Two Rhode Island Brands Release Baltic Porter and Beer-Finished Bourbon.
Narragansett Beer and Wheel Horse Whiskey recently announced a rare collaboration featuring two limited-edition releases: the Narragansett Barrel-Aged Baltic Porter and Wheel Horse Baltic Porter Beer Finished Bourbon Whiskey. Both products were crafted using the same barrels, blending the expertise of two neighboring Rhode Island brands.
A Collaboration Built on Barrels
Founded in 1890, Narragansett Brewing Company shares a 19th century legacy with Wheel Horse Whiskey, which has been distilled at Kentucky’s Green River Distilling Co. since 1885. “This collaboration came together naturally, celebrating both our shared history and our shared backyard,” said Mark Hellendrung, President of Narragansett Beer. “Wheel Horse is an award-winning distiller located just minutes down the road, which meant we could trade barrels while they were still fresh.”
Barrel-Aged Baltic Porter Showcases Local Malt and Bourbon Influence
The Narragansett Barrel-Aged Baltic Porter (9.8% ABV) is a dark, rich lager aged in freshly emptied Wheel Horse Bourbon barrels. Brewed with locally malted barley from Stone Path and roasted malts, it features flavors of toffee, cold brew coffee, and dark chocolate, rounded with vanilla, oak, and Bourbon warmth.
Wheel Horse Bourbon Finished in Porter Barrels
Once the porter was removed, the barrels returned to Wheel Horse, where a four-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon was finished for another 4–5 months. The resulting Wheel Horse Baltic Porter Beer Finished Bourbon Whiskey (101 proof) offers aromas of cocoa and peppermint with milk chocolate syrup, toasted almonds, malt balls, and espresso on the palate, finishing with notes of chicory, gingerbread, and leather.
A First-of-Its-Kind Finish for Wheel Horse
“We do a lot of cask-finishing at Wheel Horse, but most of it is using spirits or wine casks like Armagnac and port,” said Stephen Corrigan, Barrel Master at Wheel Horse Whiskey. “This collaboration with Narragansett was the perfect opportunity to craft our first beer-finished whiskey.”
Release Details and Launch Event
The dual release debuted at a launch event on October 2nd at the Narragansett Brewery in Providence as part of the brewery’s “First Thursday” series. The Wheel Horse Baltic Porter Beer Finished Bourbon Whiskey (SRP: $39.99) will be available across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, as well as online while supplies last.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, join our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Rebel Bourbon & NASCAR’s Richard Childress Racing Extend Partnership for 2026
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Launches Bold Packaging Redesign Across Core Portfolio
- New Riff Balboa Rye Review: A Creamy, Fruity Rye to Watch in 2026
- Exploring the World of Whiskey and Bourbon on Bourbon Lens’ “Thursday Thoughts”
- Maker’s Mark Unveils New Premium Bottle and Age Statement for Cask Strength Bourbon
- 366: From r/bourbon to Middleburg Barrel Company with Jay West (T8ke)
