16 Mile Brewing Company - Old Court Ale

16 Mile's Old Court Ale presents a gorgeous red-amber hue in the glass, topped with a crop of beige foam that lingers long before finally receding to a persistent collar. On the nose we picked up a prominent dose of caramelized malt with a light bready impression overlaid by a hop profile conjuring mild citrus, spice, and even a touch of aromatic wood. In the flavor department, look for a prominent core of toasty bread and moderate caramel, while hops offer moderate bitterness to balance the light hint of residual sweetness. The hop profile also delivers a mild fruity impression consisting of light citrus and a hint of apple, along with some bright herbal spice. In a world with so many super hop-forward pale ales, Old Court Ale is a good reminder of how broad the pale ale style category can be; we really liked this brew's malt profile and balance, and believe it to be a very food-friendly brew. For pairings, we're thinking apple & cinnamon pork chops, or roasted chicken with apricot glaze. 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