Drink Up Greater Wilmington! Celebrate National Beer Day

April 6^th – Beer’s Eve

Twas the night before Beer Day and all through Greater Wilmington, not a brewer was stirring . . . not even to film (you know – Tik Tok, Instagram, etc.). On this day, all brewers will be nestled asleep in their beds, with visions of new recipes dancing in their heads. We know while they sleep, they won’t make a peep for when they wake, they will jump out of bed and scream "Happy Beer Day" for sure. Now what size should we pour?
 

April 7^th – Beer Day!

We may not be the best poets, but we are really good at sharing can't-miss breweries and restaurants throughout Greater Wilmington. In celebration of National Beer Day, we’ve listed just a few local breweries perfect for a happy hour visit or to incorporate into a full day brew tour! In an area where the "local" beers come from breweries like Dogfish Head, Troegs, Yards Brewing Company and Victory Brewing Co., brew pubs take great pride in their offerings and produce excellent microbrews as a result. These five local breweries are a hop, skip and a jump from downtown Wilmington and leave locals wanting more with each visit: 

Autumn Arch Beer Project is a local small-batch, experimental brewery located in Newark, Delaware that specializes in deep flavor profiles, edgy bitterness, and complex relationships. With fervent attention to fundamental brewing principles, a respect for traditional styles, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Autumn Arch produces ales, lagers, and sour beers of the highest character.

Bellefonte Brewing Company is a Wilmington nano brewery and tap room offering more than 14 local brews. The laid-back atmosphere is the perfect setting for beer passionate clientele. Enjoy the taproom and keep checking back to see if your favorite food truck will be stopping by. Oh! Did we mention they’re dog friendly?

Dew Point Brewing Company is located just down the road from the Marshall Steam Museum in Yorklyn, Delaware. The Company’s tasting room sits on the second floor of the brew house and is ready to welcome all. Be sure to take advantage of the spring weather ahead and enjoy a brew while sitting with friends in the fresh air along the private green space outside patio and beer garden. 

Liquid Alchemy Beverages is Delaware's first and only craft meadery and the only one of its kind in New Castle County. This family owned and operated business uses the finest ingredients including as many locally sourced products as possible. Modern techniques and technology make for an exceptionally tasting, uniquely combined beverage calling your name! 

Wilmington Brew Works is the first production brewery in Delaware’s largest city since 1955. Housed in a 100-year-old former laboratory in the old 9th Ward, the brewery continues to keep the spirit alive with new and innovative ales, lagers, sours, and ciders. The family-friendly taproom has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating so kick back and enjoy a drink with friends - old and new. 

Have you ever heard of Delaware's King of Beer?

On July 8, 1882, a large statue of King Gambrinus was installed at Diamond State Brewery.  If you’re not familiar, Gambrinus is a European culture hero that is celebrated as an icon of beer, brewing, joviality, and joie de vivre.  Typical representations show a rotund, bearded duke or king, holding a tankard or mug, and sometimes with a keg nearby.     

Wilmington’s King Gambrinus was an 11 ½ foot zinc statue which remained at its alcove atop the brewery for 80 years (through the Prohibition Era and two World Wars!)  Perched on what was then one of Wilmington’s tallest structures in one of the city’s highest points, the beloved king toasted the thirsty workers in the ship and rail yards along the Christina River and beckoned them to partake when the workday ended.     

The Brewery closed in 1955 and time took its toll on the hero.  In May 1956, the statue’s right arm and tankard gave way and fell 33 feet to the sidewalk and shattered.  Over the years, the statue was moved to various places around the city, sometimes displayed and sometimes stored, until it accidentally shattered into dozens of pieces in 1978.  In 2014, Delaware beer historian John Medkeff was granted ownership of the statue and vowed to return the king to his throne as an apt symbol of the rebirth of the brewing industry in the first state.  

So... how else do you expect Wilmington’s brewers to handle this situation? By toasting to him of course! On April 11th, local breweries throughout Greater Wilmington and all across the State of Delaware will take part in a toast, along with celebrating with discounts, parties, and more. Each brewery will be celebrating in a different way. Donations from the toasting event as well as portions of profits from the local breweries will go into helping the King get restored to his rightful place. To learn more about the festivities and how local breweries are choosing to celebrate, visit https://restoretheking.com/.