Rhody Spirits Taste Test

There are two distilleries in Rhode Island: Sons of Liberty Spirits in South Kingstown and Newport Distilling in, well, Newport. What better way to spark a little competition and get in the mood for Halloween than by sampling spirits from both? They may not have been spooky, but they sure were smooth.

West Bay: Sons of Liberty Spirits

True Born Gin
Unlike most juniper-forward gins, True Born was bright and citrusy, with a background of juniper. So crisp and light, sipping it alone or on the rocks was almost too easy.

Battle Cry
This light whiskey was a touch sweet, which made for easy drinking. With notes of earthy spices and dark fruit, Battle Cry’s flavors were light on the tongue and warm in the tummy.

1425 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown. 401-284-4006, SOLSpirits.com

East Bay: Newport Distilling

Widow’s Walk Rum
For a white rum, Widow’s Walk is very bold. Bottled at a strong 135 proof, the light caramel and butter flavors were subtle, indicating to us that it would make a great cocktailing rum.

Thomas Tew Rum
If we were pirates we would be swilling this rum all day. Easy to drink, with hints of molasses, vanilla, spice and oak, Thomas Tew instantly transported us to the Caribbean.

293 JT Connell Highway, Newport. 401-849-5232, ThomasTewRums.com