Lewes, DE – What’s better then enjoying a beer paired with being on the beach, after a long paddle, or at a cookout in a beach backyard? As the summer months heat up, most East Coasters head to the shore in search of sand, water, and a great time with friends and family. A local brewpub in the coastal town of Lewes, Delaware, Crooked Hammock Brewery, captures the summer lifestyle both in their atmosphere and brews.
“Crooked Hammock Brewery was designed from the building to the beer program for guest to relish in the backyard beach escape,” says owner Rich Garrahan. “From the environment we created to the craft beers from our brewers, our brews are synonymous with enjoying a day at the beach.” Now, those beers are available in a can to take with to all of Southern Delaware’s beaches and beautiful spots.
Opened in October 2015, Crooked Hammock Brewery is a modern version of the Indian River Life-Saving Station, a Delaware landmark built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service. The restaurant is covered with beach décor and custom woodworking and features a backyard beer garden, playground for kids, and a state of the art seven-barrel brewing system.
Crooked Hammock Brewery, one of the top beer and food spots along the Delaware seashore, is set to kick off their second summer with their first ever can release. Two of the breweries top selling beers, Actively Fishing Czech Pilsner and Wai Ola Cali-Style Coconut Ale, will now be available in 12-ounce cans.
“Our favorite season is about to begin, so it’s time to get our beer out to the masses,” says Brewer and Brand Development Manager, Jon Schorah. Summertime at the beach means new crowds and fun brews, two of which will be offered in 12-ounce artisan cans for the first time at the popular Lewes brewery and backyard beer garden. “As our name implies, at Crooked Hammock we relish the warm months and we have developed a ‘uniquely crooked’ summer selection of beers that are both refreshing and capture the spirit of our favorite time of year.” Schorah also points out that now beer drinkers can take Crooked Hammock with them to their own destination with a choice of two new 12-ounce cans.
Actively Fishing, a refreshing Czech Pilsner brewed with Noble hops and a hint of lemon peel, and Wai Ola, a Cali-style coconut ale brewed with organic coconut water and toasted coconut flakes, will be available in a limited number of six packs. “We wanted to offer crisp, thirst-quenching session beers that fit our vibe and complement the fun times outside during the summer months,” Schorah claims. “Now you can take a Hammock home with you for backyard get-togethers, cookouts, a day at the pool, or a day on the beach.”
“So what’s new on tap,” asks Head Brewer Chris Wood. “Some of our favorite craft beers that speak of summer, but still embody our quality standards. Our philosophy is to provide styles of beers that are unique, high quality and sessionable. Crooked Hammock is a destination where people come to have fun and drink quality beer,” says Wood. As brewers we get to use our experience and our passion for crafting beer that embodies the spirit and energy of this unique place.”
“As we have grown, choosing the direction of our brews has been one of the fun aspects of the business. Developing your beer offerings is big part of your personality, your brand,” says Wood. “For Crooked Hammock, offering unique and approachable beers that meet a high quality standard continues to be our focus.”
“We opened with just six house brews crafted right here in our new facility with five tanks,” explained Crooked Hammock’s founder, Rich Garrahan. “It’s on tap, so guests can enjoy a mug here, or take home one of our signature growlers as long as the limited supplies would last.” To keep up with demand, Garrahan says they have expanded their brewing facility, now offering ten or more different crafted brews. “We’re going into our second summer season and people love it!”
Southern Delaware is keeping pace with the nation’s burgeoning craft brew industry. According to the National Brewers Association, there were 5,234 breweries throughout the country in 2016. Locally, Lewes’ Crooked Hammock has quickly taken its place among the region’s popular breweries – Dogfish Head, 16-Mile, Mispillion River Brewing, 3rd Wave Brewing, Dewey Beer Co, Big Oyster Brewing, and Revelation Brewing.
Garrahan, who is a managing member of Crooked Hammock, says “there are a number of great breweries now in our immediate area. It’s great to see what they are able to offer from season to season,” adding that it keeps the local beer industry interesting all year long.
With the onset of the busiest time of year, no one is more aware of what it takes to keep up with the supply, and the growing demand from his guests, than the brewing team at Crooked Hammock. Brewer Wood notes that his crew has been working round the clock to be ready for the summer season at the restaurant and its popular backyard beer garden.
Crooked Hammock Brewery, Restaurant and Backyard Beer Garden is open year round 7 days a week from 11am with late night service until 1am. Happy Hour specials are offered Monday through Friday from 2:30-5:30pm.
The one-of-a-kind facility is a must for first-time beach-bound visitors. It includes a full service restaurant & dining room, screened-in Porch Bar, and a large social gathering beer hall which opens onto the outdoor beer garden. Outdoor hammocks, fire pit, games and a children’s playground make it a family favorite. Located at 36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes, DE. 19958 Phone 302.644.SUDS (7837). More information is available online at crookedhammock.com