Newport Craft

What Newport Craft does

Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. is a privately held, Rhode Island-based craft beverage producer operating a combined brewery and distillery ("brewstillery") at a 6-acre, $28 million facility opened in April 2024 at 293 JT Connell Highway, Newport. The company produces a multi-category portfolio spanning craft beer (IPAs, lagers, ales, barrel-aged stouts, sours, mixed-fermentation ales), aged spirits (Thomas Tew Rum aged 5–9 years in ex-bourbon, port, and maple casks; Sea Fog Rye and American Single Malt Whiskeys aged in New England coastal conditions; White Squall Gin and Vodka), the recently acquired KEEL Vodka and its RTD line, and Clear Harbor non-alcoholic beverages. Production uses copper pot stills, 60-barrel fermentation vessels, a dedicated sour room, and an extensive barrel-aging program that supports both standalone spirits and barrel-aged beers.

The business operates a hybrid revenue model combining direct-to-consumer (on-site taproom, rooftop patio, outdoor bar, 6-acre lawn, food via Wally's Wieners, paid tours ranging from $10 to $75, private events, and e-commerce merchandise) with wholesale distribution through state-specific partners (Horizon Beverage in RI, Quality Beverage in MA, SKI Beer in NYC, and Remarkable Liquids in upstate NY and NJ) covering Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Customer segmentation spans craft beverage enthusiasts, event planners and private-event hosts, wholesale/retail buyers, and Rhode Island locals and tourists, supported by an event-driven GTM motion anchored on co-branded collegiate partnerships (URI, Providence College) and high-visibility sponsorships (New York Mets, Boston Calling Music Festival). Sister brands Radiant Pig Craft Beers and Braven Brewing Company operate within Newport Craft's brand collective.

Name

Newport Craft

Legal name

Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.

Website

https://newportcraft.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. is a Rhode Island-based craft beverage producer operating a combined brewery and distillery on a 6-acre facility, producing craft beer, aged rum, whiskey, gin, vodka, and RTDs distributed across five northeastern US states and sold direct-to-consumer through its Newport taproom and event spaces.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Brewing and Distilling

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Distilleries (312140), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224), Beverage Manufacturing (3121)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082), Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Alcoholic Beverage Tours & On-site Experiences (Brewery/Winery/Distillery) (THAFALAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spirits Distillery Tours & Tastings (Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka) (THAJAGAF), Craft & Specialty Beverage Wholesale (Local/Artisanal) (AFAIAGAH), Craft Beer Bars & Taprooms (THAFAEAG)

Keywords

• Craft brewery operations
• Craft distillery spirits
• Barrel-aged whiskey rum
• Taproom hospitality venue
• Regional beverage distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Newport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Taproom Beer and Spirit Sales: On-site sales of craft beers, cocktails, and spirits through indoor taproom, rooftop patio, outdoor bar, and lawn spaces. Food service provided by Wally's Wieners on-site.
2. Tasting Room and Event Rentals: Private event bookings and venue rentals for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. Facility offers 6 acres with multiple hospitality spaces including 200-seat indoor taproom, rooftop patio, outdoor space, and lawn.
3. Packaged Beer and Spirits: Canned and bottled beer, spirits bottles, and ready-to-drink products sold through distribution network in RI, MA, CT, NY, and NJ, plus on-site to-go purchases.
4. Brewery Tours: Paid tour experiences including The Craft Experience ($10), Beyond the Brewhouse ($20), Private Tour ($50), and VIP Founders Tour ($75), each including different levels of facility access and spirit/beer tastings.
5. Merchandise: Branded merchandise including apparel and accessories sold through online store.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Newport Craft is a Rhode Island-based craft brewery and distillery that produces a portfolio of beers (including IPAs, lagers, ales, barrel-aged stouts, sours, and mixed-fermentation ales) and spirits (including Thomas Tew rum, Sea Fog whiskey, White Squall gin and vodka, and KEEL vodka), alongside ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic waters. The company sells these products direct-to-consumer through its 200-seat taproom, rooftop patio, and online store, and wholesale through distributor partners across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, while also hosting paid brewery tours and private event venue rentals.

Product overview

Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. is a Rhode Island-based craft brewery and distillery operating as a brand collective. The company crafts beer (IPAs, lagers, ales, barrel-aged stouts, sours, and specialty beers) and award-winning spirits (gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, and RTDs). Key beer brands include Rhode Trip (New England IPA), Rhode Rage (Double IPA), and seasonal releases like UnGourdly Hour and Malasada Stout. Spirit brands include White Squall Gin & Vodka, Thomas Tew Rum (Single Barrel, Reserve, Cooper's Blend), Sea Fog Whiskey (Rye and American Single Malt), and KEEL Vodka (acquired in 2024). The company also offers non-alcoholic products through Clear Harbor Water Company. Products are distributed throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. The company operates a 6-acre, $28 million facility capable of producing over 100,000 barrels of beer annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KEEL Vodka: World's first premium light vodka distilled with the right amount of alcohol, calories, and taste. 58 calories, zero sugar, zero carbs, 23.8% ABV.
• Clear Harbor Water Company
• Radiant Pig Craft Beers
• Sea Fog
• Thomas Tew Rum
• White Squall

Products and services

• Rhode Trip (New England IPA) A year-round hazy, juicy, unfiltered New England IPA featuring a hop blend selected each season, with pale malts, wheat, and oats giving the beer a pillowy mouthfeel, sold to craft beer consumers 21+ through the Newport taproom and regional distribution.
• Rhode Rage (Double IPA) An unfiltered light-bodied Double IPA brewed with Mosaic and Citra hops delivering sweet notes of apricot, tangerine, and subtle stone fruit aromas, for craft beer consumers seeking higher-ABV hop-forward beers.
• Rhody Ram IPA A tropical, hazy hop-bomb IPA created in partnership with University of Rhode Island Athletics for fans at games and on-premise accounts.
• Rhode Runner (Craft Lager) An easy-drinking craft lager brewed in Newport, RI, with limited availability for craft beer consumers seeking a sessionable lager.
• Rhody Ruckus (Lager) A clean, crisp, and light lager brewed for game-day consumption in partnership with University of Rhode Island Athletics, with a portion of sales supporting URI and Rhody Excellence.
• Friar American Golden Ale A crisp, easy-drinking Golden Ale brewed to celebrate the Providence College Friars, lightly malted with a smooth finish and subtle hop notes, sold to Friars fans and craft beer drinkers.
• Blueberry Ale A year-round American-style wheat ale flavored with blueberries, lightly refreshing and reminiscent of Rhode Island's blueberry picking season.
• Amber Ale A full-bodied amber ale with bold flavor, a core year-round offering for craft beer consumers seeking classic ales.
• It's Called Soccer (American Golden Ale) An American Golden Ale celebrating America's relationship with soccer, clean and balanced with enough sweetness to complement hop bitterness, co-launched with sister brand Radiant Pig Craft Beers.
• UnGourdly Hour (Belgian-Style Wit Bier) A seasonal Belgian-Style Wit Bier poured pale and hazy, steeped with pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger) for fall craft beer consumers.
• UnGourdly Hour (Barrel-Aged Pumpkin Strong Ale) A seasonal dark strong ale made with over 300 lbs of pureed pumpkin, aged and blended in Sea Fog Whiskey and Thomas Tew Rum barrels, featuring whiskey overtones, rum undertones, and notes of fudge and cherry.
• Malasada Stout (Barrel-Aged) A barrel-aged stout with the nostalgic aroma of malassada-style pastry, additional complexity from Thomas Tew rum barrels, featuring decadent notes of creamy cinnamon sugar and vanilla.
• Malasada Stout (Imperial) An 11% ABV imperial stout brewed with milk sugar and cinnamon bun extract, delivering decadent creamy cinnamon sugar notes for craft stout enthusiasts.
• Where the Wild Things Are: Chapter 1 A mixed-fermentation ale made with tangerines and blueberries, aged for a year in 3rd generation oak barrels and bottle-conditioned, with notes of fruit, funk, and tartness.
• Where the Wild Things Are: Chapter 2 A mixed-fermentation ale made with raspberry and rose petals, aged for a year in 3rd generation oak barrels and bottle-conditioned, with notes of fruit, funk, and tartness.
• Ebb & Flow (Sour Ale) A refreshingly tart sour ale with prickly pear and lime, balancing fresh lime tartness with a touch of floral sweetness from prickly pear.
• Berry Sour A light, easy-drinking fruited sour made with over a thousand pounds of raspberries and blackberries, packed with intense berry flavor and a light sour profile.
• Daybreak Wit (Belgian-Style Wheat Beer) A Belgian-Style Wheat Beer pouring sunny gold with a touch of cloudiness, featuring chamomile and lemon peel additions for bright citrus and herbal notes.
• White Squall Gin A modern American-style gin at 40% ABV (80 proof), distilled from grain with a juniper-balanced blend of botanicals delivering floral, citrus, lemongrass, chamomile, ginger, Sichuan peppercorn, elderberry, and orange peel notes.
• White Squall Vodka A small-batch, gluten-free vodka distilled from grain and bottled in Newport, RI, for craft spirits consumers.
• White Squall Blueberry Flavored Vodka A small-batch, gluten-free blueberry-flavored vodka distilled from grain and bottled in Newport, RI.
• White Squall Mocha Espresso Flavored Vodka A small-batch, gluten-free vodka 6x distilled and carbon filtered, infused with natural mocha and coffee beans at 35% ABV (70 proof).
• Thomas Tew Single Barrel Rum An award-winning single barrel rum (2023 Gold - East Coast Craft Spirit Awards) aged an average of 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels using heritage copper pot still processes, dark rum with spice, oak, and bold blackstrap molasses flavors at 42% ABV.
• Thomas Tew Reserve Rum An award-winning rum aged in ex-bourbon barrels and blended between 7-year and 9-year barrels, with bourbon-like oak and toasted caramel flavors, easily sipped neat or on the rocks, 50% ABV (100 proof).
• Thomas Tew Spiced Rum An award-winning spiced rum traditionally made in copper pot still and infused with selected spices and botanicals (cinnamon, cardamom, licorice, fennel) for craft spirits consumers.
• Thomas Tew Cooper's Blend Voyage 1 Thomas Tew Rum aged an average of 6 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in Newport Vineyards Port Casks for an additional year, bringing dark fruit, smoke, spice, and oak complexity.
• Thomas Tew Cooper's Blend Voyage 2 Thomas Tew Rum aged an average of 7 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in Maple Syrup Casks for an additional 10 months, with sweet maple sugar and soft oak at 44% ABV (88 proof).
• Sea Fog Rye Whiskey An award-winning Straight Rye Whiskey at 95% rye mash, aged for over 5 years with classic spicy distillate layered with vanilla, brown sugar, and smoke at 45% ABV (90 proof).
• Sea Fog American Single Malt Whiskey An award-winning American Single Malt aged in ex-bourbon barrels and blended from 6-year and 8-year barrels, leveraging New England coastal climate and salt air for peat, smoke, vanilla, caramel, and oak notes.
• Sea Flame Spiced Whiskey A mesquite-smoked whiskey infused with cinnamon, clove, pink and red peppercorn, cardamom, and vanilla for craft whiskey consumers.
• KEEL Vodka The world's first premium light vodka at 23.8% ABV, gluten-free, zero sugar, zero carbs, 58 calories, brought into Newport Craft's portfolio through the 2024 acquisition of KEEL Vodka.
• Lemon Lime Vodka + Soda (RTD) A light and refreshing ready-to-drink cocktail made with KEEL Vodka, ultra-filtered water, and lemon and lime juice at 4% ABV with 2 carbs, 80 calories, and 0 added sugar.
• Grapefruit Vodka + Soda (RTD) A light and refreshing ready-to-drink cocktail made with KEEL Vodka, ultra-filtered water, and grapefruit juice.
• Clear Harbor Hop Infused Water An eco-conscious hop-infused water from Clear Harbor Water Company, based in Newport, RI, for non-alcoholic beverage consumers seeking sustainable products.
• Clear Harbor Sparkling Water An eco-conscious sparkling water from Clear Harbor Water Company, based in Newport, RI, committed to sustainable practices.
• Clear Harbor Filtered Water An eco-conscious filtered water from Clear Harbor Water Company, based in Newport, RI, committed to environmental stewardship.
• The Craft Experience Tour A 25-minute, $10 per person production-floor tour covering brewing processes from mash bill to hop blends to quality control for guests ages 10+ (alcohol-free tour), with optional beverage purchase.
• Beyond the Brewhouse Tour A 45-minute, $20 per person combined brewing and distilling tour including the sour room and distillery, concluding with a brew and spirit flight, for guests ages 21+.
• Private Tour A 45-minute, $50 per person exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the brew floor and distillery for groups, delivering a personalized experience for guests ages 21+.
• VIP Founders Tour A 60-minute, $75 per person tour hosted by Founder and CEO Brendan O'Donnell covering company history and future plans, offered Fridays only subject to availability, for guests ages 21+.
• Private Event Venue Rentals Bookable venue space across 6 acres with 200-seat indoor taproom, rooftop patio, outdoor space, and lawn, providing full catering kitchen, craft cocktails and craft beer for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations.
• Branded Merchandise Branded apparel and accessories sold through the Newport Craft online store for individual consumers and fans of the brand.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000+ barrels per year production capacity
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Radiant Pig Craft BeerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Partnership to launch 'It's CALLED SOCCER' beer inspired by the cultural debate between American and international terminology for soccer, ahead of the 2026 Summer of Soccer.
• Providence CollegecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2025Multi-year partnership facilitated by Learfield. Features Friar American Golden Ale, officially licensed craft beer celebrating Friartown. Includes Friar NIL Fund support, with Providence student-athletes engaging in autograph sessions, meet-and-greets, and brewery appearances.
• KEEL VodkacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 June 2024Acquisition of KEEL Vodka, bringing production back to Rhode Island and expanding Newport Craft's vodka portfolio. Focus on local manufacturing and job creation.
• Boston Calling Music FestivalcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Thomas Tew Rum became official partner and rum of the Boston Calling Music Festival, providing brand visibility at the major New England music event.
• New York MetscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2020Thomas Tew Rum became the official rum of the New York Mets, providing branded rum presence at games and team events.
• University of Rhode Island AthleticscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatures two athletic-themed beers: Rhody Ruckus Lager and Rhody Ram IPA. Products sold at Ryan Center, tasting room, and bars/stores throughout the state. A portion of every sale goes directly to supporting URI and Rhody Excellence.
• Horizon BeveragecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRhode Island beer distribution partner handling product distribution throughout the state from West Greenwich, RI location.
• Quality BeveragecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMassachusetts beer distribution partner with offices in Taunton and Norton, MA.
• SKI BeercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNYC beer distribution partner located in Brooklyn, NY.
• Remarkable LiquidscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUpstate New York and New Jersey distribution partner located in Guilderland Center, NY.
• Radiant Pig Craft BeerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company within brand collective. Co-launched 'It's CALLED SOCCER' American Golden Ale ahead of 2026 Summer of Soccer. Available in red, white, and blue six-packs for nationwide shipping or on tap in RI, MA, and NY.
• Braven Brewing CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company within brand collective operating as part of Newport Craft's multi-brand structure.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Proclamation Ale Company: Rhode Island craft brewery of comparable size producing hop-forward ales and seasonal offerings. Competes for the same taproom and wholesale customers in Newport's coastal corridor.
• Privateer Rum: New England craft distillery producing aged rum with on-site tastings and a hospitality venue. Closest comparable for Newport Craft's Thomas Tew Rum brand on craft production, barrel aging, and distillery-tour business model.
• Whalers Brewing Company: Rhode Island craft brewery with a taproom-forward model and similar product mix (IPAs, lagers, sours). Operates in the same home market with overlapping wholesale accounts, making it a direct regional peer.
• Grey Sail Brewing: Rhode Island craft brewery producing a comparable range of year-round and seasonal beers with an on-site taproom. Similar craft positioning, regional distribution footprint, and visitor-experience model make it a direct peer for Newport Craft's beer business.

Broad incumbents

• Boston Beer Company: Public craft brewer behind Samuel Adams and Twisted Tea, with national distribution across beer, cider, and RTDs. Comparable as a broader portfolio incumbent whose spirits/RTD extensions overlap with Newport Craft's KEEL and RTD lines.
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. National craft brewer with a broad beer portfolio and on-site taproom/restaurant in multiple states. Comparable as a larger craft incumbent whose distribution scale and taproom experience define the upper bound of the category.

Regional players

• Tree House Brewing Company: Massachusetts craft brewery recognized for premium, high-demand packaged IPAs and limited on-site pours. Comparable as a New England craft brand competing for the same wholesale and taproom visitors, despite a different distribution philosophy.
• Allagash Brewing Company: Maine-based craft brewery with strong New England distribution and a taproom. Comparable on regional craft positioning, multi-state wholesale reach, and visitor-experience offerings, though larger and more established.
• Harpoon Brewery: Boston-based craft brewery with broad New England distribution and a beer hall/taproom. Comparable on regional craft scale, multi-state wholesale, and on-site hospitality — useful benchmark for Newport Craft's expansion trajectory.

Emerging players

• Bully Boy Distillers: Boston craft distillery producing whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka with on-site tastings. Smaller-scale but a directly comparable craft spirits producer for benchmarking Thomas Tew and Sea Fog product positioning in New England.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/165748283452245
• Instagraminstagram.com/newportcraft
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/newport-craft-brewing-and-distilling

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Newport Craft