Thompson Island Brewing to toast first birthday Oct. 24

To celebrate its first birthday Saturday, Oct. 24, Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach will release Once Around the Sun, an imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels. Shown are (l-r) Lou Ortiz, executive chef; Lisa Breedlove, general manager; Jimmy Valm, brewmaster; and Matt Patton, director of operations. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach will celebrate its first birthday Saturday, Oct. 24, with a new release and the results of the brewpub’s homebrew competition.

“Thompson Island has been so warmly received over the past year by locals and visitors,” said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island along with 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants. “We are marking the occasion to thank them, and everyone is invited.”

Matt Patton, who oversees the hospitality company’s beer program, said Thompson Island’s limited-edition craft beers, created by head brewmaster Jimmy Valm, often sell out. “Fans of our beer and our food have supported us during a challenging time, and we’re grateful,” Patton said.

For the celebration, Valm has created Once Around the Sun, an imperial stout aged for a year in bourbon barrels. The stout will be released in cans and on draft.

Guests can also order a flight of stouts that includes the new release, as well as Magnificos, Canyons, and Double Pappy Van Winkle Once Around the Sun version. Select beers will come in a commemorative glass that guests can keep.

For the occasion, Dru Tevis, SoDel Concepts’ pastry director, is baking chocolate birthday cake with fudge frosting and warm caramel-milk chocolate ganache. The company now offers personalized celebration cakes at all 12 locations.

Finally, Thompson Island Brewing Company will announce the winner of the homebrew competition. Valm will brew the winning recipe at the restaurant.

All SoDel Concepts restaurants in October are featuring rockfish, and Lou Ortiz, executive chef at Thompson Island Brewing Company, is highlighting pan-seared rockfish.