PulseBrew

RYAN CASHMAN

On size alone, you wouldn’t think that Rhode Island has a quiet, rural corner, but there are a remarkable number of tiny, hidden nooks that make the Ocean State a bit of a diamond in the rough.

I know that I am technically supposed to keep my search for beer inside Worcester County, but Bravo Brewing Co. in Pascoag, RI, was recommended to me by my father-in-law, and that is not a recommendation I could turn down.

Pascoag is one of the eight villages that make up the town of Burrillville, RI, which is just over the MA border at Douglas. Part of the Blackstone Valley industrial boom, Pascoag was a sawmill and textile town. Bravo, itself, operates inside of, what appears to be, an old shop along Main St., which itself is a maze of one-way streets that loop around back into RI 107. It’s an open, welcoming space, even with pandemic restrictions. Tables are spaced well apart and there are plenty of water bowls for those inclined to bring their canine companions along for a brew. The style is Earth-meets-Industrial: starkly colored walls that bring in the natural light from the large front windows, steel tables and chairs, and a long wooden bar with a natural edge. It’s simultaneously welcoming and alien.

As for the beer, there is a wide selection. There are eight beers on tap at a time, ranging across the spectrum. There are IPA’s, stouts, sours, and lagers. My wife and I visited in February. Sitting down to drink a flight of four beers was something we hadn’t done in over a year. We’d almost forgotten how good it felt to get out of the house and enjoy a few brews.

Here was our flight: The MayDay New England IPA: not exceedingly hoppy, but crisp with an aftertaste of pine; the Passionfruit Sour: surprisingly light, flavorful, and not altogether sour; the Parachute Helles: a refreshing, hoppy lager; and the Union Jack English Pub Ale.

I’m going to spend a bit more time on the Union Jack, as we liked it so much we took a Howler of it home. A brief side note on Howlers: they are better than Growlers. A 32oz Howler is the perfect size for two people to share over dinner. Back to the Union Jack. It’s caramel in color, slightly malty and contains just a hint of chocolate, and is divine when paired with steak.

Despite brewing up some darn good beer, Bravo Brewing also has a mission: donating one percent of annual sales to the Taunton-based non-profit Home for Our Troops, which builds and donates homes to severely injured post9/11 veterans and their families. That’s a mission to be proud of, in this writer’s opinion.

So if you find yourself in the sleepy little corner that is northwestern Rhode Island, swing by Bravo Brewing Co. for a drink and a chat. There is something on tap for everyone.