1. The James Beard Foundation has also honored brewmaster Sam Calagione, who ignited a local trend in the 1990s when he opened Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (Rehoboth Beach, 226-BREW).
2. The state’s first brewpub paved the way for other brewpubs, including Stewart’s Brewing Company (Bear, 836-BREW). Try a Delcastle Brown Ale with the wild game burger of the day.
3. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (Newark, 266-9000; Wilmington, 472-2739) used Delaware as a launch pad for an empire rooted in hops when it opened in 1996. There are now 12 locations in the Greater Philadelphia area.
4. A newbie, Brick Works Brewing and Eats (Smyrna, 508-2523), marries the talent of successful restaurateur Kevin Reading and Eric Williams, co-founder of Mispillion River Brewing in Milford.
5. At the beach, Crooked Hammock Brewery (Lewes, 644-7837) is another newcomer that benefits from experience. It’s part of La Vida Hospitality Group, which includes Fork + Flask at Nage and Big Chill Surf Cantina. The outdoor beer garden, complete with games and a playground, makes it a fun place for families in warm weather.
6. The equally fresh-faced Dewey Beer Company (Dewey Beach, 227-1182) hit the ground running when it opened the taps in 2015. Even competitors praise the products.
