Narragansett Brewery
It all started in 1888, with six local businessmen—”The Original Six”— who came together to form the Narragansett Brewing Company. In December of 1890, the first beer was produced, and the following year the company officially incorporated. In 1891, the Narragansett Brewing Company concocted nearly 28,000 barrels of beer under the company’s promise of the purest ingredients, uncompromised cleanliness and absolute perfection of brew. Then in 1914, when the company built the most modern bottling plant in the region, it became official: Narragansett Brewing Company was the largest lager beer brewery in New England.
The 1920s were a sobering time for everyone. By the end of Prohibition, the financial condition of the brewery was not what it used to be. Rudolph Haffenreffer had built one of Boston’s first brewery complexes, and when he passed away in 1929, the New England Brewing Company was turned over to his sons Rudolf, Jr. and Theodore.
In 1931, the repeal of Prohibition appeared likely and Narragansett Brewing Company approached Rudolf, Jr. for help financing and managing the modernization of the brewery. Fortunately, he agreed. Rudolf Haffenreffer Jr. would eventually become president and chairman of Narragansett Brewing Company and remain involved until his death in 1954. By 1955, Gansett was the number one choice of consumers and the largest selling beer in New England and by 1957 Narragansett was the last remaining brewery in Rhode Island. Today, under the leadership of former Nantucket Nectars President, Mark Hellendrung, ‘Gansett is working to revive and reestablish the beloved local favorite. In 2010, Narragansett is poised to hit the milestone of 1 million cases sold since the re-acquisition. Naragansett is famous for its drinkability and the advertising slogan, "Hi, Neighbor, have a 'Gansett!" most famously uttered by Boston Red Sox announcer Curt Gowdy.
Narragansett LagerABV: 5.1% |
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A classic American lager and the workhorse of the Gansett stable, this lager is brewed with six row malt, seedless hops, corn from Iowa, the purest water from Lakes Ontario and Hemlock and the same lager strain the brewery has depended on since just after Prohibition. This beer is brewed just right for drinking—crisp and refreshing. It’s got more flavor than other premium lagers, yet it’s one of the most drinkable beers in the world. |
Narragansett PorterABV: 7% |
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’Gansett Porter offers an extremely approachable craft experience that is not overly smoky or bitter. This American-style porter has a deliciously mild chocolate flavor with just a hint of smokiness and hops to balance out the finish. The robust malt flavor is nicely balanced by the slight hop character. |
Narragansett Summer AleABV: 4.2% |
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Narragansett Summer Ale is a light session ale made with 2 row pale malt and citra hops. The malt flavor is smooth and subtle, balanced out by a crisp hop bitterness. Aromas of citrus and passion fruit are very evident, but mild on the palate. The beer is perfect for summer drinking. |
Narragansett FestABV: 5.5% |
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‘Gansett Fest is a traditional German Oktoberfest style beer available in the fall. It’s brewed with the highest quality German malt and hops. Pilsner, Vienna, light and dark Munich malts make up the back bone of this beast to give it a rich malt profile. Northern Brewer and Tettnanger hops are added to give it a crisp but subtle hop flavor. |
Narragansett BockABV: 6.5% |
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Brewed with light and dark Munich malts, Pilsner malt, malted wheat, and hopped with Northern Brewers and Hallertau hops, ‘Gansett Bock is a deeply flavorful beer with a rich golden color and a full body. It is drier, hoppier, and slightly more bitter than a traditional bock, but still with a relatively low hop flavor. It offers an extremely approachable craft experience. The beer pours well, producing a large creamy, persistent white head and moderate carbonation. Despite its full body, the flavor is not overly malty and delivers an elegant spicy character from the hops that produces a balanced, smooth finish. |
