During my week of Eating the Ocean State, visiting family, and touring New England, I worked up quite a thirst. I figured what better place to soak in some suds, than Rhode Island Monthly's Best of 2010, Brick Alley Pub in Newport on thriving Thames St.
The pub won the Readers' Pick for "Best Bar with Cocktail List" statewide, and "Best Burger" in Newport County. While I was already too stuffed from gorging on Baked Stuffed & Boiled Lobsters in Kennebunkport, Maine – blog post coming in 2 weeks on YourNextBite.com – I did get to enjoy a great new beer, and sampled 2 cocktails too.
The Washdown:
- strong honey lemon nose, slightly bitter, amber colored Loose Cannon American Hop3 Ale (Clipper City Brewing Co., Baltimore, Maryland) 7.25% ABV
- gingery, strong dark rum, could've used some lime Gosling's Dark & Stormy
- strong, yet fruity, and reminded me of college "jungle juice" Famous, Oversized, Triple Shot Brick Alley Cosmopolitan
After a 3-hour, rainy car ride from Kennebunkport–Newport, I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty tired. But as soon as I saw the bright lights and bustling nightlife on Thames St – even on a Tuesday – I was excited to get the night going. And Brick Alley was definitely the perfect spot to start, full to the brim with loud music and lively people.
I started off with what I thought was Newport's own brew, but instead discovered it came from Baltimore. Now stay with me here. Loose Cannon American Hop3 IPA is part of The Pyrate Fleet (there are 3 fleets in total) of Heavy Seas Beers (basically, a beer line with attitude), which are all brewed by Clipper City Brewing Co. What a mouthful. In The Pyrate Fleet, a small amount of live yeast is intentionally left in the bottle to carbonate the beer. The point is to add, "subtlety and complexity." The reason why Loose Cannon is called Hop3 (Hop^3 as in cubed) is because a huge amount of hops, 3 pounds per barrel, are used to brew the beer. Then "it is hopped 3 ways: in the kettle, in the hop back, and dry hopped." (Kinda sounds dirty ;)
Brick Alley's beer selection is also quite large with about 20+ bottled beers ($3.75-9.50) like Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen and Samuel Smith Celebrated Oatmeal Stout. There are about 15+ beers on draft ($4-5.25), including Newport Storm's line – which I'll be featuring in next week's blog post – and Guinness.
On to the flavor. The nose smelled sweet and citrusy, and had a little something extra I couldn't quite "sniff" out – was it pine or pineapple? For such a "hoppy" beer, I actually thought it was quite smooth, very drinkable, and not actually all that bitter. However, the finish did deliver a sharp bite, so watch out. Follow the Brewery on Twitter @HeavySeasBeer.
Moving on to the Dark & Stormy, the Gosling's Bermuda Black Rum, which I'd never had before, really hits you in the first sip. So really make sure to stir up the rum float on top. What this drink is eagerly missing though is a shot of lime juice, like The Tipsy Pig in San Francisco adds to their own version.
Now the Cosmopolitan. Perhaps the reason why Brick Alley Pub was named "Best Bar with Cocktail List" is not only for their 40+ concoctions, but also their Triple Shot large-&-in-charge Martinis. I actually thought the size was perfect – hey, it feels nice to hold a large martini glass from time to time. The Cosmo itself was strong, citrusy, and fruity. But after a Beer and a Dark & Stormy, the taste somehow reminded me of frat-boy "jungle juice." However, my Cosmo expert who joined us was impressed.
As far as The Grubdown is concerned, the Brick Alley's Food Menu basically has something for everyone, and everything for your arteries desire: Baked Oysters ($10.95), Thin Crust Meatball Pizza ($9.95), Ahi Tuna Sliders ($9.95), Jumbo Crab Cakes ($12.95), Gourmet Mac & Cheeze with Chourico (or as us Westsiders call it, "Chorizo", $16.95), Triple Hot Buffalo Pasta ($16.95), 20 oz. Bone-in Rib Eye ($27.95), and 1 1/4lb. Boiled Lobster (MKT).
Let's not forget about the coveted "Best Burger." There are 7 different kinds: Plain; Cheese; Bacon; Cardiac Double Bacon with Sauteed Onions; Hunstman with Bacon, Blue & Vermont Cheddar Cheeses; Gourmet with Bacon, Portobello, Blue Cheese & Garlic-Horseradish Aioli; Sedona with Bacon, Pepper-Jack, Jalapenos & Bistro Sauce on a Bulkie Roll; and Knife 'n Fork Open-Faced Portobello with Provolone & Sweet Bell Peppers on a Garlic Crostini ($7.95-12.95).
I wish I was hungry then, 'cuz it all sounded and looked so good. But I'll definitely have to try it next time I return.
Your Next Pint:
- Newport Storm Brewery in Newport, RI
You picked a great spot to enjoy some food and beverages. I love the nachos and the Sedona Burger. Can't wait to eat there the next time I visit.
Posted by: Paul | 09/03/2010 at 07:20 AM