Beer of the day: La Ferme Urbaine Farmhouse Ale by Foolproof Brewery

For more about this brew click here. 

Rhode Island Brew Fest 2015

Had the pleasure of attending the Rhode Island Brew Fest at the Pawtucket Armory. I was originally slated to go to the early session but because my girlfriend wanted to be my designated driver but she could only go to the second session at 5:30pm. My past experience with these events is that you really should have a designated driver. Having many samplings do add up after awhile.

It was very crowded in the big hall was challenging working your way through the three main passages. After about one time around my girl tired of it and stayed near back where the music and food was while I worked my way around solo. The vendors were a mix of local and big name craft beer brewers. Big names Samuel Adams, Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, Smuttynose were there. Some local names were Rhode Island's own Foolproof(who's brewery I've visited), Newport Storm, Narragansett and Revival and more.

My strategy was to try ones that I haven't tried before. My girlfriend wanted to enjoy my company later rather than having driving around a stumbling fool. I won't tell you about how she was at the Superbowl party the next night but I'll leave it at that. It was for my safety.

Here are some observations:

• Was disappointed Sierra Nevada's Hop Hunter IPA after the much talked about lawsuit by Lagunita(who was also there),that was quickly dropped.
• Finch's Beer out of Chicago could be filed under "Nicest Surprise" with their Nuclear Winter dark Belgian Ale and Secret Stache American Stout. I'm looking forward to finding those at my local bottle store.
• Best Swag Item would be Vermont's Magic Hat  with the "Magic Hat Condom". Yes I did take one. 
•  Under What I've been wanting to try but haven't got around to was Oscar Blues Ten Fidy which I was not disappointed by the least.

Here are some more scenes:

Smuttynose

Narragansett Brewing

Cisco Brewing out of Nantucket

My girl decided she had enough of being hit on while waiting around for me and it was nearing the end it was time to go. It was great time. I even collected a nice snifter glass which I'm enjoying some nice brew in now writing this. Now she says I owe her a wine tasting.

The glass, disappointed Mayflower Brewing was not there.

Beer of the Day: Narragansett Lovecraft Honey Ale

Narragansett Lovecraft Honey Ale

Style: American Blonde Ale

ABV: 7.0%

Narragansett Brewing Company

60 Ship Street

Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Web: Narragansettbeer.com/

In Collaboration with:

Revival Brewing Company

One Davol Square 

Suite 203

Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Web: Revivalbrewing.com

Foolproof Brewery in the Ocean State

Recently I visited the Foolproof Brewery in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It's location in a old New England industrial park is a bit misleading once you tried their array of fine brews. Opening in 2012 they are relatively new to the brewing scene. They now offer five year tasty round brews. They offer tours on Saturdays and tastings on Friday and Saturdays(check ahead of time for details). They have a humble tasting area at the entrance with a small bar type of area where you can sample their offerings. Their year round offerings are:

• Backyahd - Style: India Pale Ale
• Barstool - Style: American Golden Ale
• Raincloud - Style: Robust Porter
• Le Ferme Urbaine - Style: Farmhouse Ale(aka:Saison)
• King of the Yahd - Style: Imperial IPA

For the tour(and $10)  your allowed to sample 3 different brews and keep the a pint glass(tulip glass is offered but is extra $). I had tried their "BackYahd" and "Barstool" before. The two that impressed me on this day were their "Raincloud" which is a Porter and the Le Ferme Urbaine which is a Saison, or Farmhouse ale. 

Also part of the tour is a short summary and story by the founder of Foolproof Brewery Nick Garrison. He's friendly, personable and very passionate about his brewery. 

A bonus this day was a taste of their "The Taproom Project" series was "Rain Barrel" This rolling  in at 7% ABV this Sour Ale was a throat warmer that hit the spot on a cool winter afternoon. This was just a small sample. 

Founder Nick Garrison

After the tour your able to purchase some samples, in limited quantities, along with other related items. I enjoyed my visit and hope to do so again soon.

Foolproof Brewing Company

241 Grotto Avenue

Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860

Online: http://www.foolproofbrewing.com

Narragansett Del Shandy - Two Famous Little Rhody Icon's Merge

Two famous Rhode Island beverage's have come together in a new refreshing summer time (adult) treat. Narragansett beer has just released their Narragansett Del Shandy beer and it is refreshingly different as the label proudly proclaims. This combines two local iconic brands Narragansett Beer and Del's Lemonade. This is apparently going fast locally (Rhode Island and surrounding area's).

This my review on RateBeer.com:

4.3

   AROMA 9/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 9/10   PALATE 4/5   OVERALL 18/20

rjplumer (364) - Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA - MAY 14, 2014

Lemon aroma that is pleasing and not overpowering. Very bubbly and head doesn’t last long. Sweet tart lemon flavor that is refreshing and light. Smooth clean finish. This is my favorite shandy I’ve tried so far. Perfect for hot summer days. Narragansett did this one right!

I only picked a six pack but I'm already regretting not buying more. Worth a try.