Not only was Dogfish Head Delaware's first brewpub, it was the smallest commercial brewery in America. The first batch of Dogfish Head beer (Shelter Pale Ale), was brewed on a system which was essentially three kegs with propane burners underneath.
The reputation of Dogfish Head ales quickly grew beyond Delaware's borders. Calls from Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and beyond poured in, as thirsty restaurant patrons demanded Dogfish Head in their neck of the woods. At the time, Delaware laws did not allow a brewpub to distribute its products. So they drafted a bill addressing this issue and brought it to the state capitol. On the floor of the state House and Senate Dogfish defended the right of the small business to grow. Governor Carper signed the bill and Dogfish Head ales were mobile.
The pieces came together, but still one obstacle stood in the way: Delaware's laws did not let a brewpub have a separate microbrewery. Once again Dogfish headed to Legislative Hall and argued passionately for the opportunity to see this small business grow. Both the House and the Senate unanimously approved the bill. The Governor signed their second bill into law only three weeks after it was introduced on the floor (one of the quickest bills to go through the legislative process in Delaware in recent history).
Dogfish started with three year-round brands; Shelter Pale Ale, Chicory Stout, and Immort Ale. In 1999, they added two more bottled beers to their lineup, Indian Brown Ale and Raison D'Etre. In January of 2000, Malt Advocate Magazine named Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre their Domestic Beer of the Year for 1999. Out of over two thousand candidates! Dogfish also brews a rotating "Seasonale" that is available four times a year (draft only).
Thanks to their customers, Dogfish Head continues to grow! If you have not tasted their speaciality hand crafted brews, please find a bottle of Dogfish Head Ale at your local store and give it a try. You will see why international beer writer Michael Jackson calls Dogfish Head "America's most interesting and adventurous small brewery."
Dogfish Head Beers:
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is located at:
6 Cannery Village Center
Milton, DE 19968
Tours are available Fridays at 3:00pm
The microbrewery is open Monday - Friday 9am-4pm.
For Sales and Distributor information contact:
Brew Master
John Gillooly
Telephone: 302-684-1000 or 1-888-8dogfish
"Tell John you saw Dogfish Head beers on thebeerpimp.com!"
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