Finally, a new beer review! Narragansett Lager is brewed by The Narragansett Brewing Company and has been since 1890. Originating in Cranston, Rhode Island, it has been producing American beer for over 100 years. They have an interesting history; apparently six businessmen from Rhode Island got together in 1888 with $150,000 and started a brewery. At one point they were the largest brewing operation in New England. According to their website, during Prohibition they were granted the right to brew, bottle and sell beer by the IRS. Here is a direct quote from their website:
"By the mid sixties, the Narragansett Brewing Company was providing steady pay, good benefits and free beer to some 850 workers. The company culture not only spawned lifelong friendships and good times, but also encouraged beer drinking during the workday."
I wish I could find a job like that. After experiencing great success a series of legal troubles and unfortunate outcomes forced the closure of the brewery in the 1980s. Then in 2005, ironically more New England investors purchased the rights to Narragansett Beer from the previous owner and began brewing the great beer once again.
The good folks over at the brewery were kind enough to send me a 6 pack of 16oz cans, or ’Gansett tall boys as they call them. I am very thankful ,thanks! I had never heard of them before, the beer or the company. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the beer. The beer actually smelled like most Polish beers, grains and a bit of malt. The appearance was crisp and clear, with a pale yellow color to it.
As you can see there was a nice head but left minimal lacing. The carbonation was definitely there but was light, making it really easy to drink. The taste was pretty good, grainy and you could taste more hops than you could smell. You get malt at the very start and the hoppy bitterness at the end of a nice big sip. Pretty refreshing.
All in all I give this a beer rating of 7/10! This beer is easily a replacement for Miller Light or Coors Lite, the Midwest equivalents. Again, I had never heard of this before as I have never seen it in any liquor stores in the Chicago area. I can’t tell you were to get it in the Midwest but it seems this beer is easily acquired anywhere in the New England area.
Regards!