Testing Out The Dogfish Head Craft Brewing and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Spiegelau IPA Glass

Last Tuesday Dogfish Head announced the new Spiegelau IPA Glass, created in collaboration with Sierra Nevada, was finally available for purchase. Well, thank goodness for their online store, because I hopped right on and ordered a set. The craziest part? The glasses were delivered to my doorstep the next afternoon!

Unfortunately we had a crazy week getting ready for (sniff, sniff) the now-postponed Extreme Beer Fest, so we didn't get a chance to try it out until after the Fest, and our trip, were postponed. Before heading out with friends on Saturday night we decided it was the perfect time to crack open DFH and Sierra Nevada's latest collaboration, Rhizing Bines, and test out these glasses.    

Let the "testing" begin!

We opened up our cabinets and pulled down each type of Dogfish Head glassware we own. Here's what we were using:
The Pint Glass

The Dogfish Head Signature Glass

Dogfish Head Shaped Pint Glass

And the new Spiegelau IPA Glass

We evenly split the bottle of Rhizing Bines between the each of the four glasses. The first thing we wanted to test among each glass was the aroma. Our goal was to see if we noticed anything significantly different between each of the four glasses. 

Using the pint glass, the large opening of the glass seemed to allow the aroma of hops dissipate   especially in comparison to the shaped pint glass, and similarly to the DFH signature glass. In both the shaped pint glass and the signature glass the aroma of the hops seems to be heightened quite a bit. Comparing this to the new IPA glass, the aroma of the hops seems a little more subtle than we expected, but not as subtle as they were in the pint glass.  

We then wanted to simply taste Rhizing Bines in each glass (cleansing our palette in between each taste). Again, the pint glass seemed to provide the least beneficial sip of this beer. It was good, don't get us wrong, but it wasn't nearly as flavorful as when tasting the beer in each of the other three glasses. 

The hops were the first thing that hits your nose in both the shaped pint glass and the signature glass, and we definitely got a much hoppier taste when sipping Rhizing Bines out of each of these glasses. We realized how much more we enjoyed drinking Rhizing Bines out of both of these glasses over the traditional pint glass.

Then we drank out of the IPA glass. Oh, the IPA glass. The first thing we noticed about the IPA glass, in addition to the design being very simple and very clean, was the thinness of the glass. The other glasses we were using seemed very heavy and bulky now that we had the IPA glass in our hand. Another thing that was very noticeable was the heady foam in the IPA glass stayed behind as the others faded away. Interesting. 

Now to sip. As we mentioned, the aroma of hops is more subtle in this glass, but it really seemed to encompass our nose as we started to drink. The drinking experience, as crazy as this might sound, was just easy with this glass. The beer nearly shot down our throats with barely an ounce of effort. It seemed to make the beer much smoother than when drinking from the other three glasses. It was a little hard to comprehend that something as simple as a glass could create such an effect. The taste of the beer was different, not a bad different, a very good, very clean different. It tasted a though we were getting to the root of the ingredients, really getting to experience what the beer was meant to taste like. 

Something else we found rather interesting was the carbonation that was noted in the IPA glass. This picture is a little up close and personal action with the pint glass. Not super clear, but we think it's pretty noticeable the difference in the carbonation between this glass and...

...the new Spiegelau USA IPA Glass. Crazy. 

Our overall verdict: this glass rocks. Neither of us read a thing about the glass before we used it to ensure that our opinion wasn't swayed or influenced in any way. As Eric quite simply put it, "I want to drink EVERYTHING out of this glass." He's wondering if we can take it with us to bars so that every IPA we drink is lucky enough to experience this phenomenal glass!

Coming Soon...Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food (+ Craft Beer + Spirits!) Festival

We remember hearing about last year's Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival and thought it sounded pretty cool. But as it primarily featured wine-focused events, we passed (as obviously beer is more our thing!) This year, they're switching it up a little bit. Wait, they're switching it up A LOT! 

Mark you calendars! Save the dates! Because this festival, benefiting the Mid-Atlantic Food and Wine Feast Charitable Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation, will be showcasing some of the area's best, not just in wine and food, but spirits and craft beer. If you're a supporter of the Christina Cultural Arts Center, Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Theatre Company, The Grand Opera House, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Kent County Fund for the Arts, OperaDelaware, or the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, then here's one more great way to show your love! 

The 30+ page invitation!

The Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival will be 4-days of chefs, winemakers, brewers and distillers from not only our region, but around the world. Events will be hosted throughout the Brandywine Valley, Kent County and along Delaware's "Culinary Coast." 

The epicenter of the Festival will be The Festival Village, the 8,000-square-foot tent on Rodney Square. The tent will be the home to such events as "In the Mix: Mixologist and DJs," a "South African Braai," "The MasterChef Tasting Experience," other sampling events, and the Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival Bottle Shop, where you'll be able to purchase several of the wines, beers and other items featured throughout the festival. 

Here's a look at The Festival Village schedule:
Friday, March 8th
11:30am - 2:30pm
Cost: $25

3:30pm - 7pm
Cost: $30

Saturday, March 9th
9am - 1pm
Cost: $30
2pm - 5pm
Cost: $30

Sunday, March 10th
Noon - 3pm
Cost: $25

Admission into the Festival Village will include access to:

• Food Vendors
• Complimentary Wine, Beer and Spirits Samples
• Chef Demonstrations
• Music
• Visiting Winemakers

Want to purchase a weekend pass, which will cover all village times (except ticketed events)? You can purchase that for $100. 

Here's a run-down of the great Festival events that will feature a few of the things we love in life...

THURSDAY, MARCH 7th

The Craft of Beer

This event, being held at OperaDelaware, will celebrate the Mid-Atlantic's role in the craft beer revolution! So far they have Evolution Craft Brewing Company, 16 Mile Brewing Company, Dogfish Head, Eastern Shore Brewing, Fordham Brewing Company, Old Dominion Brewing Company, Heavy Seas Beer, Sly Fox Beer, Troegs Brewing Company, Twin Lakes Brewing Company, Weyerbacher Brewing Company and Yards Brewing Company lined up. More breweries may still be announced! We can't wait to attend this event - it's going to be a fantastic way to kick off a very awesome weekend in Wilmington!

Ticket price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=119

Bourbon & Bacon Tasting - Wilmington Edition -  SOLD OUT

Are you like us and have another favorite "B" word? As in Bourbon? Then the Bourbon & Bacon Tasting, hosted by Chelsea Tavern, is the event for you! 

Amazing small-batch bourbons will be paired with bacon-inspired culinary creations of the Columbus Inn!

Ticket price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=120

Scotch & Cigars - SOLD OUT

Join Bill Sullivan, the General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott at the University of Delaware, to talk Scotch and Cigars. The event, being held at Oberod, one of the area's finest estates, is the perfect after-dinner event. 

Ticket price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=112

FRIDAY, MARCH 8th
Bourbon + Bacon South
Being held at Nage in Rehoboth, this event has been so popular the Festival decided to add on every county! You'll enjoy the perfect pairing of that thing we all love, paired with some of America's finest bourbons.

Ticket price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=140

He Said Beer, She Said Wine - SOLD OUT

This fun event, being held at The Grand Opera House, features Delaware's own, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery and wine sommelier, Marnie Old, as the two discuss the book they co-authored, "He Said Beer, She Said Wine!" It's a debate over which is better, beer or wine. This multi-course dinner, prepared by Chelsea Tavern, will be served on the main stage of the Grand Opera House. 

Ticket price: $125 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=92
Side note: We went to a "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" dinner at World Cafe Live at The Queen a few years back and had a BLAST! Sam and Marnie both have so much knowledge about both beer and wine. Their fun, friendly competition and banter was great, it was hard not to have an awesome time. As two people that typically only dabble in wine, attending this event really opened our eyes back up to the similarities of wine and beer and how both could very equally pair with some of the same dishes. Having the wine lovers pitted against the beer lovers was a fun, light-hearted way to spend an evening learning so much more about both sides of the spectrum. Our advice: don't miss out on this event this time around!

SATURDAY, MARCH 9th
Scrapplegasm - SOLD OUT

Okay, so it might not exactly be a craft beer-related event, but, c'mon, it's SCRAPPLE! 

Hosted at the Green Room at the Hotel du Pont, you'll dine on pheasant scrapple, bison scrapple and who knows what else the Green Room's Executive Chef, Keith Miller, and University & Whist Club's Executive Chef, Robert Lhulier, will create for this crazy breakfast!

Price: $40 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=101

Wine + Chocolate Tasting
The Christina Cultural Arts Center will host this event, featuring artisanal chocolates paired with fine wines. 

Price: $50

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=107

Bacon + Bourbon: Kent County

Are you located in Kent County? No worries, Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival has you covered! The Bacon + Bourbon: Central Delaware event will be held at Triad Farm, and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. LD Shank. You'll enjoy small-batch bourbons poured and paired with bacon-centrics foods. Net proceeds from this particular event will benefit the Kent County Fund for the Arts! 

Price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=135


SUNDAY, MARCH 10th
Brunch + Bloody Mary Throwdown

Whether you like your Bloody Mary spicy or tame, you'll get to vote on what you think is the perfect Bloody Mary in both the amateur and the professional category at this event held at Noble's Pond in Dover. The winners from each category will then face off for the final challenge! Who will win?! Area restaurants will provide various brunch foods, plus you'll get a little Prosecco as well! Net proceeds for this event will benefit the Kent County Funds for the Arts.

Price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=137

The MasterChef Tasting Experience
Hosted by Delaware's own, and MasterChef Season 2 winner, Jennifer Behm will host The MasterChef Tasting Experience, held at the Festival Village. Seven contestants from all three season's of Chef Gordon Ramsey's "MasterChef" will be featured at this event: Christian Collions, Suzy Singh, Dave Miller, Tracy Kontos, Becky Reams, Derrick Prince, and Jennifer, who will all show off their culinary skills while sharing stories from the show! Keep in mind, only 200 tickets will be sold for this event! Photos and autograph opportunities will be available at the end of the event. 

Price: $75 per person

To purchase your tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=125

Looking for a hotel to stay at during the Festival? They have you covered. The Homewood Suites in Wilmington, Hotel du Pont, and the Sheraton Wilmington South are all offering special rates for those attending the Festival. 

Our region never ceases to amaze me. Going through the 30+ page invitation for the 2013 Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival proves that over and over again! This is definitely something we are super excited about!

What Your Doing New Year's Eve?

As I sing 'What Are You Doing New Year's Eve,' in my head, I'm now wondering, what are you doing New Year's Eve?

You know there are so many awesome things going on around our state all night long New Years' Eve. Here's a quick run down of what we know of so far (and keep checking back for updates as we find them out!)

Dogfish Head will be hosting another fun New Year's Eve at the Brewpub in Rehoboth. This year they're switching it up a little and serving their regular menu along with some great food and drink specials. They are taking a limited number of no-charge, nonticketed reservation for seating upstairs (although I do believe they are already booked up). The downstairs dining room and bar will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. They're going to have the very cool, very rockin' Nate Meyers and the Aces jamming on the stage! If you're interested in trying to get a reservation, email matt@dogfish.com!

The Pickled Pig Pub will be open their regular hours for New Year's Eve. They're putting together pretty awesome dinner specials*:

• Lobster Mac-N-Cheese Appetizer

• Pear & Walnut Salad -arugula, frisee, radicchio, drunken pears, candied walnuts, goat cheese & honey vanilla dressing

• Surf & Turf - New York strip & sautéed shrimp with twice baked potato medley, chef’s vegetables & orange bourbon demi glace

• Broiled Crab Cake - herb roasted potatoes, garlic spinach & lemon-old bay aioli

• Pan Seared Halibut- baby bok choy, daikon, carrots, scallions, five spice & miso broth

And for brunch...

• Crab & Spinach Quiche

• Sausage & Egg Sandwich

• Scrapple Tacos (whoa!) 

• BBQ Shrimp & Grits

• Open Face Rueban

• and more Chef-inspired lunch specials

Plus they'll have Bottle and Draft Specials both days! 

Argilla's Brewing Company at Pietro's Pizza is keeping it low key on New Year's Eve. They are planning on doing a midnight toast with their new Belgian Quad and will have a few dinner specials that night. Once we find out what the specials are going to be, we'll update this post with them! 

Two Stones Pub will be offering a 4-course, prix fixe menu for $49.95 at both locations. They're going to have an option to add beer pairings for each course for an extra $10. Reservations are highly recommended. They're going to have two seatings for the 4-course meal, one at 6pm and one at 9pm. The cocktail areas of both locations will be open with the normal menu, as well as the menu items from the prix fix meal will be available a la carte. 

Here's what Newark will be serving:

1st Course (choice of one): 

• Drunken Arugula Salad with poached pears, red onions, toasted sunflower seeds and vanilla champagne vinaigrette, paired with Brooklyn Sorachi Ace

• Lobster Bisque with roasted sweet potatoes and poblano peppers, paired with Rodenbach Classic

2nd Course (choice of one): 

• Jumbo Lump Crab Salad with cornmeal-crusted fried green tomatoes, whole grain mustard vinaigrette, paired with Allagash White

• Duck Confit Arancinis with wild mushrooms, English peas, and truffled demi-glace, paired with Ommegang Rare Vos

• Fried Chicken Livers with brussel sprouts smoked bacon slaw and red beet ketchup, paired with Stone Levitation

3rd Course (choice of one):

• Pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass with butter poached fingerling potatoes, roasted red peppers, sauteed spinach, fennel onion soubise, paired with Saison DuPont

• Char-Grilled Filet Mignon with goat cheese-lobster mashed potatoes, braised broccolini, and port-shallot demi glace, paired with Brooklyn The Companion

• Smoke 1/2 Chicken with whipped sweet potatoes, wilted rainbow Swiss chard and black eyed peas salsa, paired with North Coast Brother Thelonious 

4th Course (choice of one): Any of the evening's featured desserts, paired with Evolution Rise Up


Two Stones Pub Wilmington will have the following on their prix fix menu:

• Lobster Bisque with lemon verbena creme fraiche, paired with Goose Island Sofie

• Heirloom Spinach Salad with golden beets, blue cheese crumbles, pine nuts and horseradish vinaigrette, paired with Rodenbach Classic

2nd Course (choice of one): 

• Mushroom Crostini with roasted chanterelle mushrooms, soft herb polenta and shaved parmigiano regiano, paired with Saison DuPont

• Nicoise Stack with yellowfin tuna, baby arugula, vine-ripened tomatoes, olives, eggs and an anchovy-garlic aioli, paired with Allagah White

3rd Course (choice of one):

• Smoked NY Strip with boursin mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and wild mushroom demi glace, paired with North Coast Brother Thelonious 

• Black Garlic Roasted Chicken with tri-color new potatoes, sauteed hericots verts, and baby fennel puree, paired with Green Flash Friendship

• Prosciutto Wrapped Salmon with sweet potato mash, broccoli rabe and toasted walnut oil, paired with Ommegang Rare Vos 

4th Course: Any of the evening's featured desserts, paired with Evolution Rise Up Stout

Ulysses American Gastro Pub has released what beers will be flowing on New Years's Eve. Check out this list!!!

• Dogfish Head Hellhound
• Dogfish Head Positive Contact
• Dogfish Head Bitches Brew
• Dogfish Head Johnny Cask
• Dogfish Head Faithfull 
• Troegs Mad Elf
• Stone Lucky Bastard
• Victory Moonglow
• Sierra Nevada Ovila
• Southern Tier Pumpking
• Allagash Interlude
• Brooklyn There Will Be Black
• North Coast PranQster
• Bear Republic Racer X
• Stone Vertical Epic 12.12.12
• Flying Fish Grand Cru Winter Ale
• Flying Dog Barrel-Aged Gonzo Porter
• Harpoon Leviathan
• Uinta Crooked Sea Legs
• Elysian Maelstrom
• Fordham Brewing Company/Old Dominion Brewing Company Mother Pucker
• Unibroue La Fin Du Monde
• Green Flash Friendship Brew

Looking for something to do in the Georgetown area for New Year's Eve? Then head to 16 Mile Brewing Company! May be you can call it 'Brew Year's Eve?' How about 'New Beers Eve?' Whatever 16 Mile calls it, they're planning quite a New Year's Eve celebration in their tavern! 

$25 will get you in the door where you'll enjoy food, live music and $3.00 beers all night long, including collaborations and infusions. Catcher's Catering will be providing the food, which sounds pretty awesome!

• Cheddar Harvest Ale Soup 
• Mini Maryland Crab Cakes
• Amber Battered Coconut Shrimp
• Blues Golden Fried Asparagus Spears
• Responders Mac & Cheese Squares
• Shaved Prime Rib in Puff Pastry with Torched Horseradish

Drink local with 16 Mile on New Year's Eve!

Chelsea Tavern is hosting the New Year's Eve Market Street Bash! They are offering three different packages...

The Chelsea Package

$75 per person, or $65 per person for groups of 6 or more. Reservations are required as they're going to have limited seating. The package will include:

• 4-Course Dinner
• Open bar from 8pm until 1am
• Cockatil hour with heavy hors d'Oeuvres
• Dance Party with DJ SuperDan
• Champagne toast at Midnight

The Tavern Package

$30 per person, or $25 per person for groups of 6 or more. This package includes:

• Open bar from 10pm until 1am
• Dance Party with DJ SuperDan
• Champagne toast at Midnight

The Everyday Package includes:

• Cash bar from 11:30am until 1am on New Year's Eve
• Ala Carte Menu all day and night
• Dance Party with DJ SuperDan

Going to Chelsea for New Year's Eve and want to stay in town, the Doubletree Hotel, a block away, has special discounted room rates. Just mention Chelsea Tavern when you make your reservation! 

Frank's Wine is hosting a New Year's Eve Beer Dinner at World Cafe Live at The Queen.  They're also going to have a Wine Pairing option, but who wants that?! 

World Cafe Live's culinary team has prepared a special four-course menu to compliment the craft beer that Frank's has selected. Background dinner music will be provided by Schuylkill Rhythm Section, made up of three award-winning musicians. Take a peek at the dinner menu for the night.

1st Course:

Braised pork belly with cannelloni bean puree with a drizzled sherry honey. This will be paired with Rogue Santa's Private Reserve.

2nd Course:

Grilled lobster drizzled with vanilla bean vinaigrette served on butternut squash risotto with crispy sage and whipped cinnamon-sugar mascarpone and paired with Samichlaus Helles.

3rd Course: 

Grilled dry-aged strip steak served with caramelized shallot demi-glace and parmesan cannoli shell with whipped purple Peruvian potatoes and paired with Allagash Interlude. 

4th Course: 

Malted chocolate cake coated with ganache and salted toffee chips, served with Elysian Valhalla Red IPA. 

Click here to RSVP: http://www.frankswine.com/dinners.html#nye

Once dinner is over you can call it a night, or stay for the Rusted Root show downstairs at The Queen (tickets sold separately). 

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant Newark is hosting a 2013 New Year's Eve Celebration from 5pm until 10pm. Take a look at the menu they'll be featuring (all a la carte): 

• Lobster-Saffron Bisque
• Baby Arugula Salad
• Colossal Crab Lettuce Wraps
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimp
• Braised Veal Cheeks
• Char-Grilled NY Strip Steak
• Pan Seared North Atlantic Salmon
• Pan Roasted Striped Bass
• Chocolate Molten Cake

The Wilmington location is having a special, a la carte menu as well:

• Sweet Corn and Crab Soup
• Endive Salad
• Ahi Tuna Appetizer
• Seafood Linguine
• Char-Grilled Beef Tenderloin Medallions
• Pan Roasted Striped Bass
• Mustard Crusted North Atlantic Salmon
• Belgian Chocolate Terrine
• Strawberry Cheesecake Bombe

Reservations are strongly suggested at both locations. 

Stewart's Brewing Company will have a New Year's Eve buffet from 6pm until 11pm for $35 person. Reservations are strongly recommended. The buffet will feature:

• Fresh baked artisan breads
• Lobster Bisque
• Tri-colored rotini pasta salad with jalapeno ranch
• Caesar salad with creamy garlic dressing
• Winter berry salad with herb vinaigrette
• Saffron rice
• Roasted red bliss potatoes
• Roasted medley of winter vegetables
• Beef tender medallions with a shiitake and portobello mushroom demi-glace
• Baked salmon topped with crab imperial
• Grilled pineapple jerk chicken
• A carving station featuring roasted cajun turkey breast & spinach and parmesan stuffed pork loin
• Warm apple cobbler 
• Stout cupcakes with Irish cream mousse
• New York Style Cheesecake with Melba sauce

The DJ Countdown party starts at 9pm, with no cover charge. You must be 21 to enter after 11pm. 

Stewart's will also have a New Year's Day brunch, starting at 11am. They will have a limited quantity $1 Stumblin' Monks (get there early!) The brunch will feature stuffed French Toast, smoked salmon benedict, steak & eggs and more! 

Update: 
33 West Ale House and Grill will serve their regular menu, plus a few extra specials they're in the process of creating. Toney Robinson will be providing entertainment, starting at 9pm. 33 West will also be doing a champagne toast at midnight! 

For other area New Year's Eve parties, check out Ryan Cormier's News Journal article, All About (New Year's Eve).

Update: 
Ernest & Scott is hosting a 5 hour open bar on New Year's Eve for $39. This price includes all 21 beers on draft, as well as house wines, rail liquor and 12-ounce bottles. They will be a free champagne toast, party favors, prize giveaways, free hors d'oeuvres and music all night long! 

Here's one of my favorite versions of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve." Take it away, Ella...

Holiday Shopping at Our Delaware Breweries!

I'm all about buying local. And drinking local (of course!) Putting the two together is the perfect combination for the perfect holiday gift for those craft beer loving folks on your shopping list!

Think about it - we have 8 breweries in our state - where you can purchase beer drinking goodies such as pint glasses, t-shirts, hats, growlers and  gift certificates. I thought it would be fun to give you a quick rundown of some of my favorite things from each brewery. Check them out...

16 Mile Brewing Company

My 16 Mile hat that I rock often!

I'm a sucker for a good hat, and the maroon 16 Mile baseball hat we picked up over the summer at the brewery is one of them! In addition to my favorite baseball hat, 16 Mile has some new merchandise in for the holiday, including a new Promo T, an update to the Responders Tshirt, a new hoodie, and a new long sleeve shirt for women. Not sure what to get that craft beer loving person on your list? A 16 Mile Gift Card is always a great alternative to your lame ol' generic gift card! I mean, you can buy beer (or cool 16 Mile gear!) with it! 

3rd Wave Brewing Co.

Source: 3rd Wave Facebook page

You have your pick of goodies at 3rd Wave Brewing Co.! Short- and long-sleeved t-shirts, hats, growlers, sweatshirts, and pint glasses - 3rd Wave has your gift giving covered! If you're going to make the trip to 3rd Wave, you can't leave there without chatting with Lori and John, and of course, without trying at least one of the brews. Even better, we suggest you try the sampler so you get a little of everything! And with SEVEN beers on tap now, that's a lot of samplin'!

Argilla Brewing Company at Pietro's Pizza 

Source: http://www.argillabrewing.com/

So maybe you weren't one of the lucky 50 people to get first dibs on their upcoming growlers! Why not get that craft brew loving person on your holiday list a gift certificate to use on one when they become available? Or just to use on Argilla's amazing craft brew and grub?! And now is the perfect time to purchase that gift card from Argilla! Now until December 31st, when you purchase a $50 gift card, you receive an added $15 gift card. ($15 gift card will be valid from January 1, 2013 through March 1, 2013). You can't beat a deal like that! Especially when there's good beer involved! 

Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales

Source: http://www.dogfish.com/

It's easy to find something for just about everyone (including your pup!) when you hop on the Dogfish Head online store! Have a hiker, a biker or outdoor activity loving beer drinker on your holiday shopping list? The DFH Emergency Info Bracelet is a pretty cool gift for them! (I'm thinking this is going to be in someone's gift pile on Christmas day!) A cool stocking stuffer for the avid beer taster is the DFH Beer Tasting Journal (I just got mine!) Pretty much one of my favorite purchases from an Analog-a-Go-Go a few years ago (no pun intended) is the Heidi Lowe DFH Vinyl Record Necklace. Seriously, how cool is this? (Heidi's gallery is the yellow house next door to the Brewpub in Rehoboth). I'm so excited to see that they're carrying her necklaces now! DFH has tons of tees, sweatshirts, Patagonia gear, hats, glassware and so much other cool off-centered good stuff. 

Fordham Brewing Company / Old Dominion Brewing Company

Source: Fordham Facebook Page

These two breweries make it easy for us to show you a few of our favorite things that we wouldn't mind finding under our Christmas tree - or in our stocking (check out the picture!) Seriously though, one of our favorite t-shirts comes from Fordham - it's the 'Fordham Unisex T-Shirt.' It's one of those super worn in looking, super comfy tees. Old Dominion has some pretty cool goodies too. Have an art collecting, beer-loving someone on your holiday list? How about give them a collection of the Limited Edition Bomber Girls Posters? They're available in GiGi's Farmhouse, Double D, and Morning Glory! I could easily see these great prints framed and hanging in someone's kitchen or bar area. They rock! 

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Source: ironhillbrewery.com

Remember the westchesterdish.com post about the Iron Hill Holiday Bottled Reserves Gift Pack? It features Iron Hill's Bottled Reserve seasonal beers, brewed in small batches. You even get a complimentary beer tote gift packaging when you purchase the gift pack! With beers like Senor Chocolatoro and Winter Wheat Wine Ale, you can't go wrong. If you're thinking about purchasing a gift card or two for the holiday gift giving season, don't forget, for every $75.00 of gift cards you purchase, you get a $20 gift for yourself! You can always give someone a gift certificate for a King of the Hill Loyalty Program too!

Stewart's Brewing Company

Source: stewartsbrewingcompany.com

There are a few things in life that I know for sure. One of them is that the purchase of a growler from Stewart's Brewing Company is definitely a good holiday present! Pair it with a gift card from the brew pub and I'm pretty sure any beer lover on your holiday list will be thrilled. Bonus: right now Stewart's has a gift card special - buy a $50 gift card, get a $5 gift card for free; or purchase a $100 gift card and get a $20 gift card for free. Plus, your gift recipient can use that gift cards towards Stewart's Mug Club or towards Stewart's New Year's Eve dinner!


Twin Lake's Brewing Company

Source: twinlakesbrewingcompany.com

When talking to someone about Twin Lakes, I can't tell you how many times I've heard the response, "I've never done the tour at Twin Lakes before." Well, that, my dear friends, is suggested gift #1 from Twin Lakes! The tours, held Wednesdays at 5pm and Saturday at 1pm, are $22 per person and include a pint glass, a fantastic tour of the brewery and tastings of the beers. A Twin Lakes growler (filled of course) is also a great gift idea! You can go crazy and purchase one of the uber-cool one-gallon ceramic growlers ($250) or a glass growler, which will set you back $12, $17 filled. We're a little partial to the very cool Twin Lakes Bike Jersey. We love seeing all the craft beer jerseys along the road when we're out for a small supply of the 225th Delaware Day Commemorative Mugs left too! 

The best Delaware craft beer related gift ever? Something from each and every one of the awesome, kick a*s, crazy cool breweries in our state. Or a road trip weekend filled with visits and tours to each of the 8 breweries! Buying local and supporting our local breweries is about as cool as a Christmas gift can get! Cheers! And Happy Holidays!