In collaboration with Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island, the Westerly 350 Committee is presenting a custom brewed beer in celebration of Westerly’s 350th year.

“Flying Horse Blonde Ale” was debuted at a private event on March 27 at Grey Sail and is now available to the public at the Westerly-based brewery. The beer can be described, according to Grey Sail owner Jennifer Brinton, as a “5.5% American Blonde Ale brewed with 100% Cascade hops lending towards a strong citrus fruit flavor and aroma. It also has a delicate Pilsner malt base which leaves this beer with a beautiful golden color complemented by subtle Abbey malta providing a biscuity flavor and mouthfeel."

The beer was named after the iconic Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill. It’s believed that the Watch Hill Carousel was originally made in 1867 by Andrew Christian and Charles Dare Company of New York City. The story goes that a traveling carnival brought it to Watch Hill in 1883, but then abandoned it. It’s now said to be the only surviving flying horse carousel in the country and the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States.

The brewery, located on Canal Street in Westerly, approached the committee with an opportunity to co-brand a specialty brew in honor of the celebration. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of this beer will go to the Westerly 350 Committee.