southern Vermont weekend getaways for skiing and snowboarding adventures, these substantial winter offerings from Rhode Island offer consoling substitutes. Many breweries improve the winter experience with special events like barrel-aged beer releases and holiday markets, so creating festive environments that provide cover from the coastal winter while celebrating the season’s special qualities via creative brewing.
Restricted Releases and Brewery- Only Specialties
Beyond the usual seasonal rotation, several Rhode Island breweries provide unique limited releases that beer drinkers track with great passion. Warwick’s Apponaug Brewing Company occasionally produces small-batch experimental beers including unusual ingredients like rare hop varieties or local oysters. Like outdoor enthusiasts who arrange Southern Vermont weekend trips around particular natural attractions, these brewery-only specialties often take front stage in day trips. The search for these rare releases has developed a vibrant community of craft beer enthusiasts who exchange advice and recommendations, so supporting small businesses and providing guests with distinctive tastes not found elsewhere. Rhode Island brewery visits gain an element of discovery from the thrill of obtaining a limited release bottle or savoring a one-time-only draft pour, so improving the whole experience.
Ultimately
Rhode Island’s breweries’ seasonal beer selections offer a liquid calendar that marks the passing of time via varied tastes and ingredients. Every release chronicles the state’s natural resources, brewing customs, and creative energy. Whether your goal is to improve your Rhode Island trip with local cuisine or you are a committed beer tourist, these seasonal delicacies provide great incentives to explore the Ocean State all year long. The next time you’re thinking about Southern Vermont weekend trips, think about including a brewery tour; Rhode Island’s small size and concentrated brewing expertise might provide an equally fulfilling experience. For the best experience of Rhode Island’s vibrant and changing craft beer scene, Thruhike advises scheduling your visits to line seasonal release events and brewery anniversaries.
