302 Beer Drinkers Choice Awards: A Celebration of Delaware’s Craft Beers
Fan-Favorite Beer: Wilmington Brew Works Reclaims the Title
At the seventh annual 302 Beer Drinkers Choice Awards, Wilmington Brew Works once again emerged victorious, taking home the championship belt for fan-favorite beer. Their winning creation, Hazy Tang, a tantalizing cuvée blend sour and hazy IPA, delighted the taste buds of the attendees.
A Showcase of Creativity: Best Costume and Most Unique Beer
While the focus of the event was undoubtedly the beer, breweries and attendees alike seized the opportunity to showcase their creativity. Volunteer Brewing of Middletown stole the show for Best Costume, donning beer-keg-inspired proton packs as a clever nod to Ghostbusters.
First State Brewing, also from Middletown, impressed judges with their Confection Dissection sour, earning them the coveted Most Unique Beer award. Their booth, inspired by a pastry kitchen, featured delectable pastries perfectly paired with their brews.
Sours and IPAs Rule the Night
Craft breweries in Delaware showcased a vast array of beers, but two styles emerged as the clear favorites: sours and hazy/New England IPAs. With sour beers claiming victory for five consecutive years, their popularity among attendees was undeniable.
Beyond the Beer: Celebrating the Community
The 302 Beer Drinkers Choice Awards extended beyond the beer itself, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and celebration. Crooked Hammock founder Rich Garrahan emphasized the importance of community, stating, “This event isn’t about competition but about honoring the hard work of the brewers and sharing a good time together.”
Table Summary of Award Winners
| Category | Winner | Beer/Booth |
|---|---|---|
| Fan-Favorite Beer | Wilmington Brew Works | Hazy Tang |
| Best Costume | Volunteer Brewing | Beer-keg Proton Packs |
| Most Unique Beer | First State Brewing | Confection Dissection |
| Best Booth | First State Brewing | Pastry-Inspired Booth |
| Best Costume (Audience) | Dylan Stevenson | Doug Dimmadome (10-Gallon Hat) |
