Best 12 Breweries in Delaware: Top Picks for Craft Beer Fans
Delaware is home to some of the best breweries in the United States. From Dogfish Head Craft Brewery to Bellefonte Brewing Company, the state has a lot to offer for beer enthusiasts. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. In this article, we will explore the top breweries in Delaware, and what makes them stand out.
Beer is a big deal in Delaware, and it shows in the quality of the breweries. Each brewery has its unique style and taste, making it an exciting experience for beer lovers. Whether you prefer a classic IPA or something more experimental, Delaware has something for everyone.
Notable Breweries in Delaware
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is one of the most famous breweries in Delaware, known for its off-centered ales and unique brewing techniques. Located in Milton, Dogfish Head has been brewing beer since 1995 and has gained a reputation for its unusual ingredients and experimental brews. Some of their popular beers include the 60 Minute IPA, the SeaQuench Ale, and the Punkin Ale.
Website: http://www.dogfish.com/
Address: 6 Cannery Village Center, 6 Village Center Blvd, Milton, DE 19968, United States
Dewey Beer Co
Dewey Beer Co. is a popular brewery located in Dewey Beach, Delaware. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and beach-inspired brews, Dewey Beer Co. offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Some of their most popular beers include the Beach Juice IPA, the Bayview Blonde Ale, and the 8th Street Ale.
Website: http://www.deweybeerco.com/
Address: 2100 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, United States
Crooked Hammock Brewery
Crooked Hammock Brewery is a family-friendly brewpub located in Middletown, Delaware. Known for its outdoor beer garden and comfortable atmosphere, Crooked Hammock offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts. Some of their popular beers include the Hand of Buddha Cream Ale, the Hammock Hefeweizen, and the Crooked Hammock IPA.
Website: https://www.crookedhammockbrewery.com/
Address: 316 Auto Park Dr, Middletown, DE 19709, United States
Iron Hill Brewery
Iron Hill Brewery is a chain of brewpubs located throughout the East Coast, with several locations in Delaware. Known for its award-winning beers and upscale atmosphere, Iron Hill offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and Belgian-style ales. Some of their popular beers include the Russian Imperial Stout, the Belgian Tripel, and the Vienna Red Lager.
Website: https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/
Address 1: 620 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States
Address 2: 147 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, United States
Address 3: 19815 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, United States
Big Oyster Brewery
Big Oyster Brewery is a popular brewery located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Known for its seafood-inspired brews and coastal atmosphere, Big Oyster offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Some of their popular beers include the Hammerhead IPA, the Siren’s Song Belgian Dubbel, and the Pearl Oyster Stout.
Website: http://www.bigoysterbrewery.com/
Adddress: 1007 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958, United States
Blue Earl Brewing Company
Blue Earl Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in Smyrna, Delaware. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and live music events, Blue Earl offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and Belgian-style ales. Some of their popular beers include the Walking Blues IPA, the Honeysuckle Rose Blonde Ale, and the Raspberry Sour Ale.
Website: https://blueearlbrewing.com/
Adddress: 210 Artisan Dr, Smyrna, DE 19977, United States
Mispillion River Brewing
Mispillion River Brewing is a microbrewery located in Milford, Delaware. Known for its experimental brews and unique flavors, Mispillion River offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Some of their popular beers include the Reach Around IPA, the Holy Crap Imperial Stout, and the Not Today Satan Sour.
Website: http://www.mispillionriverbrewing.com/
Adddress: 255 Mullett Run St, Milford, DE 19963, United States
Thompson Island Brewing Company
Thompson Island Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Known for its outdoor beer garden and relaxed atmosphere, Thompson Island offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Some of their popular beers include the Thompson Island IPA, the Beachcomber Blonde Ale, and the Island Time Lager.
Website: https://thompsonislandbrewing.com/
Adddress: 30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, United States
Revelation Craft Brewing Co
Revelation Craft Brewing Co. is a microbrewery located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Known for its experimental brews and unique flavors, Revelation offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Some of their popular beers include the Manifesto IPA, the Mojo Citra Pale Ale, and the Pink Lemonade Sour.
Website: http://www.revbeer.com/
Adddress: 19841 Central St, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, United States
Stitch House Brewery
Stitch House Brewery is a microbrewery located in Wilmington, Delaware. Known for its industrial-chic atmosphere and creative brews, Stitch House offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Some of their popular beers include the Hoppy Ending IPA, the Stitch House Lager, and the Peanut Butter Porter.
Website: http://stitchhousebrewery.com/
Adddress: 829 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States
Midnight Oil Brewing
Midnight Oil Brewing is a microbrewery located in Newark, Delaware. Known for its experimental brews and unique flavors, Midnight Oil offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Some of their popular beers include the Midnight Oil IPA, the Raspberry Lemonade Sour, and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout.
Website: http://www.midnightoilbrewing.com/
Adddress: 674 Pencader Dr, Newark, DE 19702, United States
Wilmington Brew Works
Wilmington Brew Works is a microbrewery located in Wilmington, Delaware. Known for its industrial-chic atmosphere and creative brews, Wilmington Brew Works offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Some of their popular beers include the City Lights IPA, the Wilmington Lager, and the Peach Cobbler Ale.
Website: https://wilmingtonbrewworks.com/
Adddress: 3129 Miller Rd, Wilmington, DE 19802, United States
Brewery Experiences
Food and Drink
Delaware breweries offer a wide range of food and drink options to satisfy every taste bud. Some breweries have their own restaurants, while others partner with food trucks to offer a variety of food options. Visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner, or even outdoor dining while sipping on their favorite craft beverage.
Live Music and Events
Many Delaware breweries host live music and events, making them the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family. Some breweries have their own stages, while others invite local musicians to perform. Visitors can enjoy a pint of their favorite beer while listening to live music or participating in events like cornhole tournaments.
Tasting Rooms
Delaware breweries offer tasting rooms where visitors can sample and purchase different types of beer. Some tasting rooms offer flights of beer, allowing visitors to try multiple types of beer in one sitting. Visitors can learn about the brewing process and the different types of beer available while enjoying a tasting room experience.
Outdoor Spaces
Delaware breweries offer outdoor spaces like beer gardens where visitors can enjoy their favorite beer in the fresh air. Some breweries are pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for the fun. Visitors can enjoy a pint of their favorite beer while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Beer Styles and Specialties
Delaware is home to a variety of beer styles and specialties. Some of the most popular beer styles in Delaware include IPAs, pilsners, and porters.
IPAs are a popular beer style in Delaware, with many breweries offering their own unique take on this hoppy beer. One such example is the Hogwarts Express IPA from Blue Earl Brewing Company, which features a blend of hops that creates a citrusy and floral flavor profile.
Pilsners are another popular beer style in Delaware, known for their crisp and clean taste. Thompson Island Brewing Company offers a Pilsner as part of their rotating tap list, which is brewed with German hops and malts for a traditional taste.
For those looking for something a bit more unique, Delaware breweries also offer a variety of specialty beers. Swishy Pants from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is a Belgian-style ale brewed with coriander and orange peel, while Secret Machine from 2SP Brewing Company is a New England-style IPA with a hazy appearance and juicy flavor profile.
Pig Iron Porter from Iron Hill Brewery is another specialty beer that stands out in Delaware. This robust porter features notes of chocolate and coffee and is brewed with a blend of specialty malts for a rich and complex flavor.
Finally, Nit Wit from Evolution Craft Brewing Company is a Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with orange peel and coriander. This light and refreshing beer is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day.
Awards and Recognitions
Delaware is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and their hard work has not gone unnoticed. Many of the breweries in the state have received awards and recognitions for their outstanding beer and service.
Iron Hill Brewery has repeatedly won awards since 1997, including the silver medal in the World Beer Cup for their Overload Stout in the Coffee Beer category and the bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival for their Bridge St. Bock in the Bock category. While they may not be in it for the glory, they are certainly dedicated to bringing their customers high-quality craft beer.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is another award-winning brewery in Delaware. They have won numerous awards, including the gold medal in the Experimental Beer category at the Great American Beer Festival for their Raison D’Extra in 2009. They also won the silver medal in the Belgian-Style Lambic or Sour Ale category at the World Beer Cup for their Festina Peche in 2010.
Other breweries in Delaware have also received recognition for their beer. Thompson Island Brewing Company has one of the top-rated IPAs in Delaware according to Stacker, with their Thompson Island IPA coming in at number 42. Blue Earl Brewing Company has two of the top-rated beers in Delaware, with their Walking Blues IPA and Honeysuckle Rose both receiving high marks.