Not only was Dogfish Head Delaware’s first brewpub, it was the smallest commercial brewery in America. Our very first batch, Shelter Pale Ale, was brewed on a system which essentially was three little kegs with propane burners underneath. Brewing 12–gallon batches of beer for a whole restaurant proved to be more than a full time job. When the doors to the pub first opened, we brewed three times a day, five days a week! The one benefit to brewing on such a small system was the ability to try out a myriad of different recipes. We quickly got bored brewing the same things over and over – that’s when we started adding all sorts of weird ingredients and getting kind of crazy with the beers!
Recent Reviews
Missed the chance for a tour, but will definitely be back for one. Cheers y'all!
Events
Punkin Ale Fest 2026
Oh my gourd, it's officially the season for all things Punkin Ale! Get ready to celebrate with some exclusive libations, DOGfishies, local vendors and more at our Milton Brewery!
Swing by from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. for our annual FREE family and dog friendly event where you can enjoy some amazing local craft vendors and food trucks, Dogfish Head ales & spirits, live music, yard games, a pet photo booth and much more! It's the perfect fall celebration!
Live Music
We’re amped to share that Trailer Park Casanovas will be taking the stage from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing the heat with your favorite throwback hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s!
Then from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., we’re welcoming Delco Donny Band jamming out to your favorite emo/pop punk songs!
Little Pumpkin Painting
Pick up a little pumpkin for just $5 and let your creativity shine! Available for guests of all ages, these pumpkins can be painted on-site and taken home as a fun keepsake from Punkin Ale Fest.
Off-Centered Libations
Keep the goodness flowing with plenty of off-centered ales on tap, including the star of the show, Punkin Ale! Plus, our friends from Angry Orchard are joining the party! They’ll be onsite pouring their crisp, refreshing ciders to keep those fall vibes going strong. We'll also have a special Punkin Liqueur cocktail, alongside some non-alcoholic cider options too.
At this year's Punkin Ale Fest, meet Harvest of Time, a barrel-aged reimagining of Punkin Ale coming in at 12.4% ABV. This pumpkin barleywine builds on the flavors that made our iconic fall beer a seasonal favorite, taking roasted pumpkins, rich sugars, and warm baking spices on a 20-month rum barrel adventure. Finished with Madagascar vanilla beans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, it delivers decadent notes of caramelized pumpkin, vanilla, oak, and rum-soaked sweetness. Think of it as Punkin Ale's older, wiser, and a little more spirited cousin, crafted for savoring and celebrating the season.
Beer & Benevolence
Did we mention the dogs?? This bark-tastic event will benefit the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) who will be on-site with some adoptable canine friends.
You can hop into our dog and family friendly photo booth throughout the event that will be entirely donation-based. PLUS, thanks to our amazing vendors and their contributions, we'll have a raffle drawing at 3:30 p.m. full of fantastic prizes, all in support of the BVSPCA.
Vendors
Kent County Candles | Salt Town | Mother Mary’s Creations | The Shabby Mermaid | Glas-Glow Atelier | Brandywine Wood Shop | IMR Concepts | Sassy Jack Handmade | Handmade by Nancy | Byzantium Sky Press | MOJAVE SALT | Kristen Vaughn Art | Casey Julia Designs | Tall Oak Trading Company | Local Waves Studio | Made by Mkensea | Boneyard Pup | Kilted Bee Mead | Andy Vible | Brûlé Bakery | EPIRON Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Lemnuel USA | Compile Tile | Mikejo Designs | Fancy Strands Fairy Hair | Mixtape Paper Co. | Blue Hour Pottery LLC | Past Objects Art | Casey Julia Designs | Rachel Frebert | Half Chicken Man | Cracked Bell | Sunshine Octopus | Hoop Delaware | Carly and Dave Ceramics | Waggies by Maggie & Friends
Food Trucks
Uncle B’s | Taco Reho | The Golden Chapter | Zaikka on Wheels | Mommom's Cheesecakes | Sarcastic Chef
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