Wave Check wins for wit at U.S. Beer Tasting Championship

Wave Check from Rehoboth Beach-based SoDel Concepts, won best Belgian witbier in the Mid-Atlantic at the summer event of the United States Beer Tasting Championship’s 27th annual competition.

Coastal Point • Submitted

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, part of SoDel Concepts, recently had one of its brews named the best Belgian witbier in the Mid-Atlantic region, at the United States Beer Tasting Championship (USBTC).

The competition was the summer event of USBTC’s 27th annual multistage competition. Judges examined 775 beers from 177 breweries across 18 beer categories. Within each, the USBTC determined a grand champion and the best entry from seven U.S. regions.

“There is stiff competition in the Mid-Atlantic market, which makes this recognition so rewarding,” said Jimmy Valm, brewmaster for Thompson Island Brewing Company and for Ocean View Brewing Company, which is under construction.

“Some of the participants who placed in other categories include Troegs Brewing Company, Victory, Heavy Seas and our neighbor in Rehoboth, Revelation Craft Brewing Company,” he said.

A seasonal release, Wave Check (5.2 percent ABV) is brewed with orange peel and coriander for a slight fruit taste with a spicy bite. Witbier (white beer) is always cloudy, as opposed to some other wheat beers.

By 2022, SoDel Concepts will have 14 restaurants, including the two brewpubs. Visit sodelconcepts.com for more information.

Thompson Island Brewing and Swell Joe partner for Cosmic Cuppa

REHOBOTH BEACH — Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach and Swell Joe Coffee in Lewes have joined forces to produce Cosmic Cuppa, a limited-release draft-only brew.

Previously, the two Delaware companies teamed up to produce The Shoals, an Imperial Mocha Stout with cacao nibs.

The new craft beer is a variation of Cosmic Cow Milk Stout, one of the beers the brewpub has been crafting since it opened in 2019, aged on Swell Joe A-Wake blend coffee beans.

“A-Wake is one of our most popular blends,” said Karen Johnson, co-owner of the coffee roastery, in a statement. “It is full-bodied, dark and delicious.”

Java-lovers will appreciate that Cosmic Cuppa has more of a coffee-forward flavor than Cosmic Cow, said Jimmy Valm, Thompson Island’s brewmaster, in a statement.

“Cosmic Cow is more chocolate- and toffee-forward, although it has notes of coffee from the malts,” Valm explains. “Cosmic Cuppa is dominated by coffee bean flavor.”

Johnson didn’t hesitate when Swell Joe had another opportunity to work with Thompson Island.

“Our other collaborations were so successful that we were thrilled to be part of Cosmic Cuppa’s creation,” she said. “We are always willing to work with a local company that gives attention to quality and flavor as we do.”

The limited-edition stout is only available at Thompson Island Brewing Company on Route 1 (Coastal Highway), just outside the entrance to downtown Rehoboth Beach.

Thompson Island Brewing Company is part of SoDel Concepts.

Cosmic Cuppa is the latest collaboration between Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach and Swell Joe Coffee in Lewes. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMPSON ISLAND BREWERY

Oktoberfest returning to Thompson Island Brewing Company

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach will celebrate Oktoberfest on Sept. 17-19 at the brewpub on Coastal Highway. Brewmaster Jimmy Valm and Executive Chef Lou Ortiz are ready for the event.

Coastal Point • Submitted

Held in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is an international celebration of beer that has led to similar festivities in other cities. In Rehoboth Beach, Thompson Island Brewing Company’s guests can raise a stein from Sept. 17 to Sept. 19.

“We’re so excited for guests to try our special Oktoberfest-style lager,” said Brewmaster Jimmy Valm. “It’s a crisp Marzen with a clean hop finish. It pairs perfectly with the special Oktoberfest menu that Executive Chef Lou Ortiz has prepared.”

Dishes will include ThompsonFest bratwurst with sauerkraut and beer mustard on a hoagie roll; mushroom-and-goat cheese strudel with arugula salad; Obatzda cheese spread with a pretzel and herb-onion slaw; a Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese and beer mustard; and apple strudel cheesecake with shortbread crust, cinnamon-vanilla bean cheesecake, apple mousse and apple strudel ganache.

Guests can purchase the Oktoberfest beer in a signature stein. The price is $8, and the steins are limited to one per person, while supplies last.

Thompson Island Brewing Company is part of SoDel Concepts, a hospitality company with 18 business operations: 14 coastal restaurants, three sports concessions and a wedding-and-events venue. Ocean View Brewing Company is currently under construction in Ocean View.

Visit sodelconcepts.com for a listing of the establishments, special events and menus.

Thompson Island expands brewing staff ahead of Ocean View opening

Thompson Island Brewing Company, a Rehoboth Beach brewpub, won four awards at the 2021 New York International Beer Competition.

Coastal Point • Submitted

Jimmy Valm, the brewmaster at Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach, recently announced that Charlotte Jump and Nikolas Theopold have joined his team, for a total of five brewers.

Charlotte Jump recently joined the brewing team at Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach. The biochemistry major said she loves the science behind the process.

The crew has been busy this summer handling production for the award-winning brewpub, but they are also preparing for the opening of Ocean View Brewing Company, now under construction in Ocean View.

Valm will oversee production at both brewpubs, which are part of Rehoboth Beach-based SoDel Concepts. The company currently has 18 business operations, including Matt’s Fish Camp, which will open a third location, in Fenwick Island, this fall.

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach recently added Nikolas Theopold to its award-winning brewing team. He recently earned a master’s degree in organic chemistry at UCLA.

“We’ve been working hard to keep up with the demand for our beer,” Valm said. “It’s wonderful to see how much our guests enjoy our products at all of our restaurants. Charlotte and Nik will be a great asset as we continue to take our beers to the next level.”

Jump, who has been at Thompson Island since it opened in 2019, started as a server, but the biochemistry major, who graduate from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa., was drawn to the brewing process.

Theopold recently graduated from UCLA with a master’s degree in organic chemistry. He became interested in brewing when he met a brewmaster in California.

“He was so happy at work,” Theopold recalled. “I wanted to try it.”

He picked a notable training ground. Thompson Island Brewing Company has won numerous awards, including a gold medal for Thompson Island IPA at the U.S. Open Brewing Beer Championship. Glazed & Confused earned a bronze in the chocolate-cocoa beer category.

All the current SoDel Concepts restaurants are open for dining and carryout. Visit sodelconcepts.com for a listing of the establishments, special events and menus.

Thompson Island Releasing Peach IPA

Thompson Island is releasing a peach puree-infused IPA for SoDel Concepts’ Peach Month. The peaches come from Bennett Orchards near Frankford.

Thompson Island Brewing Company is releasing a peach puree-infused variation of one of their popular IPAs for SoDel Concepts Peach Month.

Peach Clawback starts with the base of a hazy, 8.8 percent ABV IPA and will utilize peaches from Bennett Orchards in Frankford. A heavy dose of Cascade, Citra, Mosaic and Calypso hops provides a cornucopia of pineapple, honeydew, orange and citrus to complement the peaches, representatives described.

“Supporting local farmers is at the heart of our business,” said Matt Patton, beer director for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants. “We look forward to any opportunity to include seasonal ingredients in our brews.”

This beer will be available on draft only and will release on Saturday, July 17, at 11:30 a.m. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.

SoDel Concepts breaks ground on Ocean View Brewing Company

June 10, 2021

A crowd turned out for the groundbreaking of Ocean View Brewing Company, SoDel Concepts’ 14th restaurant. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

SoDel Concepts broke ground on Ocean View Brewing Company, which is expected to open in early 2022.

A crowd turned out for the groundbreaking of Ocean View Brewing Company, SoDel Concepts’ 14th restaurant. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

SoDel Concepts recently broke ground on Ocean View Brewing Company, the hospitality company’s 14th restaurant and second brewpub.

The Rehoboth Beach hospitality group plans to open the new brewpub in early 2022.

The groundbreaking took place June 3 on the property at the corner of Route 26 and Woodland Avenue in Ocean View. The location is near NorthEast Seafood Kitchen, another SoDel Concepts venue.

“The Ocean View-area community has always been so welcoming,” said Scott Kammerer, president of the hospitality company, which will open Matt’s Fish Camp in Fenwick Island this month. “We have so many loyal customers in Ocean View, and we are excited to bring fresh, homemade beer and delicious, chef-driven food to the area.”

In 2019, SoDel Concepts opened its first brewpub, Thompson Island Brewing Company. The restaurant is just outside the entrance to Rehoboth Beach near sibling Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar. The brewpub quickly won fans, along with awards at prestigious beer competitions.

Jimmy Valm, head brewmaster at Thompson Island, will oversee both breweries. While Ocean View Brewing Company will feature unique beers, it will also offer some of Thompson Island’s most popular brews.

Matt Patton, vice president of construction, is overseeing the project, which is being built from the ground up. He is working with Lighthouse Construction and Fisher Architecture to develop the 200-seat restaurant.

Patton, a certified cicerone, also handles the company’s beer program. “We will make world-class beer at Ocean View Brewing Company,” he said. “Expect a comfortable atmosphere with a beautiful beer garden, superior service and a menu full of coastal favorites.”

Ocean View Brewing Company will feature the fried chicken that made Thompson Island a destination. The new restaurant will also serve pub-style sandwiches, light and refreshing bowls, and dishes suitable for sharing. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner.

This season, all SoDel Concepts restaurants are open for dining and carryout. For a listing of the establishments, special events and menus, go to sodelconcepts.com.

Yappy hour with Grass Roots Rescue set at Thompson Island June 10

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach will host a yappy hour with Grass Roots Rescue June 10. SUBMITTED PHOTO

June 8, 2021

Thompson Island is welcoming adoptable dogs from Grass Roots Rescue for a yappy hour from 5 to 7 p.m Thursday, June 10 on its outdoor porch seating area.

All those interested in meeting adoptable dogs are welcome to join.

“We look forward to any time we can use one of our restaurants to promote a worthy cause,” said Shannon Colburn, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants.

Grass Roots Rescue is made up of a dedicated family of fosters, volunteers and veterinarians who are committed to making sure any dogs, regardless of breed, age or medical condition, have the ability to transform into the best versions of themselves. The dogs are provided love, veterinary care and training until their forever families come along.

Reinie Thompson, Grass Roots Rescue event coordinator, said, “We love combining local dog-friendly businesses and our adoptable dogs for events, because it not only helps increase awareness of dogs in need but also provides our dogs with stimulation and hopefully, business for the host of our events. We are honored to be chosen by SoDel and specifically Thompson Island to partner for this event.”

All SoDel Concepts establishments are open for dine-in and takeout service. 

For more information or to order, go to sodelconcepts.com.

Thompson Island Brewing Company unveils new mural

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach recently debuted a mural painted by local artist Michael Johnson. | PHOTO COURTESY OF SODEL CONCEPTSep

REHOBOTH BEACH — Visitors to Thompson Island Brewing Company’s beer garden are in for a colorful surprise. The Rehoboth Beach brewpub recently unveiled a vibrant mural on one wall.

“Murals have become a fun way to pay tribute to what makes our beach area so unique,” said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other Delaware restaurants. “They also give businesses the chance to support talented local artists.”

The mural was painted by Michael Johnson, a University of Delaware graduate, who grew up in Sussex County, Delaware. He is a founding member of the Dewey Artist Collaboration, now the Developing Artist Collaboration.

The vivid scene shows Thompson Island’s popular India Pale Ale splashing from a can into a glass and up toward a golden sunset — or sunrise — over azure waters. Green hops seem to gleefully dance around the glass.

The three evergreens silhouetted against the sun were inspired by the artwork for Loblolly Blonde, which was created by Andrew Dickinson, the hospitality company’s art director.

“We love the way that the design captures the vibe of the beach and our beer,” said Matt Patton, who oversees SoDel Concepts’ beer program. “It’s eye-catching, and all the elements say something about Thompson Island, the inland bay landmark that is our namesake.”

Patton is also overseeing the construction of Matt’s Fish Camp in Fenwick Island and the development of Ocean View Brewing Company near Bethany Beach.

Thompson Island Releases No Bad Days Lager

REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. — Thompson Island is releasing No Bad Days, a Southern Delaware inspired lager, in cans.

“No Bad Days is a Southern Delaware lager brewed for the coastal Delaware lifestyle,” said Matt Patton, Beer Director for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants, “It’s perfect for beach bonfires, kayaking, biking the trail or just enjoying the view and it pairs well with all the Summer favorite foods: lightly fried seafood, grilled burgers, and roasted chicken.”

No Bad Days is crisp and clean, lightly hopped, full of flavor but never heavy. 5.4% ABV, this quaffable beer boasts notes of herbs and spice from Saaz hops and floral notes from Hallertau Hersbrucker.

About SoDel Concepts

Based in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, SoDel Concepts is a multifaceted, award-winning hospitality group with 12 coastal restaurants: Visit sodelconcepts.com for a list of the restaurants.

Thompson Island named ‘Delaware Brewery of the Year’

REHOBOTH BEACH — Upstart brewpub Thompson Island Brewing Company won four awards at the 2021 New York International Beer Competition, including being crowned Delaware Brewery of the Year.

The brewpub opened by SoDel Concepts also received three silver awards for its Beautiful Pomegranate Kettle Sour, Little Friday Helles Lager and The Shoals, a coffee stout brewed with AWAKE coffee from Swell Joe Coffee in Lewes.

For a year-old brewery to be honored among 800 competing beers from 14 countries is a promise that Thompson Island Brewing Company’s greatest beer is yet to be brewed, SoDel Concepts Director of Operations Matt Patton said.

“Over the course of that year, we made a commitment to using the best ingredients and put care into the selection of every beer we have chosen to brew,” Patton told the Delaware Business Times. “We’re proud to see our commitment to quality acknowledged. Delaware has some great breweries, so to be recognized among our peers, who we admire, really means a lot.”

SoDel Concepts operates 12 restaurants along Delaware’s coast, but Thompson Island Brewing Company is the company’s first brewpub. Combining a casual brewery feel with a comfort food menu and a bocce ball court, the spot is nothing like any other SoDel restaurant.

Patton, a self-described beer geek who serves as the company’s beer director, said he long pushed for SoDel to open a brewpub.

“I had great confidence in us as a company because we have so many great people. We’re all here because we love Coastal Delaware, and all that it has to offer,” he said.

The name of Thompson Island Brewing Company harkens to that love of Delaware’s beaches. Thompson Island is protected land in the Rehoboth Bay, visible on the bay side in Dewey Beach. Even though its namesake is something only locals know about, Patton said the vision was to make Thompson Island Brewery Company welcoming for all dining occasions.

“[This] is the culmination of our belief that beautiful simple food can translate to beautiful simple beers,” he said. “We do both at Thompson Island, creating an approachable menu that pairs great with beer, but still lives up to the standards for food and service that SoDel Concepts has become known for.”

While 2020 was challenging for restaurants across the country, Thompson Island Brewing Company developed a loyal following, even with capacity restrictions in place. Thompson Island opened in October 2019 and was closed in March when the COVID-19 pandemic came to Delaware, but later opened up for limited capacity and takeout.

Looking back on 2020, Patton said the greatest triumph was the struggle of overcoming a year where nothing was expected. He credits the team for rising to the occasion, while building up the Thompson Island Brewing Company brand. Despite the shutdown and reopening process, customers still came back in crowds for beer and food.

“We had become a place that the local clientele not only enjoyed but really supported through the shut down,” he said. “After the initial first week and the transitions from pick up to curbside carryout, to a combination of dine-in and curbside carryout, they came out in droves, bought tons of beer and really made this year great.”

Thompson Island Brewing Company plans to continue to brew award-winning beer and dabble in experimental styles for a new crush of customers this summer.

“We think it’s going to be busier than ever here in Coastal Delaware. People are looking forward to going out with friends and family, and we look forward to being the place where they can do that,” Patton said.

Thompson Island Cosmic Cow Stout Returns

REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL.  — Thompson Island is bringing back their fan-favorite sweet stout, Cosmic Cow, in time for St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans.

“This is the perfect beer for St. Patrick’s Day,” said Matt Patton, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants.

Cosmic Cow is a sweet stout brewed with chocolate malts and lactose for flavors of chocolate, toffee and cold brew coffee. At 6.6% ABV, it is a smooth and creamy representation of the stout style of beer. Four-packs and draft launch March 16th at 11:30am. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.

About SoDel Concepts

Based in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, SoDel Concepts is a multifaceted, award-winning hospitality group with 12 coastal restaurants: Visit sodelconcepts.com for a list of the restaurants.

Thompson Island named Delaware Brewery of the Year

Thompson Island Brewing Company was named Delaware Brewery of the Year at the 2021 New York International Beer Competition, and the brewpub received three silver awards for its beer.

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach recently earned four medals at the 2021 New York International Beer Competition.

The brewpub, which is part of SoDel Concepts, took home the Delaware Brewery of the Year Award.

“The competition was stiff at this prestigious event,” said Matt Patton, a certified cicerone who directs the beer program for SoDel Concepts’ 12 restaurants in coastal Delaware. “Thompson Island Brewing Company is only a year old, so this is a remarkable honor — and the promise of good things to come.”

Thompson Island received silver medals for Beautiful Pomegranate Kettle Sour, Little Friday Helles Lager and The Shoals, a coffee stout brewed with Awake coffee from Swell Joe Coffee in Lewes.

“These are three very different styles of beer,” noted Patton, who is also director of operations for the hospitality company. “The awards demonstrate the skill and innovation of our brewing team and their ability to meet the highest standards.”

While 2020 was challenging for restaurants across the country, Thompson Island Brewing Company developed a loyal following, said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts.

“People safely enjoyed themselves in our beer garden and the spacious restaurant,” he said. “Many regulars picked up takeout beer and a meal.”

The brewpub has become a destination for locals and tourists, they said.

“We credit our friendly staff, our world-class brewing team and our culinary team,” Kammerer said. “And, of course, we praise our guests, who continually encourage us to raise the bar even higher.”

All SoDel Concepts restaurants are open for dining and carryout. Visit sodelconcepts.com for a listing of the establishments, special events and menus.

Thompson Island releasing four beers for St. Patrick’s Day

Thompson Island Brewing is releasing four Imperial Stout variations ahead of St. Patrick’s Day. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Thompson Island will be releasing four new beers inspired by St. Patrick’s Day Saturday, March 13.

“We realized we had a great opportunity to have some fun with our beers,” said Matt Patton, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants.

Four variations on an Imperial Stout will be released on draft March 13. They will be available in flights of four and individual pours while supplies last. Versions of the beer include: bourbon barrel kissed; Tullamore Dew-soaked oak chip aged; Bailey’s Irish Cream flavored; and Lucky Charms marshmallow infused.

“These beers will pair perfectly with our brunch options on Saturday and Sunday,” said Patton, who oversees the hospitality company’s beer program. “I can’t think of any better way to kick off St. Patrick’s Day week.”

For more information, go to thompsonislandbrewing.com.

All SoDel Concepts establishments are open with dine-in and takeout service. For a list of the restaurants, go to sodelconcepts.com.

Thompson Island chefs cooking up new beer styles

Head Chef Lou Ortiz adds hops to the beer recipe he helped create, Waiting for Summer, a guava double IPA inspired by his family traditions.

Coastal Point • Submitted

Two of the chefs at Thompson Island Brewing have collaborated with Brewmaster Jimmy Valm to create their own beer recipes.

“Great beer ideas come from all over the company,” said Matt Patton, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants.

Head Chef Lou Ortiz crafted “Waiting for Summer,” a guava double IPA inspired by the way his family practiced hospitality: Guests visiting his home were often treated to toast with guava as a snack. He started with the more-malty base of the double IPA and contrasted the bitterness with the sweetness of the guava.

Chef Joe Charles, on the other hand, took his inspiration from seasonal ingredients and created “Rogue Wave,” a Thai basil witbier — a fluffy mouthfeel complemented by the herbs and spices for a spring beverage.

“Our chefs have knowledge of uncommon ingredients that work perfectly when combined with beer,” explained Patton, who oversees the hospitality company’s beer program. “These beers are unique and unlike anything we’ve brewed yet.”

Waiting for Summer is currently available on draft and in cans. Rogue Wave will release on the first week in March. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.

All SoDel Concepts establishments are open with dine-in and takeout service. Visit sodelconcepts.com for a list of the restaurants.

Thomspon Island Brewing Company Is Offering The Best Carryout On The Delaware Coast

Posted in Delaware February 17, 2021 by Kim Magaraci

Delaware’s beach towns have made a name for themselves as being some of the best foodie towns in the Mid-Atlantic region, and Rehoboth Beach is at the forefront of the Delaware cuisine world. When it comes to tasty meals, you can’t go wrong when you visit Thompson Island Brewing Company.

Thompson Island Brewing Company is a great spot for coastal cuisine here in the First State.

Their menu features all sorts of delicious dishes, ranging from oyster shooters...

...to an amazing southern-style smoked bone-in pork chop, served with homemade sides that are sure to impress any foodie around.

Their famous Thompson Island Fried Chicken is a popular dish, so if you're craving comfort food, you can't go wrong.

Along with some of the most delicious homestyle food in town, you'll be able to try refreshing local craft brews! The beer menu here has more than 30 different drinks to choose from.

If you'd rather enjoy an amazing dinner from the comfort of your own home, place a takeout order and bring the restaurant experience home with you.

You'll find an expansive takeout menu featuring almost all of their classic dishes, and you can pick up a few of your favorite brews to go along with your meal.

Pick up a delicious meal from Thompson Island Brewing Company and enjoy a meal from one of the best restaurants in Rehoboth Beach.

Check out the menu on the Thompson Island Brewing Company website, right here.

For more of the best dining at the beach, read all about The Tiny Delaware Beach Town That’s Now A Mid-Atlantic Food Destination and plan a year full of amazing meals that will make you fall in love with Delaware’s dining scene.

Address: 30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA

Thompson Island gingerbread ale named national grand champion

Thompson Island Brewing Company’s gingerbread ale, Comfy Pants, was awarded the title of ‘Best Holiday Spice Ale’ in the U.S. by the U.S. Beer Tasting Championships.

Thompson Island Brewing Company’s gingerbread ale, Comfy Pants, was awarded the title of “Best Holiday Spice Ale” in the U.S. by the U.S. Beer Tasting Championships.

“We are pleased to receive recognition on a national level for our brewing program,” said Matt Patton, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants.

“This gingerbread ale was a collaboration between Pastry Chef Dru and Brewmaster Jimmy and it had actual gingerbread and gumdrops added,” explained Patton, who oversees the hospitality company’s beer program. “I can’t think of any beer that would taste more like the holidays.”

The announcement comes two months after the Thompson Island IPA won a gold medal for the best IPA in the world by the U.S. Open Beer Championships.

For information on Thompsons Island Brewing Company, visit thompsonislandbrewing.com. For a complete list of winners, visit http://usbtc.com/. All SoDel Concepts establishments are open with dine-in and takeout service. Visit sodelconcepts.com for a list of the restaurants.

Thompson Island Brewing virtual beer dinners continue Feb. 21

Thompson Island Brewing Company will host its next hybrid beer dinner at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 21.

Thompson Island Brewing Company Chef Lou Ortiz and Brewmaster Jimmy Valm discuss beers paired with various courses during a virtual dinner. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Located in Rehoboth Beach, Thompson Island Brewing celebrated its first anniversary at the end of 2020. What owner Scott Kammerer had planned for the brewery’s first year, however, changed dramatically with the onset of COVID-19 last spring.

Marketing and Events Coordinator Lauren Bigelow said the pandemic limited Thompson Island’s capacity to 30 percent only five months after its opening. “Prior to the pandemic, we were seating over 300 people at a time, and within a week we had to adapt entirely to carryout,” said Bigelow.

Although the 10 p.m. curfew has recently been lifted, businesses like Thompson Island still have a number of government restrictions to abide by, such as limitations on capacity, spacing tables six feet apart and providing appropriate signage.

The constraints imposed upon restaurants and breweries in Delaware led Thompson Island to pivot operations quickly in order to continue growing its customer base as a new brewery, including increasing the number of beers that are available in cans for customers who prefer takeout, ramping up its online ordering system, and shifting many events to virtual platforms like Facebook.

Among Thompson Island’s most popular events have been its monthly beer dinners. When the pandemic hit, the restaurant began hosting virtual beer dinners on Facebook Live and experienced great success. Customers preorder a four-course meal with a unique menu paired with four Thompson Island beers. At a scheduled time, Thompson Island hosts a video on Facebook Live with the chef and brewer discussing the menu and why the chosen beers were paired with it.

Bigelow said she is glad customers are able to enjoy Thompson Island’s beer and food pairings from the comfort of their own home. “We plan to continue to offer them for the foreseeable future, as many of our customers have come to enjoy the convenience of a well-paired meal at home.”

To stay up to date on future events, follow on Facebook or go to thompsonislandbrewing.com.

Thompson Island Brewing included in Beer Travel Guide’s Best Beers of 2020

REHOBOTH BEACH — Thompson Island Brewing Company’s flagship IPA was included in the Beer Travel Guide’s Best IPAs of 2020 list.

Thompson Island Brewing Company’s flagship IPA was included in the Beer Travel Guide’s best IPAs of 2020 list. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMPSON ISLAND BREWERY

“It is an honor to have one of our beers recognized on a list including brewing icons like Russian River and Bissel Brothers,” said Matt Patton, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants in a statement.

“Even though our IPA is the best-selling beer at the restaurant, it rarely receives the accolades of our more limited releases,” explained Patton, who oversees the hospitality company’s beer program. “This is certainly an achievement for our brewing team.”

This announcement comes two months after the Thompson Island IPA won a gold medal for the best IPA in the world by the US Open Beer Championships.

For information on Thompsons Island Brewing Company, visit thompsonislandbrewing.com. To read the Beer Travel Guide’s article, visit http://thebeertravelguide.com/the-best-ipas-of-2020/

Thompson Island Brewing makes Best Beer List

PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMPSON ISLAND | Thompson Island Brewing Company’s Once Around the Sun made Beer Connoisseur Magazine’s 2020 list of the best 100 beers. The stout is aged in Basil Hayden’s bourbon barrels.

REHOBOTH BEACH — Beer Connoisseur Magazine named Once Around the Sun to its 2020 list of the 100 best beers. Thompson Island Brewing Company makes the bourbon barrel-aged stout in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

“This is an incredible achievement for our team and brewmaster Jimmy Valm,” said Matt Patton, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company in a statement.

“After aging for nearly a year in bourbon barrels, Once Around The Sun exhibited the perfect balance. There were roasted notes from the stout and delicate vanilla and fig notes from the bourbon,” explained Patton, who oversees the hospitality company’s beer program. “We thought it would be the perfect submission for the wood-aged beer category.”

The beer, which comes in at 9.2% ABV, earned an impressive 92 total score on the judges’ rating sheet. It received six out of six points for appearance and 37 out of 40 for flavor.

The Shoals imperial mocha stout to be released Dec. 26

Thompson Island Brewing Company will release the Shoals, an imperial mocha stout, Saturday, Dec. 26. The beer is brewed with cacao nibs and Swell Joe Coffee’s A-Wake 100 percent Guatemalan coffee. SUBMITTED PHOTO

For the second time this year, Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach and Swell Joe Coffee in Lewes are collaborating on a limited-edition beer.

The brewpub will release the Shoals, an imperial mocha stout brewed with cacao nibs and Swell Joe’s A-Wake 100 percent Guatemalan coffee, Saturday, Dec. 26.

“We partnered with Swell Joe in the fall, and that beer sold out in a day,” said Matt Patton, director of operations, who oversees the beer program for SoDel Concepts. The hospitality group owns the brewpub and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants. “We couldn’t wait for another opportunity to use their high-quality products,” he said.

The Shoals is a decadent imperial stout, explained brewmaster Jimmy Valm. “It was inspired by our first imperial stout, Canyons, and our love of the coffee and chocolate combination,” said Valm. “It’s the best of two worlds.”

Karen Johnson, an owner of Swell Joe, agreed. “What can be better than blending beer and coffee? Or, as we like to say, ‘Brew to the power of two,’” said Johnson.

A-Wake’s beans possess notes of cherry, brown sugar and milk chocolate. “And those flavors will perfectly complement the beer's dark roasted notes of baker's chocolate and molasses," Valm said.

Johnson said both Swell Joe and SoDel Concepts take pride in celebrating coastal Delaware’s lifestyle.

“Obviously, that includes time by the ocean,” she said. “But, just off the beach, we have scores of great places to enjoy the area’s best handmade fare, from freshly roasted coffee to locally crafted beer.”

The Shoals will be available in four-packs and on draft.