Annual Taste of Rhode Island Benefits Nonprofit

Taste of Rhode Island on June 5 offered a celebration of local food, beer and spirits alongside live entertainment under an outdoor tent at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick. More than 50 of the state’s restaurants, bakeries, caterers, breweries and spirits suppliers showcased their offerings, all to benefit the MAE Organization for the Homeless. The nonprofit, based in West Warwick, facilitates in the healing of mental illness and opioid addictions within the local homeless population. A red carpet walkway greeted guests at the entrance, with a VIP area and silent auction as well, all contributing to the evening’s highlights and fundraising efforts.

: Brianna Bryer and Cosette Boucher, Event Staff, Whalers Brewing Company with East Coast IPA and RISE APA.

: Stefano DeAngelis, Sales Manager, MA & VT, Foolproof Brewing Company with Ocean State Lager, Grotto, Lab Series, Rosé Saison and Mango Vango.

: Rachel Fanning, Bartender/Events, Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. highlighting three new offerings to its Loyal 9 canned cocktail line: Mixed Berry Lemonade, Half & Half (lemonade and brewed tea) and Sangria.

: Robert Yatsko, Events/Tasting Room, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. showcasing their new Watermelon Freez Berliner Weisse.

: Kathryn Thomas, Regional Sales Manager – MA/NH/CT/RI/ME, BOM BOM Brands showcasing three all-natural, gluten- and dairy-free Caribbean rum-based liqueurs: Coco Mochanut, Nilli Vanilli and Fully Baked.

: Wormtown Brewery’s Evan Monast, Taproom and Buddy Killoran, Sales Representative with Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy and Citrus & Sunshine.

: Allison Geremia and Darien Strassfield, pouring for Willie’s Superbrew, with two new releases: Sparkling Pomegranate & Acai and Sparkling Mango & Passionfruit.

: Justin Garrison, New England Brand Ambassador, Broken Shed Vodka served tastes and samples of cocktails.

: Rhonda Kallman, Founder & CEO, Boston Harbor Distillery with Putnam New England Whiskey, Lawley’s Small Batch Rum, Spirits of Boston and the Boston Harbor Liqueur line.