Rhode Island Fermentation Technicians

 
 
 

RIFT goes on a field trip in February to Sowams Cider Works in Warren, RI. If you think you know cider, think again. Sowams Cider Works features slow-pressed cider made from apples grown by the owner.

Sowams offers a flight of four ciders for $10. Full pours and bottles are also available. The ciders are never pump filtered or forced carbonated. Come to the meeting and talk with Spencer, the owner, about how he crafts his unique ciders.

Brewers are welcome to bring snacks to share as well as brews of their own. However, since this is a commercial establishment, it would be polite to throw some dollars in the tip jar as an informal bottle fee out of respect if you bring outside brews.

 
 
 

Time Marches on. As we slowly emerge from winter into spring in the month of March, we have an opportunity to appreciate what's generally considered a beer made for the season: Doppelbock.

Doppelbock takes some time to brew and condition, so no worries if you don't have one in a keg or bottles. If you're so inclined, bring a sample (or two or three) of commericial brews to share with the group. There are also other types of bock (like Maibock, Eisbock and Weizenbock) if they're more to your taste.

As always, bring some homebrew of any style if you'd like to share. Also, bring a snack to nosh if you want.

For the location, the entrance to the meeting is on the side of the house facing Knollwood St. Enter through the basement door via the driveway.

 
 
 

For the April meeting, RIFT takes a deep dive into a specific beer style: Kolsch.

The idea for this meeting is for brewers to make their best Kolsch for tasting at the meeting. Brewers can discuss their recipes, water treatments, hopping schedules, and other aspects of the brewing process for this specific brew. If you can't brew one, feel free to bring commercial examples. Also, bring a snack to share if you're inclined. Heck, bring anything you like!

If you need brewing supplies, you can pick up some at the meeting location.