Fifteen Delaware Breweries Commit to Brewfest 2018

Fifteen Delaware breweries have committed to Brewfest 2018. Impressive. Five years in the making, Odessa Brewfest and Delaware breweries have become synonymous.

Starting in the north in Wilmington, Stitch House Brewery downtown on Market Street goes old school with a combination of comfort food and in-house craft beers on tap. We're thinking Beer Cheese Soup, which is a pretzel crumble, IPA reduction. Yum. Try it with a Belgian Tripel: Dorsia. Careful though, the Dorsia packs 11% alcohol in its punch. Enjoy.

Heading out of downtown but still in Wilmington, Bellefonte Brewing Company joins Brewfest for the first time in 2018. Bellefonte serves as a Nano Brewery and tap room with a rotation of sixteen regular production beers. We suggest you try the Orange Street Ale. Bellefonte touts Orange Street as an easy drinker combining orange blossom honey and sweet orange peel to create a delicious and refreshing classic cream ale.

Just south of Wilmington, you'll find Twin Lakes Brewing Co. nestled between Northeast Corridor rail line and the Christiana River in Newport. Twin Lakes will attend Brewfest for the fifth year in a row this September. If you're looking for a year round pale ale, give Greenville Pale Ale a shot.

Continue south to Newark and Midnight Oil, Midnight Oil Brewing Company is fresh out of the gate in 2018 opening just this past February. Join us at the Brewfest to welcome Midnight Oil to the show.

Head south down the Summit Bridge Road towards Middleton. Volunteer Brewing Co. opened its doors August of 2017, becoming the first brewery ever in Middletown. Located in a renovated two-car garage on the alley behind the firehouse, Volunteer Brewing Co. is the smallest brewery in Delaware. What about the Philly Special on tap? Try it at the end of the half when there's no time on the clock. Score.

Heading south on Route 1 to Smyrna, the Brick Works Brewing and Eats was a newcomer to the Brewfest in 2017 and will be back again this year. We like the Citrus Mistress American Wheat which is brewed with fresh lemon and lime zest. Awesome.

Just down the road you'll find what's become one of our favorite breweries at Brewfest, Blue Earl. Blue Earl Brewery of Smyrna has graced our presence at the Brewfest every year since they started brewing beer in 2015. Blue Earl has taken home the coveted Brewbracket Champion plaque in both 2016 and 2017. We expect more of the same in 2018.

South to Dover on the Korean War Vetrans Memorial Highway you'll find the Fordham & Dominion Brewing Co. We recommend the seasonal Cherry Blossom Lager. F&D claims its, "delightfully effervescent, blushing, tart and resembles a cherry champagne." Maybe. We just think it tastes good. Try it.

From Dover, head south to Milford. Named for the river that winds its way through town, Mispillion River Brewing, the 2015 Brewbracket champion, offers a tasty menu of year-round brews. Try the Hefeweizen-style The Hoff​ and score a 64 oz. Growler for 16 bucks.

Continue south towards the beach to the town of Milton. Dogfish Head, a solid Brewbracket contender each and every year, has a perfect attendance at the Brewfest from 2014 to their planned 2018 return. Besides the brewery and distillery in Milton, Dogfish has two locations in Rehobeth and another in Lewes.

Speaking of Lewes, Crooked Hammock returns to the Brewfest following their first appearance in 2017. Their "Eat Here, Get Beer" slogan speaks of their fresh beer and food combination. Kick back at the beach and enjoy.

Like Crooked Hammock, Revelation Craft Brewing Company returns to the Brewfest for the second year in a row. From Lewes, head down the Coastal Highway just a few miles to Revelation of Rehobeth Beach. If you are in the mood for a something a little different, try the Puffa Puffa Graf Cider. It's considered a beer cider hybrid. Cool, yet delicious.

Staying at the beach in Rehobeth, Big Oyster Brewery is located within Fins Ale House and Raw Bar. While you are there, enjoy the seasonal Brett Farmhouse Ale straight out of the tank. We think you'll love it.

Next head due west on the Lewes Georgetowm highway to Georgetown and the home of 16 Mile Brewery. If you are down that way, stop in for a pint, a 5oz sample or a flight of 8 samples. Know the tavern does not sell food, but they often have food trucks onsite. 16 Mile is yet another brewery who hasn't missed the Brewfest since its inception.

Finally 3rd Wave Brewing Company of Delmar takes us all the way to the other end of the state seamingly inches from the Maryland State line. It was 3rd Wave's Bombora Double IPA that took the 2014 Brewbracket, back when it was beer vs. beer for the championship. 3rd Wave is back again in 2018.