Best of Little Rhodie's Brew Pubs

Chismillionaire's choice is Trinity Brewhouse- many a night of Providence Bruins games and Friar basketball followed by their fabulous burgers and Pale Ale.


Brew Pub Round-Up

This month's Local Flavor profiled Westport's Buzzards Bay Brewing. Thirsty for more local beer? Check out these brew pubs:

Trinity Brewhouse
Around Since: 1993
Beers Brewed In-House: About twenty, including Hefeweizen, Russian Imperial Stout and Tommy's Red Ale. Seven are always on tap.
Most Popular: India Pale Ale
Brew Master's Favorite: "In the spring and summer, it's definitely our Belgian White Ale," says brew master Sean Larkin. "It is a nice crisp, unfiltered beer with moderate alcohol and is spiced with orange peel and coriander."
186 Fountain St., Providence, 453-2337, trinitybrewhouse.com

Coddington Brewing Company
Around Since: 1995
Beers Brewed In-House: More than thirty, including Irish Stout and Blueberry Blonde. Six or seven on tap at any given time.
Most Popular: Oktoberfest (available in the fall)
Brew Master's Favorite: ESB Extra Special Bitter. "This pale ale is brewed exclusively with English malts and hops," says brewer Marshall Righter. "The hop bitterness is masked by the sweet, malty flavors."
210 Coddington Hwy., Middletown, 847-6690, coddbrew.com

Union Station Brewery
Around Since: 1993
Beers Brewed In-House: Twenty-plus, including Pumpkin Ale and Northern Light Lager. Six or seven are always on tap.
Most Popular: Providence Pale
Brew Master's Favorite: Half Day IPA. It took about a month for brew master Aaron Crosett to perfect the recipe for this new beer. He cites the high alcohol content (almost seven percent), sharp, hoppy bite and citrusy finish as reasons why it's his drink of choice.
36 Exchange Terrace, Providence, 274-2739

Beer Tasting Cheat Sheet
Want to go from beer novice to nerd? Put down that Mich Ultra and follow these five tasting tips from Coddington brewer Marshall Righter:

1. Take a look at the visual aspects of the beer, noting color and clarity, carbonation and head retention.
2. Smell the beer and notice its aromas -- are they fruity, spicy, sweet?
3. Take a medium-sized sip (not too small, warns Righter, which will make the beer taste more bitter than it actually is), letting your entire palate explore the flavors.
4. Try to identify the beer's characteristics, consulting the "beer flavor wheel" for help if necessary.
5. Once you identify your ideal brew, use the info you've gathered to seek out similar beers.