Here at The Cape Current, my fellow contributor comrades and I typically focus on what’s happening locally here in Sussex County, which makes sense. But this week, we’re going beyond the beach for a taste of a few Delaware breweries worth a visit.
Now, when it comes to discovering new breweries, there are a few things to look for. First off, the beer has to be on point. That’s a no-brainer. Second, the vibes have to be right. Comfortable, fun, and hey … good food and good music never hurt. Third, and perhaps most important, are the people. The bartenders, brewers and staff play a significant role in the overall experience. The following breweries check all three boxes: good beer, good vibes and, quite honestly, some of the best folks I know in the industry running their respective ships. Let’s check ’em out.
Autumn Arch Beer Project
Autumn Arch Beer Project, based in Newark, opened for business in 2019. In the seven years since, co-founders and brothers Jimmy and Dan Vennard have taken this epic small-batch, experimental microbrewery to another level.
Having won medals, a very big deal, at both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, you know the beer is going to be excellent. You can’t go wrong with a Newark State of Mind IPA. They also opened a pizza joint next door called Archie’s Pizza, which can be enjoyed alongside a pint in their 2,000-square-foot, dog-friendly taproom.
Autumn Arch has weekly happenings like a popular run club, trivia, live music and yoga. Good people, good beer, good vibes. Autumn Arch aced the test.
Dew Point Brewing Company
Location is the pièce de résistance for my friends at Dew Point, who are entering their 10th year in business.
Located in Yorklyn … wait, where?
If you’re anything like me, I had to pull out my trusty atlas to locate Yorklyn the first time I went to Dew Point, but it’s well worth the visit.
Situated alongside a creek in a historic tobacco mill complex in northern New Castle County, Dew Point might just be the most aesthetic brewery in the state. A diverse draft list has something for everyone, especially if you’re into Belgian-style beers. Dew Point offers weekly events like live music, trivia, hike club and an educational series.
Volunteer Brewing
I first met Kevin Schatz, owner of Volunteer Brewing, at a beer conference in … you guessed it … Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The craft beer community in Delaware is relatively small, but mighty, so it was interesting that our paths only crossed some 1,200 miles from home. I’m sure glad they did.
Sitting on Main Street, smack dab in the heart of Middletown, Volunteer started serving local brews from a garage-turned-brewery in 2017. Since then, they’ve expanded into their current taproom, a renovated home originally built in the 1800s.
Volunteer has a variety of beers on draft and in cans, a solid rotation of food trucks and live music, and arguably the best backyard beer garden in the 302.
Wilmington Brew Works
Wilmington Brew Works opened in 2018, bringing new energy to the craft beer scene in Delaware’s largest city.
As a multiple winner of the coveted 302 Beer Drinkers Choice Awards, if you know, you know, Wilmington Brew Works is serving it from the brewhouse. You can’t beat a Luau Punch on a hot summer day.
Their original location now offers food Thursday through Sunday and hosts weekly live music and trivia. Last year, they opened Brew Works North, a 20-tap adult playground, so to speak, featuring cornhole, darts, foosball, board games and more.
So there you have it. Good beer, good vibes and good people all around. A real triple threat.
Whether you’re driving upstate for a work meeting or heading home after a lovely Lower Slower vacation, you’ll want to make these detours.
