Rhode Trip: Tilted Barn Brewery

(The next part in a multi-part series as we complete the Rhode Island Brewer’s Guild Passport. To learn more about the passport and download the app click HERE)

While it has been a while since the last #RhodeTrip entry I can assure you that I have been frequenting many of our fine breweries but more on that in future posts. Those who know me know that I have been preaching the good word of Tilted Barn since I first tried ‘The Chosen One’ back in 2016 and my love of this brewery has only grown since then. I had made multiple trips to the old barn and with them only doing to-go cans during the pandemic I eagerly awaited the opening of the new barn, plus seeing it take shape with each trip down only heightened this anticipation. When it opened and the pictures were posted online my expectations grew even higher.

Now, I have a history of being let down due to having unrealistically high expectations. I had been trying to lower these expectations as the pictures gave Tilted Barn a “Tree House” type vibe, which is an INSANELY high bar but with each picture I just could not help myself. Let me be the one to tell you though, Tilted Barn’s new location is one of the most beautiful breweries I have ever been to.

Located on top of a hill that overlooks the farm, the outdoor patio area has a breath-taking view of the entire farm. Inside there is a picture-perfect wooden bar with a dozen taps and refrigerators full of cans. The front facing windows let in the sunlight that showcases the white tile floors, light brown wood, and open atrium for an absolutely gorgeous entryway. I was seated on the second floor that has artwork of their cans and a view of the actual brewery. 

The woodwork on the second floor is stunning. While my knowledge of the subject is very limited it looks like the various joints are fitted with pegs and not screws which really fits into the rustic feel of the barn. Even more exciting are all of the tanks on the lower level which filled my head with joy for the beers that are about to come down the line… and speaking of beer.

While they are not doing flights they are doing six ounce pours of all offerings and I was allowed to order two at once. I was able to try a few offerings as my girlfriend ordered something different than I did. However, my two standouts were ‘DDH Cactus’ which was juicy, hoppy, and full of flavor. There was also ‘Lawn Boy’ which was the first Tilted Barn Lager I have had. It was crisp, clean, and perfect for a hot day… or in this case a supremely cold one. I hope it is brewed again once the weather turns. Also there was 'Tupelo' an Imperial Stout named after one of the brewery dogs. It had great notes of both chocolate and coffee and is a perfect cold weather beer. 

In all, the new barn is amazing. It is sad losing the old barn as it was a cozy and intimate setting, but this new location really raises the stakes and will certainly allow for more experimentation and collaboration from one of Rhode Island best breweries. Plus, I’m pretty sure Matt is happy to have everyone off his front lawn.

Tilted Barn is located at 1 Hemsley Place. Exeter, RI 02822. For more information about the brewery, their beer, and to book a reservation please click HERE

Part one: Long Live Beerworks

Part two: Buttonwoods Brewery

Part three: LineSider Brewing Company

Part four: Taproot Brewing Company

Part five: Community Bruin (CLOSED)

New Brew Thursday: 'Subtle Victories' from Origin Beer Project

Over the weekend I was able to make a trip to Buttonwoods Brewery with my girlfriend and another couple friend of ours and we had a great time. While I was there, I was able to pick up my order from Origin Beer Project which included their sequel to ‘Small Victories’ (check out that review HERE) one of my favorite beers from last year, their new lager ‘Subtle Victories’.

‘Subtle Victories’ pours into the glass with a rich amber color and a light brown head. It has rich malty notes with a subtle (see what I did there) note of oak from the foeder. The taste is fantastic. it has an impossibly light mouthfeel with a nice soft malty taste that is both crisp and clean with a slight maltiness that lingers on the back of the tongue just ever so slightly. Coming in at 5.5% ABV it is perfectly crushable while still having the perfect amount of body. ‘Subtle Victories’ is a great sequel to ‘Small Victories’ and it continues Origin Beer Projects run up the RI brewery power rankings.

New Brew Thursday: 'Small Victories' from Origin Beer Project

The phrase “when God closes a door, he opens a window” often applies to difficult times in one’s life. However, in this context, it applies to Rhode Island Breweries. On Monday I wrote about my trip to Community Bruin and its unfortunate closing. However, last Saturday was the grand opening of the state’s newest brewery, Origin Beer Project. Operating out of Buttonwoods Brewery and only offering cans to go (for now) they debuted with three beers and while they are all worth trying, ‘Small Victories’ is my standout.

‘Small Victories’ is a Czech Pale lager that is absolutely fantastic. While I do love my IPAs this beauty is the perfect change-of-pace beer or for those who just want something light. It pours into the glass a very pale yellow and almost nearly, perfectly clear with a small off-white head. Its notes are extremely crisp and clean with a taste to match. It has a slightly oaky aftertaste that lingers just long enough to make the flavor slightly more complex and clocking in a 3.5% ABV it is INSANELY crushable. I highly recommend getting out to Origin Beer Project to get your hands on this beauty before they run out.

Fourth of Brew-ly

Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone is enjoying the day and has already started their festivities. Yours truly has already prepped his wings, made his hot sauce (more on that in a future post), and has the pork shoulder on the smoker. But today is not just about food, or celebrating this country's birthday... it is about the beer. But since certain beers do not play well with this hot weather and you'll want to make it to the fireworks it's all about finding the right beer(s) to take you through the day while not sacrificing the taste. Here are some styles and beers to fill your cooler with today. 

Pilsner: Pilsners are definitely one of the best styles for a hot day. With a mid-tier ABV and a light mouthfeel and a crisp finish you'll be able to have a few as stay upright and still enjoy what you're drinking and eating as well. This would be one of the first I would reach for.
Good selections: 'Pils' from Lagunitas and 'Buffalo Czech' from Shaidzon

Kolsch: Kolsches have a similar crispness as pilsners but since the kolsch style uses ale yeast the taste lingers a bit longer. They are still very crisp but are slightly more complex on the back end. This is the style I am currently enjoying and would definitely recommend.
Good selections: 'Outlier' from Treehouse and 'Handline Kolsch' from Devil's Purse

Witbier: Wits have a nice and citrusy taste that can linger. Light mouthfeel with a subtle complexity and a lingering wheat taste these are more common than the other two so you may be able to find them more easily. Always a good selection in a pinch.
Good Selections: 'Bottom Up Wit' from Revolution and 'White' from Allagash

Hefeweizen: Unfiltered with big fruit flavors that vary from beer to beer. Nice complexity with a good mouthfeel and a lingering fruit flavor.
Good Selections: 'Hefeweissbier' from Weihenstephaner and 'Hefe-Weibier' from Paulaner Munchen

Those are the some of the best styles with good and readily available options to fill out your cooler. If you are feeling extra adventurous some other styles to look for: Wild Ale, Berliner Weisse, Gose, Lagers, and Session IPAs.

Have a great Fourth and please comment below on what you're going to be enjoying today.

Lager Kick

I have briefly touched on the fact that my favorite style are IPAs, it's been that way ever since I first started to get into craft beer when I was *cough* 21 *cough* with Harpoon's flagship IPA. However every so often I will go on a 'kick' and only seek out beers of a certain style and recently that style has been lagers. Lagers have always had a special place in my heart simply because for a period of time you would only seem them in the domestic macro breweries and imports. Craft lagers are few and far between and typically even before this kick, whenever I see a new craft lager either on tap or in the liquor store I like to reward the brewer and try it out. But now I find myself seeking this style out more.

Recently I was at Narragansett Cafe in Jamestown and they had a lager on tap from Ragged Island Brewery called Black Hog* and it was awesome. Very crisp with a good light mouthfeel and a clean finish. It was exactly what I wanted as soon as I heard it listed as a draft offering. The funny part about ordering the beer was the reaction from the bartender. She actually recommended one of the IPA offerings they had then offered me a sample it and then was surprised when I commented on how much I liked the beer. It was exactly what I wanted.

Then, a few nights later I was at Square Peg in Warren. Not only was the food quite good but as luck would have it they had a house lager on tap. This amber lager was light and crisp with a more of a heavier mouthfeel but on a night where it was hot and humid it was the perfect choice.

So the next time you're in the mood for something light and refreshing and you see a craft lager, give it a chance. I hope you're not disappointed.



*The bartender called the beer from Ragged Island 'Black Hog' but I cannot find it on their website and I created the posting on untappd. Either way it was a damned good lager.