Brewery / taproom
Unclaimed profileFirst State Brewing Company
Middletown, DE · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
First State Brewing Company runs a beer-first taproom with a serious draft list spanning hazy IPAs to coffee stouts, plus a small but thoughtful cocktail menu. The Rehoboth location adds a broader spirits selection and more wine varietals. Beer pricing stays fair, with 16oz pours mostly under $10. Seasonal and collaborative brews keep the rotation interesting.
- What should I order?
- Start with the First State Hazy, a juicy IPA with Citra, Idaho 7, and Simcoe hops. For something stronger, the Astral Array DDH hazy DIPA delivers passion fruit and ripe citrus. Try the Mandarin Crush cocktail for a house-made twist, or a Sagamore rye sipper at Rehoboth.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating styles and collaborations with other regional breweries. Cocktail drinkers will find a compact but competent menu, especially at Rehoboth. Those seeking a straightforward wine list will find enough variety, though it's not the focus.
- When should I go?
- Go on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds, as the taproom can get busy. Seasonal releases like the pumpkin ale in autumn or watermelon lager in summer are worth timing a visit around.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Beer pours range from $5.3 to $9.9 for 16oz, with most in the $6-$9 range. Cocktails run $9-$18, with the average around $12-$16. Wine and spirits prices are not listed, so expect standard bar pricing.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The brewery integrates its own hop water into a cocktail, the Hoppy Spring Water, and uses Painted Stave vodka in several drinks. Beer collaborations with Pickett, Crooked Crab, and Nepenthe add variety. The Rehoboth location offers a wider cocktail and spirits menu than.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A compact cocktail program at (six drinks) and a broader one at Rehoboth. Uses quality spirits and house-made elements like hop water and house sour. Prices are moderate.
Menu strengths
- — House-made hop water and sour show craft ambition.
- — Uses local Painted Stave vodka and well-known brands like Beefeater and Elijah Craig.
Standout selections
- — Mandarin Crush – Painted Stave vodka, triple sec, mandarin cardamom juice, muddled oranges.
- — Midnight Manhattan – Sagamore rye, Averna, Cinzano sweet vermouth, cocoa bitters.
- — Hoppy Spring Water – Painted Stave vodka with house hop water.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $9 to $18; Mandarin Crush is $12, Midnight Manhattan is $18.
Wine
Wine is available at both locations, but offers only three Harvest Ridge wines. Rehoboth has a broader list with familiar brands and varietals, but pricing is absent.
Menu strengths
- — Rehoboth offers a range of types from sparkling to still.
- — Includes recognizable brands like Kendall Jackson and Miraval.
Standout selections
- — Harvest Ridge Blue Hen Blue – a blue wine from the list.
- — Miraval Rosé – from Provence, listed at Rehoboth.
Pricing: No wine prices are listed on the menus.
Beer
A standout beer program with a wide variety of styles, frequent updates, and collaborations. Prices are fair for the quality.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive draft list covering IPAs, lagers, stouts, sours, and Belgian styles.
- — Collaborations with Pickett, Crooked Crab, and Nepenthe add unique offerings.
- — Seasonal and limited releases keep the menu fresh.
Standout selections
- — First State Hazy – juicy IPA with Citra, Idaho 7, Simcoe.
- — Astral Array – DDH hazy DIPA with passion fruit and citrus.
- — Black Lotus – coffee stout aged on Little Goat coffee.
Pricing: 16oz pours range from $5.30 to $9.90; First State Hazy is $7, Astral Array is $9.
Spirits
Spirits are offered as sippers at the Rehoboth location, with a solid range of bourbons, ryes, scotch, tequila, and more. No spirits menu at was found.
Menu strengths
- — Includes premium selections like Whistlepig and The Glenlivet.
Standout selections
- — Sagamore Rye – a Maryland rye, also used in cocktails.
- — Whistlepig Piggyback 6 Year – a high-rye bourbon.
Pricing: No prices are listed for spirits.
How it sits with the food
No food menu is documented, but the beer styles suggest pairings: the juicy First State Hazy would suit spicy fare, the coffee stout pairs with chocolate desserts, and the watermelon lager is refreshing alongside grilled seafood.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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