Sips – Sept. 2015

New Tasting Room at 2sp

2SP Brewing Company has officially opened its tasting room to the public. Enjoy delicious brews, including: ASAP IPA, an East Coast IPA; The Bellcracker IPA, a smooth double IPA with a great melon flavor, and Delco Lager, a crisp amber lager and area favorite. Hours are Monday-Friday from 3-9 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from noon-9 p.m. at 2SP Brewing Company’s headquarters in Aston, Pa.

A Taste of Newark

From noon-3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, the ultimate foodie event in Newark is back for the 12th year in a row. Guests can enjoy the culinary delights of nearly 50 Newark restaurants accompanied by the finest area wine on UD’s picturesque Old College Lawn. Celebrity cooking demonstrations will provide entertainment as guests’ palates are tempted by a wide variety of foods from around the world. Tickets are $50, and all ages are welcome.

Longwood Brew Experience

Now through Saturday, Oct. 31, visitors at Longwood Gardens looking to get a drink before or after experiencing the beautiful Nightscape exhibit can sip some craft brews in the new Beer Garden. Enjoy sitting with friends and family under the stars while enjoying tasty pub fare from a special Beer Garden menu, accompanied by beer from Victory Craft Brewing Company. A new signature brew called Longwood Seasons: Autumn Harvest, a delicious wheat ale featuring floral flavors from Longwood-harvested honey, will be on tap.

Saengerbund is Back!

Starting Friday, Sept. 18, and continuing through Sunday, Sept. 20, Delaware Saengerbund’s Oktoberfest will return to Newark. This annual tradition begins on Friday at 5 p.m. with a parade and an ode to the German city of Munich as the Delaware Saengerbund’s Bavarian dance group, Enzian Volkstanzgruppe, entertains at intervals throughout the festival. On Saturday and Sunday, the festivities will be from noon-11 p.m. As always, a wide range of beer and German cuisine will be offered, in addition to a variety of torten and traditional plum cake. Open to all ages, admission is $8 and includes unlimited amusement rides.

History & Hops in Odessa

At the town’s inaugural brewfest last year, nearly 50 craft breweries and more than 1,400 beer lovers came to Odessa. This year, the Historic Odessa Foundation and Cantwell’s Tavern have once again joined together to bring the second brewfest, featuring even more beer, food, music, and fun. Historic Odessa Brewfest is set for Saturday, Sept. 12, from noon-6 p.m. at the 246-year-old Wilson Warner House. General admission is $50. The $70 VIP admission includes an early tasting at noon, a food voucher and access to limited-quantity beers. Proceeds go to the Historic Odessa Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on preserving the history of the town. You must be 21 or older to attend.

Benefiting Historic Kennett Square

On Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon-6 p.m., you can sample beers from more than 90 local, regional and craft breweries at the Kennett Brewfest in Downingtown, Pa. There will also be great food and music. Proceeds will benefit Historic Kennett Square—a non-profit organization that works to keep Kennett Square a regional economic and cultural center. There will be vendors, live bands, sponsor tables and more.

Painting & Pints

Whether you are an accomplished artist or finger painter, Victory Brewing Company invites all to enjoy a night of great beer and painting. Held at Victory’s brewpub in Downingtown, Pa., on Thursday, Sept. 10, this event is $45 and runs from 6:30-10 p.m.

Dogfish 8K Dash, Farmers Market

Set for Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m., Dogfish Head Brewery’s 10th annual Dogfish Dash is expected to attract up to 2,000 people, who will run an 8k “dash” through Milton. This year’s event marks the 20th anniversary of Dogfish Head and the 25th anniversary of The Nature Conservancy, Delaware Chapter—which you can support as a runner, spectator, volunteer or even a sponsor. After finishing the dash, runners can enjoy celebratory beer. Registration to run is $40.

On Friday, Oct. 2, the Milton Farmers Market will set up at Dogfish Head’s Brewery in Milton, bringing fresh, delicious food from local farmers. Live music and Dogfish Head Oktoberfest-inspired brews also will be featured.

Grilled Cheese Competition

Held on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 12:30-5 p.m., Cheesetoberfest is an all-out, no-holds-barred, grilled cheese competition that pits professionals from area restaurants against local amateur chefs. Taking place at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company in Dover, the event features 20 Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania restaurants and 20 average Joes creating various grilled cheese and mac ‘n’ cheese dishes. Brewery staff and volunteers will pour award-winning Octoberfest brews, Spiced Harvest Ale, Oak Barrel Stout, Rams Head IPA, Copperhead Ale, and Helles Lager. Tickets are $30 and include two beers, food samples and a commemorative stein. This event is open to all ages.