Hey brew buddies and RV enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the laid-back coastal charm of Rhode Island. Where the sea breeze meets the frothy delights of local breweries. If you’re like me and believe that a good brew is the perfect companion to scenic views, then you’re in for a treat. Rhode Island may be known for its sandy shores, but hidden amidst the coastal beauty are some breweries that will tantalize your taste buds. Even though this state is small is it home to many of the best breweries we’ve come across! So, join me as we embark on a hoppy journey, exploring the best breweries in Rhode Island. It’s time to sip and savor seaside!
Whaler’s Brewing Company
Starting off the list of best breweries in Rhode Island is the iconic Whaler’s Brewing Company. If you’re local to New England, you’ve probably seen their whale emblazoned cans at the package store or on tap at a favorite restaurant. Founded in 2011, Whaler’s Brewing Company has become a staple in the Rhode Island brewing community.
Their brewing facility and taproom is located in South Kingston, just a short drive from Narragansett beaches. It’s an industrial setting made brighter by a multitude of string lights covering the ceiling. Family and dog friendly, the tap room offers plenty of space to hangout and games to play while you sip some beer!
We’ve also been to Whaler’s weekly “Field of Artisans” event where local artists set up shop in the taproom. This is a great chance to score some unique art and support the local community. You can view their full calendar of events on their website.
Rise is the flagship beer of this brewery. It has won a multitude of awards with it’s bright citrus aroma and subtle hop background. It’s light and refreshing, perfect for those hot Rhode Island summers! Whaler’s has also crafted a host of other brews that rotate on their taps. One of my favorites is their Drift – a hard seltzer that has just a hint of fruit flavor!
Grey Sail
Next up on our tour of best breweries in Rhode Island is Grey Sail, located in Westerly. When you first pull up to Grey Sail you may think you’re in the wrong place! The brewery looks more like an antique house than the typical industrial brew space. When you enter through the back door you’ll walk room to room until you hit the bar that boasts all of Grey Sail’s taps! While the indoor space may be small, the beautiful beer garden makes up for it.
The beer garden at Grey Sail is a beautiful shaded oasis complete with yard games and plenty of picnic tables for seating. Once you order at the bar you can take your beers outside to sip and savor! Grey Sail has year round brews like their cleverly titled “Flagship” – a cream ale that offers a subtle sweetness and crisp finish, and “Pour Judgement” Pilsner that has floral and spicy notes of Czech Saaz hops. They also have a seasonal rotation of new beers that you can sometimes only try at the brewery itself!
While you’re enjoying your brew in the beer garden you can also enjoy a delicious pizza. There is a wood fire pizza oven that operates during most of the brewery hours. The pies are a little larger than a typical personal pizza, and in a Neapolitan style. They offer some delicious combos or you can build your own. Our favorite so far as been their Burrata & Prosciutto – Prosciutto, Caramelized Onions, Arugula, Burrata, EVOO, and Balsamic Glaze – YUM.
As an added bonus Grey Sail also has a distillery on the same campus! After your visit you can head next door to South County Distillers which was started by one of the founders of Grey Sail. Focused on top quality spirits, South County Distillers offers clear spirits as well as unique whiskey and rye. We often pick up a bottle to bring back to our campsite after visiting Grey Sail.
Ragged Island Brewing
If in addition to being a beer lover, you are also a plant lover like me then Ragged Island will definitely be a new favorite. This amazing brewery in Portsmouth, Rhode Island is definitely a hidden treasure. The taproom is minimal and modern, highly decorated with plants everywhere! The brewery even has a large greenhouse filled with plants that would put some nurseries to shame.
The greenhouse and taproom are set up with many tables and chairs of varying sizes to fit your party. If you’re looking to really let loose these areas, and the large barn out back can be rented for private parties! When I first saw the greenhouse room I thought it would be a perfect setting for a bridal or baby shower. You can learn more about their rentals on the website here.
For a relatively small brewery space Ragged Island Brewing had some really impressive brews! They offer a number of IPAs and DIPAs along with some more creative beers. I personally loved their Ripples Cranberry Orange Sour Ale – just the right amount of tartness. The other impressive beer here ended up being the 26 Pirates Stout – a surprisingly easy drink for such a dark beer, with strong notes of chocolate and raisin.
Ragged Island Brewing easily holds it’s place on this list of best breweries in Rhode Island. It’s a short ride from Newport and would be the perfect way to end long day of shopping and walking.
Tilted Barn Brewery
Coined “Rhode Island’s Original Farm Brewery” , Tilted Barn Brewery is our next stop on the tour of best breweries in Rhode Island. Located in Exeter, Rhode Island this brewery was originally founded in 2014. What makes it so special is that they truly are a farm to pint brewery! Their focus is on using their own farmed ingredients to craft superb quality beers, and let me tell you they have succeeded.
Tilted Barn Brewery is a rustic gem that captures the essence of farm-to-pint brewing. It is a haven for beer enthusiasts seeking a taste of locally sourced and carefully crafted brews. Their commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in each pint, with the brewery utilizing ingredients grown right on their own farm. From hop-forward IPAs to rich and flavorful stouts, Tilted Barn’s rotating selection reflects the seasonal bounty of their surroundings.
The large taproom boasts up to 19 taps at any given time. Their constantly changing brews offer a little something for everybody. From hearty IPAs to light lagers, experimental sours and rich dark brews you are sure to find a new favorite. You can’t go wrong with the crowd pleasing Lawn Boy lager or one of their farmhouse ales!
Shaidzon Beer Company
Hidden in an industrial park in West Kingston, Rhode Island, Shaidzon is a small but exciting brewery to add to this list. You can feel the vibe of Shaidzon as soon as you walk into the brewery. Both the inside and outside areas feature large, bright graphic art. You can tell somebody in charge loves music, with an impressive record collection housed behind the bar that plays out over the indoor and outdoor spaces.
While there were not any events the day we went, Shaidzon often hosts food truck events and live music nights that definitely look worth checking out. The outdoor space backs up to a train track, adding to the funky vibe here. The space is fenced in, and has plenty of comfortable Adirondack chairs to hang out in.
The beer styles at Shaidzon are varied. They offer everything from Belgian to Italian ales, seltzers, sours, IPAs…the list goes on! You can view their full bio here. The bar staff were incredibly knowledgeable and will help you pick a beer based on what you like. I highly recommend starting off with their signature Sea & Sand Pale Ale. It’s light and refreshing, dry hopped and bursting with tropical fruit aromas.
We will definitely be making a return trip here!
I hope you’ll enjoy these best breweries around Rhode Island as much as my husband and I have. From the vibrant and innovative Ragged Island Brewing to the bucolic charm of Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter. Each pint tells a tale of Rhode Island’s rich brewing culture. We’re reminded that the craft beer scene in this picturesque corner of the world is not just about the beverages; it’s a reflection of the local spirit. A fusion of land and libation.
If you’re looking for other activities to do while staying in Rhode Island you can find some of our favorites in this article here!
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or a casual sipper, Rhode Island’s breweries offer a refreshing blend of coastal vibes and craftsmanship that will linger long after the last drop. Cheers to the breweries that make every visit a flavorful adventure. And here’s to the next pint in the vibrant tapestry of Rhode Island’s brewing landscape!
