Once a hammer factory, Crook Point Brewing Company revitalizes East Providence space

Gail Ciampa, Providence Journal
·2 min read

With room for up to 300 craft beer fans, Crook Point Brewing Company has opened at  65 Massasoit Ave. in East Providence.

Ernie Watson has established the 38th brewery in Rhode Island near the Crook Point Bascule Bridge, the iconic span locked in the upright position. The brewery logo is the image of the well-known landmark.

A longtime homebrewer, Watson has worked on the brewery for over four years.

He opened with three beers, named to pay homage to their East Providence home. There's "Bascule" New England IPA, named for the iconic bridge. "Agawam" Amber Ale is named for the country club. Then there's the East Providence Pale Ale.

There's a bonus, too, and that is Watson's hard seltzers, in dozens of flavors.

Both beer and hard seltzer are similarly brewed and many brewers produce one or two flavors, he said. After some research, he found he could infuse flavors at the tap rather than in the tank.

Ernie Watson has been planning for his Crook Point Brewing Company for more than four years. He is shown here back when the tap room was under construction back in the spring.
Ernie Watson has been planning for his Crook Point Brewing Company for more than four years. He is shown here back when the tap room was under construction back in the spring.

"It allows us to offer dozens of flavors because we blend them upon order," he said. They've been a huge hit in the first weeks.

They've got 15 which can be combined in some 50 creative pairs – think the sold-out raspberry-hibiscus. Watermelon, guava, mango, blueberry lemonade, huckleberry, prickly pear and Granny Smith apple are just a few choices. More are being added, too.

The seltzers are served as cocktails with fruit garnishes.

Bascule New England IPA, Agawam American Amber Ale, EP American Pale Ale and flavored hard seltzers from the Crook Point Brewing Company in East Providence.
Bascule New England IPA, Agawam American Amber Ale, EP American Pale Ale and flavored hard seltzers from the Crook Point Brewing Company in East Providence.

As for the new beers, next to be brewed are a lager, a chocolate stout and a double IPA in the 10-barrel system.

Watson has totally renovated the former hammer factory. Guests are surprised the brewery is so large with different spaces, all with their own vibe, said Watson.

A common area with a service bar is where the machine shop once operated and incorporated the concrete milling pedestals. There's the Tap Room which overlooks the brewhouse. The Riverside Room overlooks the Seekonk River, the Crook Point Bridge and the Red Bridge. The Rumford Room has a deck off it. Last Friday it was warm enough that they turned on the patio heating lamps to use the deck.

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Watson works in social service. As he nears retirement age, he sees the brewery as his second career.

They have a variety of food trucks serving food. You can follow the schedule on Instagram or Facebook. The hours are Wednesday and Thursday 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Crook Point Brewing Company opens in East Providence serving craft beer