Tour the Proclamation Ale Company in West Kingston

Southern Rhode Island is filled with all sorts of hidden treasures; beaches with free parking, walking trails with breathtaking views, back roads to avoid the beach traffic and there are also some culinary gems. West Kingston’s Proclamation Ale Company is one such place. Tucked deep inside a large warehouse behind Arnold Lumber, Dave Witham is quietly and expertly brewing some of the best beer the state has to offer.

Dave is a local boy who grew up on Ministerial Road, not far from where his brewery now sits. Before living the dream as a brewer, he was a music teacher at More Than Music in North Kingstown, and he was also trying to build a career as a musician (he plays bass). In 2008, he received a home brew kit as a wedding gift, and as he learned more about brewing, his passion for it grew. Burnt out as a musician and deciding to start a family, Dave reasoned his income as a music teacher wouldn’t do much more than cover his daughter’s daycare bills. While running a brewing business, his hours would be flexible, and he could pursue his new passion. Between May of 2013 and February 2014, he started planning his business. Finding the space, purchasing equipment and filling out all of the government required paperwork was a full-time job. In February, Proclamation Ale Company opened its doors for business.

Proclamation is still in its infancy, but its signature Tendril IPA has already developed quite a following. It’s not as bold or bitter as some IPAs, and it’s brewed with a great citrusy, light, balanced flavor. Even people who usually don’t enjoy IPA might want to try this one. Tendril is a perfect beer for football Sundays and pairs well with salty snacks. In addition to Tendril, Dave has been experimenting with other varieties including a barrel aged imperial stout called Zzzlumber and Keraterra, a light, tart ale brewed with citra and amarillo hops.

Currently, Proclamation’s beers can be found on tap at local establishments Mews Tavern and the Carriage Inn. You can also find them in other areas of Rhode Island such as Doherty’s Ale House, Rogue Island and What Cheer Tavern. It is also available by the growler from the brewery. Tendril is always in stock, but the other varietals rotate.

Tastings are offered Fridays 5pm-8pm and Saturdays 1pm-5pm. The cost is $5 with a plastic cup or $10 with a souvenir glass to take home. 141 Fairgrounds Road, West Kingston, 787-6450

Brewfest Comes to Mohegan Sun
Located in southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is ready to help you kick off the fall with its annual Sun Brew Fest. On Saturday, October 4, beer lovers can attend one of the festival’s tasting sessions which feature over 200 varieties of beer. A general admission ticket is $25 and includes unlimited samples of beer, live entertainment and a souvenir festival pilsner glass. Session 1 goes from 1-4pm and Session 2 is 7-10pm. A VIP “fanatic” hour is offered during the first session for an additional $15, and that gets you in the doors at noon. Some of the breweries participating in this year’s festival include Shock Top, Strong Bow, Vermont Hard Cider Company, Dos Equis, Long Trail, Otter Creek, Shipyard, Yuengling, Harpoon, Guinness, City Steam Brew- ery, Blue Point, Crafty Drinker, Tenth and Blake, Two Roads Brewing and Old Burnside Brewing.

On Sunday, October 5, Goose Island Beer and Absolut Vodka are sponsoring a Brewbrunch being held in the Uncas Ballroom from 11am-2pm. The brunch includes a variety of both food and cocktail choices, and every dish will be infused with Goose Island Beer. The cost is $60 per person and includes all beverages and food.

Mohegan Sun is also offering a hotel package starting at $599, which includes overnight accommodations on Saturday, two tickets to Session 1 of the tasting on Saturday and two Brewbrunch tickets for Sunday.

Tickets are available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office and through Ticketmaster. A portion of each ticket purchased will be donated to the American Red Cross. All guests in attendance must be 21 years old or older. 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, Connecticut, 888-226-7711