NEWPORT STORM BREWERY – Newport, Rhode Island
It not surprising that four guys from college wanted to start a brewery. What IS surprising is that they are still great friends, and the brewery is still growing after more than a decade! The Newport Storm Brewery (aka Coastal Extreme Brewing) was the dream of four friends who spent years studying the science that would help them understand how to make beer, and sampling the nectar they would come to love. (It’s the same beer your favorite Beer of the Month Club loves to brag about!)
In 1997, staring at graduation and a life just working in “a job,” the idea was hatched to start their own brewery. The first eighteen months were spent gathering information, writing plans, begging investors, and converting the skeptics. In April of 1999 they moved into their 2500 square foot space, and utilizing used equipment, they brewed their first beer, Hurricane Amber Ale. Over the years, their reputation, their product and their space all have grown. In 2006 they started Newport Distilling Company enabling them to make Thomas Tew Rum. The year 2010 found them building a brand new 8,000 sq. ft. facility in Newport, equipped with their very first brand new equipment ever. Today Newport Storm brews more than 30 different kinds of beer, including some limited release brews and some canned microbrews.
Their first year round IPA style, India Point Storm IPA, was introduced after 13 years of brewing experience. Heavy doses of Cara and Munich Malts add body, mouthfeel and sweetness. Canadian wheat malt builds wonderful foam, and 5 different hops result in a delightful hop profile. Made with hops from both the USA and New Zealand to satisfy “the near and far desires” of all who drink it.
Winter Porter, the darkest beer in our Storm of the Season line, comes out when the nights are their longest. Dark Chocolate and Crystal malts make this bold porter style ale. East Kent Golding hops add flavor, but no aromatic hops interfere with the naturally big malt aroma profile.
Featured Beer from Newport Storm Brewery: India Point Ale IPA & Winter Porter.
INDIA PALE ALE —Newport Storm’s India Point Ale IPA: Made bitter and strong to survive the long boat trip, the IPA was originally brewed for British soldiers stationed in India. Generously malted and hopped, this one offers a marked sweet maltiness. Enjoy this warming, top-fermented dark brew with seafood and all things spicy or grilled.
PORTER — Newport Storm’s Winter Porter — England’s first national beer, Porter was named for the street-market porters who drank it for its nourishment. Dark and robust, top-fermented porters are excellent with fresh raw oysters, shellfish, Porterhouse steak, and chocolaty, creamy fruit desserts! This is one of the boldest porters around.
MAD RIVER BREWERY – Blue Lake, California
Mad River Brewing is a piece of Humboldt that your favorite Beer of the Month Club is proud to share. Tucked away behind the majestic California Redwoods, MRB gives you the Northern California experience every time you raise your glass. The brews from the Mad River Brewery family take nothing for granted. With a modest attitude they brew every batch with your enjoyment and your taste buds in mind.
In the late seventies Brew Master Bob Smith dreamed of opening a small brewery specializing in craft beers. Excursions to buy brewing supplies led Bob to Ken Grossman’s Homebrew Shop in Chico, CA. After Ken shared his plans to build Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, Bob became determined to build a craft brewery in Humboldt County!
Construction began in 1989, with the brewery nestled adjacent to the Mad River in Blue Lake, CA. During the start-up year, the locals enjoyed a good number of amazing brews as Bob and his crew experimented to create the awesome beers we drink today. Production and sales skyrocketed in the first year, and early in 1990 Mad River purchased Sierra Nevada’s bottling line they had outgrown. Steelhead Extra Pale Ale was bottled and distributed, demand surged and Brew Master Bob handed over the brewery’s management responsibilities to devote more time to his true love — creating high quality craft brew recipes.
Today their award-winning ales are renowned for unique flavor profiles and consistent quality, several are medalists at the Great American Beer Festivals. Entering into their third decade, they continue to evolve.
Steelhead Porter is a traditionally-styled porter having complex malt characteristics balanced with a mild hop profile. It’s a great brew with complexity, chocolate and peated malt and a mild smokey flavor.
Their legendary ale, mahogany-hued Jamaica Red Ale has an intense spectrum of spicy aromatic hop character balanced by a full-bodied caramel richness. (Won Silver in 2011 at the GABF!)
Featured Beer from Mad River Brewery: Steelhead Porter & Jamaica Red Ale
RED ALE — Mad River’s Jamaica Red Ale — Usually subtle in flavor, Red Ales are made with lots of lager-style hops. The red color comes from Crystal malt, crystalized and caramlized before being added to the brew. Enjoy with corned beef & cabbage, brats, burgers, sandwiches. (An Award winner, including silver at the GABF!)
PORTER — Mad River’s Steelhead Porter — (See description above!) Here’s a great opportunity for you to compare two different Porters, side by side. Mr. Beerhead would love to hear your comments regarding which porter you prefer — the smokey flavor of Mad’s Steelhead, or the true bold winter “porter-ness” from Newport Storm?
