RI Native, NY Brewer Bringing Craft Beer Home For Festival

PAWTUCKET, RI — Lincoln native Basil Lee left home and co-founded Finback Brewery in Glendale, New York. But that doesn't mean Lee forgot his roots. He's coming home this month to hold a craft beer festival in Pawtucket along the Blackstone River.

On May 21, Finback Brewery will hold the inaugural Whale Watching festival along the Blackstone River at Roosevelt Avenue and Exchange Street.

"We’re super excited about the festival," Lee said. "It’s near and dear to my heart. I’m from Rhode Island originally. The other co-founder is from Massachusetts. We invited close friends and brewers we really respect."

The festival will include more than 50 craft breweries from across the United States. Some have never offered their beer in Rhode Island before, such as 3 Sons Brewing Co. in Dania Beach, Florida; Other Half Brewing in Brooklyn, New York, and more.

No, there won't be any real whales at this festival. The "whale watch" name is a fun play on Finback's name, but it also plays another purpose, Lee said.

In a playful nod to the world of elusive, limited edition beers, Finback will tap select breweries to release small quantities of rare brews at specific times throughout the afternoon, billing them as "whale sightings."

"We’re going to be bringing a bunch of stuff, cool stuff from our cellars. Stouts, sours, etc.," Lee said. "Spot the whale and get a fun pour of something you can’t usually get."

"Just keep your eyes on the clock and have an empty glass ready," Co-founder Kevin Stafford added.

Entertainment at the festival will be provided by DJ Chris Maestro, of New York City’s popular beer and vinyl bar, Bierwax.

For food, there will be a selection of Rhode Island-based food vendors such as Ming’s Asian Street Food, PVDonuts, and TrapBoxPVD. Lee said PVDonuts is going to make a special doughnut made with some of Finback's beers.

Whale Watching will take place outdoors at 249 Roosevelt Ave., overlooking the Blackstone River, and run from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets cost $80 for general admission and $180 for all access, which includes early entry at 12:30 p.m., a special stemmed taster glass, and bottles of two limited-edition, barrel-aged imperial stouts created specifically for the event.

More information can be found at Whale Watching's event page.