When we went: November 19th, 2021
Where: 65 Canal St, Westerly, RI 02891
We were able to stop by the taproom for Grey Sail brewing in Westerly back in November when it was still relatively warm. Grey Sail is divided between two buildings; one where they brew and can their beer and the taproom next door. The brewing building was previously an auto parts shop, and before that, a macaroni factory. The taproom next door is located inside an old house. If you have ever been to Little House Brewery in Chester, it is a very similar vibe. The taproom still has the layout of a house, so seating is broken up into small rooms. Grey Sail has been around for over 10 years, which is a pretty long time for the craft beer world, and has grown quite the following. The name of Grey Sail is a result of its proximity to the New England coastline and the prevalence of sail boats on the ocean horizon. It is a pretty fitting name considering how Rhode Island is known for its beaches, and many of names for Grey Sail’s beers are ocean themed.
It is best to visit Grey Sail in the warmer months because they have a spacious outdoor area. This area offers the feel of an actual beer garden. We have all been to places that put a few potted plants next to outdoor seating and call it a beer garden, but Grey Sail went all in.
Chris: I really enjoyed the space at Grey Sail and had seen their beer everywhere before I was able to make it to their taproom. When Nick and I went in November, Grey Sail had 14 beers on tap, but their variety was limited, with only 1 sour and 1 stout available and the rest were mostly IPA’s. That being said, I did enjoy both the Portside Sour and the Coffee Stout in the flight we got. The Dave’s Coffee Stout uses a local coffee blend of Brazilian and Ethiopian beans, and is very similar in taste to a cold brew. Speaking of cold brews, Grey Sail had their own on tap, as well as South Country Distillers which offers rum, gin, vodka, and agave spirits.
Nick: Gray Sail is certainly a unique space, and it feels like you are drinking at home. As Chris mentioned, this isn’t a brewery that focuses on making a large variety of beers, and they have a definite concentration of IPA’s. But I found a few beers that I enjoyed. The Portside Sour was excellent, and I also liked the Flagship Ale. Cream ale’s can be really hit or miss for me, but this one had a nice smooth flavor. The Dinghy Party was one that I was very interested to try, as you don’t see many Fruit Punch Ale’s. But I found it strange more than anything else. It had a sweet aroma, but the taste did not match my expectations.
Other Cool Things:
- Lots of merch
- Hive beer for sale
- South Country spirits for sale
- Cans to go
What we drank:
Chris: Dave’s Coffee (Stout) 6.3% – 4 out of 5
Chris: Flagship Ale (Cream Ale) 4.7% – 3.5 out of 5
Chris: Portside (Sour) 7.2% – 4.5 out of 5
Nick: Portside (Sour) 7.2% – 4 out of 5
Brewing Persuasion: 4 out of 5
Feeling persuaded yet?
Brewing Persuasions 