If you’re any bit of a beer nerd, you’re already aware of World Beer Cup and the prestige surrounding it. If you’re unfamiliar, let’s break it down. World Beer Cup is basically the Super Bowl of beer competitions. The pinnacle of pinnacles. The best of the best. The crème de la crème. Most brewers, and breweries for that matter, dream of one day winning at World Beer Cup. Those dreams came true for two local establishments earlier this month. Ocean View Brewing brought home its first World Beer Cup plaque this year after winning bronze in the German-Style Bock or Maibock category for a beer they call Get Off Maibock. Simply put, maibocks are German lagers that are a little stronger, bolder, and more flavorful than your traditional German lager. Ocean View’s Head Brewer Taylor Smith (pictured) was stoked to bring home some hardware for a style that’s close to his heart. “I love brewing traditional German styles,” Smith says, reflecting on the recent win. “My education in brewing is with the World Brewing Academy, and part of that program takes place in Germany,” he adds. Get Off Maibock clocks in at 6.9% ABV, tastes terrific (makes sense for a medal winner), and can be found on tap at Ocean View Brewing now while supplies last. Iron Hill Brewery has become synonymous with award-winning beer, being the most awarded brewery this side of the Mississippi. That’s 88 so far, but who’s counting? This year, Iron Hill took home not one, but two more World Beer Cup wins. First up, The Cannibal, which grabbed a bronze in the Belgian-Style Strong Blonde Ale category. Next, East Side Gallery took home a silver in the Berliner-Style Weiss category. While not currently on draft in Delaware, expect them to make victory laps on Iron Hill taps across the state soon. A special shoutout to Iron Hill and Ocean View for making the 302 proud. When thinking about beer destinations, you’ll always hear places like Denver, San Diego, and the Pacific Northwest. But Delaware is making a pretty nice name for itself with awards becoming an annual occurrence. It may be wise, however, to keep mum on this. More award-winning beer for you and me.
