The Rhode Island Brewers Guild is launching a limited edition hoppy lager called The 401 Beer on April 1, honoring the state's area code. Brewed at Buttonwoods Brewery through a collaborative process, the beer will be available at various local venues. A launch event is set for the brewery's Providence taproom.
The Rhode Island Brewers Guild, an association representing local craft breweries, has developed The 401 Beer as a collaborative project involving multiple guild members. This specialty hoppy lager draws its name from Rhode Island's 401 area code, serving as a tribute to the region's brewing community. Production will take place at Buttonwoods Brewery in Providence, with the beer scheduled for release on April 1.
The recipe emerged from a hands-on sensory session at RahrBSG's distribution center in West Warwick. Brewers sampled steeped malt, assessed hop varietals through a rub-and-smell method, and deliberated on elements like yeast strains and specialty additions. The resulting beer features bright, hoppy flavors in a light, easy-drinking format.
"The 401 Beer serves as a launching point for our community to celebrate what it is that brings us all together, beer," said Luke Gerweck, president and technical co-director of the Rhode Island Brewers Guild and head brewer at Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter.
Buttonwoods Brewery's head brewer, Dylan Bruns, added, "This beer will be a great way to welcome spring to Rhode Island. It pops with bright, hoppy flavors within a light, crushable package that makes it the perfect complement to your first outdoor adventures of the year."
The launch party will occur at Buttonwoods Brewery's taproom at 50 Sims St., Providence, starting at 4:01 p.m. on April 1. Visitors can purchase the beer and obtain a new Rhode Island Brewery Passport. It will also be distributed to participating brewpubs, bars, restaurants, and select retail stores statewide. The commemorative label, featuring a peel-away decal from Amherst Label, will be introduced separately.
Sales proceeds will support the guild's efforts in marketing, events, education, and advocacy for the local brewing industry.