Thompson Island Brewing Company Announces the Annual Release of 1776 IPA to Benefit Project Recover

Thompson Island Head Brewer Justin Leahy developed the recipe for 1776 to raise funds to benefit IPAs for MIAs.

REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. (May 22, 2025) — Thompson Island Brewing Company is proud to kick off the summer season with the return of 1776, a hazy IPA brewed to raise funds for Project Recover’s IPAs for MIAs program.

Releasing on May 23rd, $2 from each 4-pack of 1776 sold will be dedicated to supporting Project Recover, an initiative focused on locating and repatriating soldiers missing in action since World War II.

Justin Leahy, Head Brewer of Thompson Island, stated, “1776 is a release we look forward to every year, not just because it's such an enjoyable Hazy IPA, but it's also a reminder to honor and support those that gave the ultimate sacrifice and their families through programs like Project Recover.”

Crafted using 100% American hops, including Bru-1, Sabro, and El Dorado, 1776 delivers vibrant flavors of pineapple, peach, and coconut. These tropical notes capture the essence of summer and pay tribute to the spirit of Memorial Day. Leahy calls 1776 the ideal beer for celebrating Memorial Day and enjoying time outdoors with friends and family.

In addition to 4-packs, Thompson Island will also be pouring 1776 on draft in the restaurant.

For more information about Thompson Island Brewing Company and their commitment to supporting Project Recover, visit thompsonislandbrewing.com.

About Southern Delaware Brewing

Southern Delaware Brewing includes its flagship brewpub Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, which opened in 2019, and Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View, which opened in 2022.

Inspired by the low-key Southern Delaware lifestyle, Thompson Island serves fresh beer and great food in a fun, relaxed space with two bars. In addition to the spacious dining room, the brewpub has covered and uncovered outdoor dining areas, including a beer garden, cornhole and Ping-Pong. Since its inception, Thompson Island has won many awards for craft beers, including a gold medal from U.S. Open Beer Championship for its flagship beer, Thompson Island IPA. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.

Thompson Island Brewing Company to Launch 1776 Hazy IPA in Support of Project Recover

Thompson Island Head Brewer Justin Leahy developed the recipe for 1776 to raise funds to benefit IPAs for MIAs.

REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. (May 17, 2024) — Thompson Island Brewing Company is gearing up for the summer season with the annual release of 1776, a hazy IPA, brewed to raise funds for Project Recover’s IPAs for MIAs program.

From May 23rd until May 30th, $1 from each draft of 1776 sold will be dedicated to supporting Project Recover, an initiative focused on locating and repatriating soldiers missing in action since World War II. Founded by Dr. Mark Moline, a marine biology professor at the University of Delaware's Lewes campus, Project Recover embodies the spirit of honoring and remembering those who served our country.

The inspiration behind 1776 stems from Thompson Island's commitment to supporting meaningful causes. Nelia Dolan, VP of Southern Delaware Brewing said, "Breweries have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact, and we're proud to stand with Project Recover through our IPA for MIAs program."

Crafted with 100% American hops, including Bru-1, Sabro, and El Dorado, 1776 boasts tantalizing notes of pineapple, peach, and coconut — a fitting tribute to the flavors of summer and the spirit of Memorial Day. Justin Leahy, the creative force behind the brew, described 1776 as the perfect companion for Memorial Day celebrations and outdoor gatherings.

In addition to offering 1776 on draft, Thompson Island will also have 4-packs available for carry-out.

For more information about Thompson Island Brewing Company and their commitment to supporting Project Recover, visit thompsonislandbrewing.com.

About Southern Delaware Brewing

Southern Delaware Brewing includes its flagship brewpub Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, which opened in 2019, and Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View, which opened in 2022.

Inspired by the low-key Southern Delaware lifestyle, Thompson Island serves fresh beer and great food in a fun, relaxed space with two bars. In addition to the spacious dining room, the brewpub has covered and uncovered outdoor dining areas, including a beer garden, cornhole and Ping-Pong. Since its inception, Thompson Island has won many awards for craft beers, including a gold medal from U.S. Open Beer Championship for its flagship beer, Thompson Island IPA. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.

Thompson Island Summer Movie Nights Debut May 4th

Brewery kicks off outdoor movie nights with Spaceballs

Thompson Island Brewing will host their first outdoor movie night on Saturday, May 4th with a showing of the Mel Brooks classic, Spaceballs.

REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. (May 2, 2024) — Thompson Island Brewing will host their first outdoor movie night on Saturday, May 4th with a showing of the Mel Brooks classic, Spaceballs.

Thompson Island will welcome everyone to kick back in their favorite beach chair, order their favorite Thompson Island beer or Matt’s Homemade soda, and enjoy a classic movie as the sun sets. Over the course of the summer the brewery will also be showing classics like Jaws, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Jurassic Park.   

This Saturday, in addition to showing the movie Spaceballs, there will be Spaceballs (AND Star Wars) themed menu specials. The specials menu starts Friday at 4pm and includes a Pizza the Hut, a Focaccia slider with tomato sauce, cheese blend, salami, and fresh basil. There will also be Spaceballs, a pork, veal, and beef blend meatball with a sticky glaze and cheese sauce. For the local beer aficionado they will debut Ludicrous Speed IPA: for non-drinkers they will be pouring Liquid Schwartz - a frozen homemade lemonade.

Director of Operations, Kris Medford said, “Summer is for making memories that will last a lifetime. I remember seeing Spaceballs for the first time, and I can’t wait to share that with my kids”

The movie begins at sundown on Saturday. Wait staff will be on-site to serve beers, cocktails, and snacks. Costumes are highly encouraged.

For information on Thompson Island Brewing, visit thompsonislandbrewing.com

About Southern Delaware Brewing

Southern Delaware Brewing includes its flagship brewpub Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, which opened in 2019, and Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View, which opened in 2022.

Inspired by the low-key Southern Delaware lifestyle, Thompson Island serves fresh beer and great food in a fun, relaxed space with two bars. In addition to the spacious dining room, the brewpub has covered and uncovered outdoor dining areas, including a beer garden, cornhole and Ping-Pong. Since its inception, Thompson Island has won many awards for craft beers, including a gold medal from U.S. Open Beer Championship for its flagship beer, Thompson Island IPA. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.

Thompson Island guest bartending nets $2,200 for CHEF

Patrons packed the Thompson Island Brewing Company beer garden Dec. 8 for the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation guest bartending event.

Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation check presentation attendees shown are (l-r) Bob Fulton, Jenny Nauman, Dru Tevis, Nelia Dolan, Vivian Bush and Dave Frederick. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

A full 100% of the tips from bartending and 50% of all sales in the beer garden went to support CHEF, the local foundation that provides grants and funding to help Cape district students and teachers excel in the classroom.

With the help of local education administrators Kathleen Sheehan, Kim Corbidge, Dave Frederick, Vivian Bush, Kristin DeGregory, Tim Slade, Doris Person, Jimmy McDowell, Kyle Bentley, Clara Conn, Bob Fulton and Jenny Nauman, the foundation received $2,237.

The fundraiser included a team competition to see who could raise the most cash during their 20-minute shifts. The Sussex Consortium-Frederick D. Thomas Middle School team comprising Vivian Bush and Dave Frederick was the clear winner, with the Fulton/Nauman and DeGregory/Slade teams finishing in a close tie for second.

Dave Frederick, left, and Vivian Bush were two of the guest bartenders at Thompson Island’s CHEF fundraiser

Nelia Dolan, vice president of Southern Delaware Brewing, said, “The Cape Henlopen Education Foundation event was a great success and so much fun. We love to be part of this community, and we love for people to have a great time in our brewpub. It was a win all around, and the event will undoubtably go down as one of my favorite partnerships so far. Next year, we will invite teachers.”

For more information, go to thompsonislandbrewing.com and chef-cape.org.

Thompson Island win silver at national beer festival

‘Never Been Wrong’ beer by Thompson Island Brewing Company won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMPSON ISLAND

Thompson Island Brewing Company, a branch of SoDel Concepts, was awarded a silver medal at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition, hosted and presented by the Brewers Association®.

Thompson Island was recognized in the Mixed-Culture Brett beer-style category for ‘Never Been Wrong’, which was aged in white wine barrels for 6 months with wild yeast. This process created a unique, tart quality with notes of oak and orchard fruits.

The Brew Team will celebrate their win in the Thompson Island Beer Garden on Thursday, September 28th from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  

“I am so proud of what the brew team has accomplished,” Nelia Dolan, Vice President of Southern Delaware Brewing, said in a statement. “When we opened in 2019, our goal was to brew World Class Beer. The recognition of our peers at the GABF validates that we are doing just that.” 

The Great American Beer Festival comprises of 250 judges from around the world, as well as more than 300 volunteers. Throughout three phases over nine days, 9,200+ entries were evaluated from 2,033 breweries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

“The Great American Beer Festival competition serves as a platform for the finest brews from around the world to undergo rigorous scrutiny to earn the title of ‘the best of the best,’” Chris Williams, competition director of the Great American Beer Festival, said. “The beer community’s unwavering commitment to pushing the frontiers of innovation and quality is truly commendable. The Brewers Association takes great pride in recognizing the achievements of this year’s victors.”

For more information on the Great American Beer Festival competition, including a complete 2023 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.

Thompson Island brew benefits Rehoboth volunteer fire company

For the Engine 86 Brew day, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company members joined the brewers at Thompson Island. Shown are (l-r) Mike Simpler, Justin Leahy, Alex Wenhold and John Meng. For every 4-pack sold at Thompson Island, $2 will be donated to the fire company for a new fire truck. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company needs a new fire truck, and Thompson Island is brewing a beer to contribute.

Members of the fire company recently joined Thompson Island head brewer Justin Leahy to brew up Engine 86, a fresh IPA that will help raise funds for a new fire truck.

The new unit will be an enforcer cab with a 2000 GPM pump and 750 tank on a short wheelbase; it will be the first response unit for all fire calls in Rehoboth and Dewey. It is replacing a 15-year-old truck and will allow the fire company to better serve the community. The cost of the truck is $980,000

Thompson Island head brewer Justin Leahy, left, looks on as Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company President Mike Simpler adds hops to the brew.

Leahy said, “My brother started his career as a first responder with our local volunteer fire department, so it is meaningful to partner with the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company on Engine 86 IPA and help raise funds for a new fire truck. Engine 86 is a well-balanced American Style IPA where everyone can enjoy the hop notes of citrus peel, grapefruit and pine."

Engine 86 will release Friday, Sept 8, at Thompson Island, and $2 from every 4-pack sold will be donated to the fire company. Guests can also find the beer at the 86 Hook and Ladder Brewfest fire department fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 9.

For more information, go to thompsonislandbrewing.com. To contribute to the fire truck campaign, go to rehobothbeachfire.com.

Thompson Island fetes USA Today Best Beer Garden win

Games for all ages, fire pit seating and outdoor live music made Thompson Island Brewing Company’s beer garden worthy of inclusion on USA Today’s list of the best beer gardens in the U.S. Shown smashing a ping-pong volley is Tanya Doporcyk. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

When USA Today released its list of the top 10 beer gardens in the United States last fall, Thompson Island Brewing Company was among the readers’ top picks.

“We were thrilled to bring this recognition to Rehoboth,” said Nelia Dolan, Southern Delaware Brewing vice president. “But we did not have a chance to celebrate with the staff until the weather got warmer."

Staff members recently celebrated the win with a small summer kickoff party. Attendees enjoyed cornhole, giant Jenga, ping-pong and Connect 4, in addition to live music.

Playing a supersize Connect 4 game at Thompson Island Brewing Company is Michelle Books, in one of USA Today top 10 beer gardens in the country. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Dolan said, “From families and friends to business networking events and bachelorette parties, we are creating a welcoming space for all."

The beer garden will expand its events this summer, offering movie nights, pinball nights and culinary demonstrations from Chef Dru Tevis.

For more information, go to thompsonislandbrewing.com.

Locals’ week set June 9-15 at Thompson Island and Ocean View brewpubs

Thompson Island Brewing and Ocean View Brewing companies will celebrate locals with specials June 9-15. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Summer is here. Before the traffic really picks up and the tourist season starts, two coastal brewpubs will celebrate Sussex County residents with locals’ week from Friday, June 9, to Thursday, June 15.

“Locals support our brewpubs all year long,” said Kris Medford, director of operations for Southern Delaware Brewing Company, which manages the brewpubs. “We want to thank them for their support before we officially kick off the beach season and welcome tourists back to town.”

During the week, Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach and Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View will offer $10 four-packs and $5 pours of signature beers: Thompson Island’s signature IPA, No Bad Days Lager, and Cosmic Cow Stout; and Ocean View’s IPA and Got Waves, a Kolsch.

This also launches the breweries’ summer lunch menu for locals. Monday through Thursday, both breweries are featuring a different discounted entrée, including $14 tacos, $16 4-piece fried chicken meals, and $16 house burgers with a beer.

“We invite our regular customers to stop in and raise a glass to summer,” Medford said.

For more information, go to thompsonislandbrewing.com and oceanviewbrewingde.com.

Thompson Island Brewing Co. introduce IPA for MIA soldiers

Thompson Island Head Brewer Justin Leahy developed the recipe for 1776 to raise funds to benefit IPAs for MIAs. | PHOTO COURTESY OF SODEL CONCEPT

REHOBOTH BEACH — To kick off the summer season, Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, will release 1776, a hazy IPA, on May 25 — just in time for Memorial Day.

From the release date until May 30, a portion of 1776’s four-pack sales will benefit Project Recover, which locates and returns soldiers missing in action since World War II.

The initiative was founded by Dr. Mark Moline, a marine biology professor on the University of Delaware’s Lewes campus.

“Breweries create a unique beer of their choice to benefit the organization and raise awareness,” Lauren Bigelow, who oversees the beer program for Thompson Island and its sister brewery, Ocean View Brewing Company, said.

“There are notes of pineapple, peach and coconut — flavors that are perfect for Memorial Day activities,” Justin Leahy, the head brewer, said.

In addition to 1776, Thompson Island will sell a T-shirt to benefit Project Recover. A portion of the 4-pack and shirt sales will benefit the nonprofit.

Southern Delaware Brewing includes its flagship brewpub Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, which opened in 2019, and Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View, which opened in 2022.

Inspired by Southern Delaware, Thompson Island serves beer and food in a relaxed space with two bars. In addition to the spacious dining room, the brewpub has covered and uncovered outdoor dining areas, including a beer garden, cornhole and Ping-Pong. Since its inception, Thompson Island has won many awards for craft beers, including a gold medal from U.S. Open Beer Championship for its flagship beer, Thompson Island IPA. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.

USA Today names Thompson Island Brewing to Best Beer Garden list

With games, seating and a heated tent in winter, Thompson Island Brewing Company’s beer garden is worthy of USA Today’s list of the best beer gardens in the U.S. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

USA Today recently released a list of the top 10 beer gardens in the United States, and Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach is among the readers’ choices.

“When we designed Thompson Island, we incorporated all the elements of a successful gathering spot: games, music, sports and comfort,” said Lauren Bigelow, who oversees the beer program. The company also owns Ocean View Brewing Company.

The tented, heated courtyard includes plenty of seating, and in the exterior courtyard, people can play cornhole, giant Jenga, ping-pong and Connect 4.

There is live music on weekends, and Thompson Island features $6 food specials on Sundays during the football season.

The courtyard is also the site of the beer dinners, even in winter.

For more information, go to thompsonislandbrewing.com.

Thompson Island Brewing and Surf Bagel team for new coffee stout

Surf Bagel and Thompson Island Brewing Company released Surf Bagel Breakfast Stout in honor of the bagel shop’s third location in Milford. SUBMITTED PHOTO

In honor of Surf Bagel’s soon-to-open third location in Milford, the shop teamed up with Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach to brew Surf Bagel Breakfast Stout.

The beer is available in cans at Thompson Island and it will be offered at Surf Bagel Milford when it opens later this month.

The stout is brewed with Swell Joe’s Awake blend. The coffee roaster is in the same Lewes complex as the original Surf Bagel location, and supplies all coffee offered at Surf Bagel.

“Surf Bagel and Swell Joe have a long-standing relationship,” said Matt Patton, Surf Bagel vice president."Working with Thompson Island to create a beer that showcases that relationship made sense. And the beer is delicious."

The beer is fragrant with coffee and roasted malt aromas with hints of chocolate. As for the flavor, the bittersweet chocolate note includes a hint of dried fruit.

For more information, go to surfbagel.com and thompsonislandbrewing.com.

Food & Wine Recognizes Thompson Island Brewing Co.’s pumpkin ale

Thompson Island Brewing Company’s pumpkin ale, Boooo!!!!, is on Food & Wine magazine’s Best Fall Beers of 2022 list.

Coastal Point | Submitted

Food & Wine magazine recently included Thompson Island Brewing Company‘s pumpkin ale, Booo!!!!, on the “Best Fall Beers of 2022” list.

The Rehoboth Beach brewery is part of SoDel Concepts, which operates 17 coastal Delaware restaurants, including two brewpubs.

“We brewed Boooo!!!! with real pumpkin, clove, ginger, allspice and cinnamon — all the fall flavors of a delicious pumpkin pie,” said Lauren Bigelow, who oversees SoDel Concepts’ beer program.

She said the brewery was thrilled to make the national list alongside such well-known fall brews as Allagash Haunted House, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, and the original pumpkin beer, Shipyard Pumpkin.

Thompson Island Brewing Company’s pumpkin ale, Boooo!!!!, is on Food & Wine magazine’s Best Fall Beers of 2022 list.

Boooo!!!! is available on draft and in crowlers while supplies last.

To view the complete list, visit foodandwine.com/beer/best-fall-beers. For more information about Thompson Island Brewing Company, visit thompsonislandbrewing.com or sodelconcepts.com.

Thompson Island dinner to toast Tröegs lager collab Aug. 3

Brittany Cordova, a brewer at Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, helped create Summer Lager, a collaboration with Tröegs Independent Brewing

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, part of SoDel Concepts, and Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Pa., have joined forces to brew Summer Lager.

Tröegs owner John Trogner will be the special guest at a four-course beer dinner featuring Summer Lager at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Thompson Island Brewing. Cost is $60 per person. For tickets, go to thompsonislandbrewing.com.

SoDel Concepts has a long relationship with Tröegs. “In the past, we helped them with menu planning for their tasting room, and their experts helped us get our brewpubs off the ground,” said Matt Patton, the director of SoDel Concepts’ beer program. “We’re looking forward to producing more beers with our friends.”

“[Summer Lager is] a crisp, clean and easy-drinking beer,” said Jimmy Valm, who oversees brewing operations at Thompson Island and its new sibling, Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View.

“The beer was krausened and dry-hopped with Citra and Saaz for hints of citrus and flowering herbs,” Valm said.

Summer Lager is available in drafts and cans at SoDel Concepts restaurants. It quickly sold out in Tröegs’ Hershey taproom.

Thompson Island Brewing Company wins gold for IPA

REHOBOTH BEACH — Thompson Island Brewing Company, a branch of SoDel Concepts, earned a gold medal for Boat Day White IPA at the U.S. Open Beer Championship.

The competition is one of the top three in the United States.

“Boat Day brings together the refreshingly crisp mouthfeel and yeast esters of a Belgian witbier with light lemony and orange hop notes of a summery IPA,” said Jimmy Valm, head brewer at Thompson Island and its new sister brewery, Ocean View Brewing Company. “It’s a beer that’s perfect for sipping when you’re by the water — or on it.”

The Belgian esters deliver the citrusy flavor and aroma, said Matt Patton, the certified cicerone who oversees SoDel Concept’s beer program. “There is also the scent and subtle flavor of bubblegum and pear, plus cloves from the phenols,” he added.

The beer’s slightly bready wheat-based maltiness gives way to the lemon and orange peel of the hops in the middle and end.

Boat Day White IPA is available in cans and on draft at Thompson Island on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach while supplies last.

Brewers Brittany Cordova and Madison Philiposian of Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, show off Boat Day White IPA, which won a gold medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championship. | PHOTO COURTESY OF SODEL

SoDel Concepts employees sell 11,500 craft brews during in-house contest

Nigel Vestrand, a server at Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, is honored for his first-place win in SoDel Concepts recent beer sales contest among employees.

Between Nov. 15, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2022, SoDel Concepts employees participated in a friendly competition. The goal: sell the most Thompson Island Brewing Company beers.

Thompson Island, a Rehoboth Beach brewpub, is one of 16 restaurants under the hospitality group’s umbrella.

Since brewpub employees had a clear advantage, their count was based on to-go sales. The first prize package includes a stay at Hershey Lodge, two tickets to Hersheypark, a tour of Troegs Independent Brewing in Hershey and dinner at the brewery and pocket money.

The top three servers in the non-brewpub restaurants were all from Matt’s Fish Camp in Fenwick Island. Bogi Szabo earned first place; and Kelsey Waller and Colleen O’Malley came in second and third, respectively.

Nigel Vestrand won first place at Thompson Island, followed by Justin Mento and Michelle Spence.

All told, employees sold 11,500 beers during the contest dates. Since then, SoDel Concepts has opened a second brewpub, Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View.

For information about SoDel Concepts, visit sodelconcepts.com.

Thompson Island releases homebrew contest-winning Groundskeeper Porter

Jack Price, left, winner of Thompson Island Brewing Company’s 2021 Homebrew Contest, joined Jimmy Valm, brewmaster, to produce Price’s Groundskeeper Porter, released recently at the Rehoboth Beach brewpub.

Coastal Point | Submitted

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach was set to release a new beer this week. That’s nothing new. However, this beer is the creation of homebrewer Jack Price of Milford, winner of Thompson Island’s second Annual Homebrew Contest. The restaurant is part of SoDel Concepts.

Price worked with the brewpub’s brewmaster, Jimmy Valm, to produce Groundskeeper Porter, a coffee porter, on a larger scale.

The name was inspired by Price, who roasted his own coffee for his contest entry. For the larger batch, coffee beans from Swell Joe Coffee in Lewes provide the signature note.

“We fell in love with Jack’s porter with the first sip,” said Valm, who judged the contest along with Jimmy Kroon, president of Delmarva United Homebrewers in Sussex County, and Matt Patton, a certified cicerone. Patton oversees SoDel Concepts’ beer program.

“It was a pleasure brewing the beer in our facility,” Valm said. “We know our guests will love it as well.”

Price enjoyed working with the brewing team. “It’s always a learning experience when you brew with someone else, and this was no exception,” he said. “They are such a talented group, which explains why the beers are so good — especially mine!”

Visit sodelconcepts.com for information on Thompson Island Brewing Company and SoDel Concepts’ other restaurants.

Leahy joins Thompson Island ahead of Ocean View Brewing Company opening

Justin Leahy is becoming the head brewer at Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, allowing Brewmaster Jimmy Valm to expand oversight two two SoDel Concepts restaurants as the company prepares to open Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View in 2022.

Justin Leahy is the new head brewer at Thompson Island Brewing Company, a Rehoboth Beach brewpub owned by SoDel Concepts.

A graduate of the Siebel Institute of Technology Brewing School in Chicago, Leahy recently worked at Peace Tree Company, a craft microbrewery in Knoxville, Iowa.

“Justin brings a wealth of knowledge to our team,” said Brewmaster Jimmy Valm, who oversees brewing operations at Thompson Island and the new Ocean View Brewing Company, which is under construction.

“We are excited to have him take the reins of Thompson Island as we continue to expand with new locations,” Valm continued.

Leahy is taking on more of the daily tasks in the Rehoboth brewpub, allowing Valm to get Ocean View Brewing ready for a spring 2022 opening.

“Being originally from outside of Philadelphia, I’m really excited to be on the East Coast again,” Leahy said. “It’s been an absolute pleasure thus far working alongside such immensely talented, dedicated and caring people at Thompson Island and SoDel Concepts.”

The Thompson Island Brewing team now has five members.

Thompson Island Brewing collaborates with German brewer

Matt Patton and the brewing team from Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, recently collaborated with Bavaria-based Camba Bavaria to create a New England-style IPA — a rarity in Germany. | PHOTO COURTESY OF SODEL CONCEPTS

REHOBOTH BEACH — Not many German brewers want to produce a hoppy New England-style IPA. But that is precisely what Camba Bavaria did with the help of the brewing team from Rehoboth Beach-based Thompson Island Brewing Company.

The American brewers were in Germany to inspect equipment for Ocean View Brewing Company, which is under construction in coastal Delaware. Both brewpubs are owned and operated by SoDel Concepts, a Rehoboth Beach hospitality company with 14 restaurants.

The international collaboration produced what is likely the one of the “hoppiest beer” ever brewed at Camba, said Matt Patton, a certified cicerone who oversees SoDel Concepts’ beer program.

“We used 20 kilograms of Citra, Mosaic and El Dorado hops for a massive aroma of orange citrus, tropical fruit — like mango and passion fruit — and some peach and pear notes,” he said. “All of this was on top of a wheat-and-oat base for a juicy body.”

The beer was released in Germany. The Delaware brewers will produce it in spring 2022 when Ocean View Brewing Company opens.

Visit sodelconcepts.com for more information.

Locals week at Thompson Island Brewing continues thru Nov. 11

Thompson Island Brewing Company is paying tribute to locals during happy hour through Thurday, Nov. 11. Shareable appetizers include carne asada fries covered in slow-cooked beef, cheese sauce, guajillo sauce and scallions.

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach salutes beach residents with a new happy hour menu and glassware giveaway from 4 to 7 p.m., through Thursday, Nov. 11.

“The off-season traditionally is the time when locals come out to socialize after busy summer and shoulder seasons,” said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts. “We want to thank them for their support – they are the foundation of our business.”

Thompson Island Brewing Company recently redesigned the cans for its bestselling No Bad Days Lager and Thompson Island IPA. While supplies last though Nov. 11, happy hour guests will receive a free glass when they order these beers. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Guests can receive a commemorative glass if they order a $5 pour of No Bad Days Lager or Thompson Island IPA. These top-selling brands are also debuting a new can design. Four-packs of to-go will be available for $10. Certain exclusions apply, and the glassware offer is available while supplies last.

The new happy hour menu features shareable apps including kung pao chicken tenders, fried chicken legs, deviled eggs and carne asada fries – crisp fries covered in slow-cooked beef, cheese sauce, guajillo sauce and scallions.

The specials are available only during happy hour. To learn more, go to sodelconcepts.com.

Thompson Island Brewing names homebrew contest winners

Thompson Island Brewing Company Brewmaster Jimmy Valm, left, congratulates Jack Price of Milford, first-place winner in this year’s homebrew contest. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jack Price of Milford won first place in the second annual homebrew contest sponsored by Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach.

Price’s winning entry was a coffee porter. “It was delicious,” said Jimmy Valm, Thompson Island brewmaster, who announced the winners at the brewpub’s second anniversary celebration.

“I’m looking forward to brewing with Jack in our facility, and we’ll offer his recipe to our guests this winter,” said Valm.

Joe Charles of Milton received second-place honors for an English-style bitter, and Brad Hannah of Frederica won third for a New England IPA.

The judges included Valm; Jimmy Kroon, president of Delmarva United Homebrewers in Sussex County; and Matt Patton, a certified cicerone who oversees SoDel Concepts’ beer program.

“The talent this year was top-notch,” Patton said. “We’re already looking forward to next year.”

Thompson Island Brewing Company is part of SoDel Concepts, which is building a second brewpub, Ocean View Brewing Company.