Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing, Distilling |
| Predecessor | Coastal Extreme Brewing Company |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Brent Ryan, Derek Luke, Mark Sinclair, Will Rafferty |
| Headquarters | Newport , United States |
Area served | Northeastern United States |
Key people | Brent Ryan (President and CEO until 2018), Brendan O'Donnell (CEO from 2018) |
| Products | Beers, Spirits (including Thomas Tew Rum) |
| Owner | Audrain Hospitality Group (Heritage Restaurant Group) |
| Parent | Audrain Hospitality Group |
| Website | www |
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company (commonly known as Newport Craft) operates as both a brewery and distillery in Newport, Rhode Island. Established in 1999 under the name Coastal Extreme Brewing Company, it holds the distinction of being Newport's inaugural microbrewery and ventured into distilling in 2006. The firm offers an assortment of beers and spirits distributed throughout the Northeastern United States. In 2018, the business underwent rebranding to emphasize its dual focus on brewing and distilling activities. Newport Craft is a subsidiary of Audrain Hospitality Group (also referred to as Heritage Restaurant Group), which oversees various hospitality establishments across Rhode Island. A significant facility expansion finished in 2024 boosted production capabilities beyond 100,000 barrels per year and introduced enhanced guest features such as a taproom, outdoor areas, and spaces for events.
History
The origin of Coastal Extreme Brewing Company traces back to four Colby College alumni: Brent Ryan, Derek Luke, Mark Sinclair, and Will Rafferty. They chose Rhode Island due to its scarcity of microbreweries at that time. The brewery's annual output was approximately 5,000 barrels. By 2006, the company broadened its scope with the creation of Newport Distilling Company, debuting Thomas Tew Rum—the sole rum brand produced within Rhode Island.
Production of Thomas Tew Rum commenced in 2007 under Coastal Extreme Brewing Company, named in honor of Rhode Island’s earliest pirate figure. Brent Ryan, serving as President and CEO, noted this initiative as part of reviving Newport’s historical connection to rum.
In January 2011, the brewery was featured on Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, highlighting its rum manufacturing and bottling processes.
March 2018 marked the rebranding from Coastal Extreme to Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company. This period also saw Brendan O'Donnell take on the role of CEO, ushering in a new chapter of leadership.
List of Cyclone Series beers
The Cyclone Series by Coastal Extreme Brewing Company consists of a broad range of beer styles introduced approximately every four months. The naming convention mirrors the National Weather Service’s tropical storm cycle, alternating between male and female names—including letters Q and X—except for ‘M,’ which honors founder Mark Sinclair. Most beer names pay tribute to brewery team members or close acquaintances; exceptions include Alyssa, Elle, Gloria, Isabel, Neo, Ophelia, and Quinn.
| Name | Type of Beer | IBU | ABV | SRM | Namesake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alyssa | Brown Ale | 33 | 8.1 | 83 | Brent Ryan’s cherished Porsche |
| Brent | Bock Lager | 26 | 8.5 | 26 | Founder and President Brent Ryan |
| Chloe | Imperial Pale Ale | 75 | 8.6 | 13 | Brewer’s niece |
| Derek | Stout | 61 | 8.7 | 235 | Founder and Head Brewer Derek Luke |
| Elle | Belgian Ale | 16 | 8.1 | 20 | “Elegant French Name” |
| Frank | Belgian White (Witbier) | 7 | 6.8 | 13 | Coastal Extreme Brewer |
| Gloria | Pumpkin Ale | 16 | 7.3 | 11.5 | Named after Hurricane Gloria (1985) |
| Henry | Dark Ale | 20 | 7.6 | 39 | Brewer’s great-grandfather |
| Isabel | India Amber Ale | 53 | 9.0 | 19 | Inspired by Hurricane Isabel (2003) |
| James | Strong Scotch Ale | 20 | 8.0 | 22 | Coastal Extreme Brewer |
| Kim | Marzen Lager | 19 | 7.8 | 20 | Twin sister of Brent Ryan |
| Luke | Indian Red Ale | 65 | 8.6 | 28 | Founder and Head Brewer Derek Luke |
| Mark | Coffee Milk Stout | 33 | 7.0 | 33 | Founder Mark Sinclair |
| Neo | Cascade Pale Ale | 35 | 7.0 | 13 | Character Neo from The Matrix |
| Ophelia | Peach Ale | 20 | 5.9 | 25 | Named for Hurricane Ophelia (2011) |
| Peter | Spiced Ale | 30 | 7.5 | 33 | Distiller/Assistant Brewer |
| Quinn | Barrel-Aged Porter | 38 | 7 | Unk | Inspired by Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman series |
| Ryan | Rye Pale Ale | 48 | 8 | 21 | Founder and President Brent Ryan |
| Sabrina | Belgian Pale Ale | 38 | 7.1 | 13 | Daughter of founder Brent Ryan |
| Tim | Dunkelweiss | 14 | 6.3 | 35 | Brewery friend |
| Ursula | North American Pale Lager | 19 | 6.1 | 9 | Sea Witch character from The Little Mermaid |
| Vlad | Russian Imperial Stout | 77 | 9.0 | 225 | Name chosen by employee |
| Will | West Coast IPA | 89.5 | 8.0 | 21 | Founder Will Rafferty |
| Xavier | Sour Ale with Black Cherries (Berliner weisse) | 5 | 7.0 | 6 | Employee-selected name |
| Yoko | Dark Ale with Toasted Coconut | 45 | 7.0 | 105 | Employee-selected name |
| Zach | Oatmeal Stout | 47 | 10.1 | 251 | Sales representative from Massachusetts |
Awards
2007 Annual Great International Beer Competition
- Third Place - Strong Beer: Other (Imperial Irish Stout)
2005 Annual Great International Beer Competition
- First Place - Amber & Dark Lager (Cyclone Series Brent)
- Third Place - Brown Ale (Cyclone Series Alyssa)
- Third Place - Porter (Bizzard Porter)
Advertising
Slogan: "Newport Storm beers. Crafted in limited batches—making every drop matter."