Newport, Rhode Island, and the surrounding area is home to ten breweries. When you visit a local brewery, you get the chance to sample a variety of different beer styles. While some breweries focus on particular styles, most will have a pilsner, an IPA, a stout or porter, and a lager. And that is just the beginning of their offerings. So how does one know where to start when looking at the taproom menu? One suggestion is to start with a tried-and-true beer. In other words, order the one that is the most popular. Apps like Untappd allow their members to rate beers. This list has the three most popular beers at each local brewery according to Untappd in January 2024. Some breweries have their staple beers and some change things every season. If a beer listed is no longer available, ask the beertender for a recommendation of something similar.
- Coddington Brewing Company, Middletown, RI
India Pale Ale, American IPA, 5% ABV – This IPA is exactly what you expect an IPA to taste like.
Blueberry Blonde, Fruit Beer, 4.1 ABV – Blueberries may be associated with Maine but this beer is a year-round favorite in Rhode Island. Golden Ale, Blonde/Golden Ale, 4.3% ABV – An easy drinking style for craft beer novices.- Visiting in the winter? Make sure to warm up with their clam chowder. Visiting on a warm day? Make sure to get a seat on the patio.
- The Guild Brewing Company, Warren, RI
Warren G, Imperial/Double IPA, 8% ABV – Enjoy hints of mango, citrus, and peach with this IPA.
The Isle of White, White/Wheat IPA, 6.7% ABV – This is a unique blend of a wheat beer and an IPA.
Pink Pants Double IPA, Imperial/Double IPA, 7.1% ABV – This brewery knows their IPAs. This was is hopped with lemon drop and citra.- The Guild has locations in Warren, Pawtucket, and along the Providence River. The Warren location is waterfront and boasts a brewery and beer hall.
- Newport Craft Brewing Company, Newport, RI
Rhode Trip, New England IPA, 6.3% ABV – This IPA is hazy, unfiltered, and juicy. In the description, the brewery describes this beer as having a “pillowy mouthfeel.”
Rhode Rage, Imperial/Double IPA, 8.5% ABV – When you first smell this beer you may get a sense of apricot and tangerine.
Blueberry Ale, Fruit Beer, 4.6% ABV – This is an American-style wheat ale flavored with blueberries.- Newport Craft Brewing Company just opened a brand-new outdoor space in May of 2023. The new space tripled their square footage from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. Their sister company, Newport Craft Spirits, distills gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey.
- Pivotal Brewing Company, Bristol, RI
Hello My Name Is Pivotal, Imperial/Double New England IPA, 8.4% ABV – This is their flagship opening day beer.
Bomb Cyclone, Imperial/Double New England IPA, 8% ABV – Did you love Sunny D as a kid? This beer will remind you of those days.
Weekapaug Grove, New England IPA, 7.3% ABV – Tropical fruit, vanilla, and coconut flavors are the essence of this IPA.- If you cannot decide what to drink here, you can always order a flight of four ounce pours to try first.
- Ragged Island Brewing Company, Portsmouth, RI
Beach Night IPA, American IPA, 6.5% ABV – This IPA is dry hopped and ends with a crisp white wine taste.
Hydrofoil DIPA, Imperial/Double IPA, 7.8% ABV – You will find Citra and Mosaic hops in this double dry hopped brew. It is “bursting with citrus flavors.”
Surfer’s End, New England IPA, 5.5% ABV – A tasty dry hopped brew.- The taproom lineup at Ragged Island changes every week as they brew new beers. The brewhouse and taproom are located on 37 acres of farmland with views of Narragansett Bay.
- Rejects Beer Company, Middletown, RI
12 O’Clock High IPA, New England IPA, 6.5% ABV – This IPA boasts notes of fresh cut grass, pineapple, and stone fruit. It is named for an “infamous swimming spot” in Newport.
Locals Only Cream Ale, Cream Ale, 5% ABV – This cream ale tastes of crackers, crisp citrus, and fresh baked bread.
Shipwreck Bay, New England IPA, 6.2% ABV – This one got its name from a surfing location in New Zealand.- This brewery prides itself on being a low-key place that is perfect for everyone. Check out their events page for drag dinners, comedian shows, and beer pong tournaments.
- Six Pack Brewing, Bristol, RI
Timmy, New England IPA, 8.2% ABV – This hazy IPA is named for a dog who always got the frisbee.
Sheldon, American IPA, 8.5% ABV – This beer does not taste like bananas but it is named for a dog who loved bananas.
Elliott, Wild Ale, 5% ABV – This passion fruit wild ale is named for a dog who loved to jump.- Six Pack Brewing has a dog friendly taproom. In fact, they like their dogs so much they named most of their beers for the family pets.
- Taproot Brewing Company, Middletown, RI
F-Bomb, New England IPA, 6.9% ABV – This IPA is described as tropical and hoppy.
Vineyard Pils, German Pilsner, 5.6% ABV – Enjoy a crisp and clean flavor when you order a glass of this pilsner.
Happy, Imperial/Double IPA, 8% ABV – Drink beer. Be happy.- Taproot Brewing Company is part of Newport Vineyards. The location features award-winning wine, craft beer, and a farm to table restaurant. Taproot tends to focus on hop-forward small batch beer. Wine and beer tastings are available on a walk-in basis. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant.
- Twelve Guns Brewing, Bristol, RI
Torpedo Station, New England IPA, 7% ABV – This hazy IPA is described as tropical and piney.
The Meg, Blonde Ale, 5.5% ABV – A blonde ale is always a good choice for someone new to craft beers.
Shore Leave, Imperial/Double IPA, 8% ABV – Some people say this beer has hints of bubblegum flavor.- Twelve Guns Brewing has fun slushies for friends who are not beer drinkers. Check out their events calendar for Thursday trivia nights.
- Vigilant Brewing Company, Bristol, RI
Quit Playing With Your Dinghy, New England IPA, 7.2% ABV – If nothing else, order it because it has such a fun name.
Peanut Butter Jelly Sour, Fruited Sour, 5.6% ABV – Remember your favorite sandwich when you were a kid? Now you can drink it.
Windward NEIPA, New England IPA, 8.5% ABV – Get ready for a hazy IPA experience.- Love one of the beers at Vigilant? They have a large selection of their beers in cans to go.