16 Mile Brewing Company - Solar Flare

This relatively new brew from 16 Mile presents a rich medium amber-copper color, and is quite hazy, as we expect for a "New England style" IPA. On the nose, expect a profile that's quite spicy and herbal with a light note of clove, along with stone fruits, citrus, and tropical fruits. The spicy hop notes jump out on the palate too, offering a bit of a witbier-like impression. We found the hop bitterness restrained for an IPA, with a touch of residual sweetness and some caramel character rising up to provide a balancing counterpoint. The hops chosen by 16 Mile deliver a complex flavor profile; look for notes of candied citrus, prominent melon, mango and other tropical fruits, pear, and apricot. Smooth and medium-bodied, Solar Flare will match well with foods that play off of the fruit and spice character, such as a rosemary and apricot-glazed pork tenderloin. Cheers!

Co-owners Brett McCrea and Chad Campbell opened 16 Mile Brewing Company in July 2009. After working in other careers, including 10 years in Washington, D.C. for McCrea, the friends wanted to team up to start a local business for the benefit of their families and the local community back in Georgetown, DE. After Chad offered the suggestion of starting a brewery, the two set off on the path to making that happen – a bold choice given the larger-than-life presence of Dogfish Head Brewery just a few miles away.

The McCrea family had owned a sizeable piece of land since the early ‘80s which had previously been a pig, chicken, and cattle farm. A century-old barn on this site made for a perfect brewhouse location – but it needed work. The interior was reinforced and refinished, new brewing equipment was brought in, and soon the beer began to flow. The brewing duo chose 16 Mile as the brewery’s name as nod to Georgetown’s roots; in the 18th century it was said that Georgetown was 16 miles from anywhere.

Rather than focusing on the extreme beers and sometimes over-the-top exotic ingredients that nearby Dogfish Head is known for, 16 Mile wanted to focus on crafting bold but sessionable brews in traditional British styles, with an American twist. It’s a strategy that has paid off, as 16 Mile has experienced strong growth since their opening in 2009 and they’ve expanded, opening an on-site tavern and retail shop where you can have a drink and take home bottles or growlers of your favorite beers. Additionally, 16 Mile has teamed up with other local companies to produce beer-infused artisan foods including bread, coffee, scrapple, and cheddar cheese. For more info on the brewery, their tasting room/tavern, and brewery tours, call 302-253-8816 or visit www.16milebrewery.com.