Summer is just getting started, but Thompson Island Brewing Company is already bringing the heat. Situated right on Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach, they’re serving up beers and bites worth stopping for on the regular.
And they’ve cooked up something extra special for the coming days.
Who’s up for a collaboration?
Hershey, Pa., may be known as the sweetest place on Earth, but step aside, chocolate … this is a job for beer.
Hailing from humble beginnings in Harrisburg, Tröegs Independent Brewing moved to Chocolate Town about 15 years ago. In that time, they’ve grown into a regional powerhouse, recently earning recognition as the 22nd-largest independent craft brewery in the United States based on barrels produced.
Thompson Island has teamed up once again with Tröegs to bring a collaboration to the coast.
“Each time we collaborate with Tröegs, we use the opportunity to learn, experiment and challenge ourselves as brewers,” says Jimmy Valm, brewmaster at Southern Delaware Brewing of Thompson Island. “This collaboration was no different, and I really think we’ve made something special.”
The brew crews from Thompson Island and Tröegs joined forces to create Side Quest Session IPA. Intended to be sessionable, as the name suggests, this one weighs in at 4.5% ABV.
Brewed with Citra and Dolcita hops, it overflows with flavors of pineapple, coconut and apricot. Dolcita is a new hop varietal, and it’s quickly becoming one of Thompson Island’s favorites.
Simply put, Side Quest is a tropical treat that’s perfect for food pairings.
With that in mind …
On Wednesday, June 17, Thompson Island is hosting a beer dinner with John Trogner, brewmaster and co-owner of Tröegs Independent Brewing.
This one-night-only event brings together the Thompson Island and Tröegs teams to celebrate both beer and food. Beers from both brands will be featured as guests are guided through the pairing experience.
As for the menu, Executive Chef Raul Rodriguez delivered. See for yourself:
- Tuna Tataki with black garlic crust, Fifer’s strawberry ponzu, avocado mousse and fried shallots paired with Tröegs PA Lager
- Melon & Bresaola with Sugar Kiss panna cotta, truffled ricotta and hazelnuts paired with Side Quest Session IPA
- “Pho-zole,” a Vietnamese-Mexican fusion dish featuring chile-braised pork, vegetables, herbs and traditional accompaniments paired with Draw A Crowd West Coast DIPA
- Mango Ginger Upside Down Cake, courtesy of Chef Dru Tevis, with toasted coconut whip, brown sugar crumble and watermelon-pineapple sherbet paired with Watermelon Cooler Hard Seltzer
Is your mouth watering, or is that just me?
The beer dinner kicks off at 6 p.m. at Thompson Island. Tickets are
$72, and advance reservations are required. Purchase tickets at thompsonislandbrewing.com.
