The city of Delaware, a beautiful, historic metropolis that was once almost the capital of the state, has always been best known as the home of Ohio Wesleyan University, a leading Liberal Arts College, and the Little Brown Jug, part of the Triple Crown in harness racing.
Now, Delaware can also be called a destination spot, boasting a brand new batch of businesses that elevates the energy and vibrancy of the town, creating a modern-day Pleasantville of sorts: the kind of place where neighbors are friends, and if you’re lucky, those friends brew beer.
Liz and Donald Staas could be those buddies. Liz was raised in a home where her father homebrewed, and he passed both the knowledge and passion for the craft on to his daughter. With husband, Donald, she opened Staas Brewing at 31 West Winter Street on July 25th.
“Donald and I visited Delaware together for the very first time back in April 2012, and we instantly knew it was where we needed to be,” shares Liz. “The small town feel and nostalgia of this town is one of a kind; it is the type of community we’ve always wanted to live in.”
Staas Brewing uses a system designed for the microbrewery: they only brew half barrel at a time, allowing the batches to be served at their optimal times. IPAs and wheat beers are served within days of fermenting, and bigger flavors, like their signature Belgian Quadrupel Ale, known as “The Evangelist” (and named after Liz’s Dad), are allowed to age to perfection, like fine wine.
The 1,000 square-foot taproom has 12 taps, of which three will rotate weekly or monthly. The standards include an IPA, Double IPA, Belgian Strong Ale, Saison Farmhouse Ale, Hefeweizen, Pale Ale, and the aformentioned Belgian Quadrupel. There are also 2 nitro taps, and they carry an English ESB and Oatmeal Stout.
On tap for their opening is also an Apricot Wheat, Spruce Ale, Kolsch-style Ale, and two special brews: a Belgian Dubbel at 8.7% ABV, and a Belgian Special at 9.4% ABV, both rivaling the house Quadrupel, which is always a bracing 11.9% ABV – and absolutely delicious.
There’s room for 48 inside Staas, with an additional 16 spots on the patio. The tasting room features custom carpentry, and custom stained glass artwork made by Liz’s mother. Beer will only average about $5-$6 a glass, with the exception of the Quadrupel, which will cost a little more. And of course, the appropriate glassware will be provided for each customer’s beer of choice: lower gravity in pint glasses, higher gravity in goblets, snifters, or tulips.
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The Staases also made the decision to offer only small bar snacks at the store. The brewery itself is only 500 square feet, so the choice to not put in a kitchen was a no-brainer for the beer-obsessed couple. Mashita Noodles will be on hand to serve food throughout most of the summer, and guests are also encouraged to order carry-out as they sip their libations and order a growler to go.
Initially, the only places to try these outrageous new concoctions will be at the taproom and select local distributors in Delaware’s Downtown. There is no plan to begin bottling soon, but that’s part of the appeal of Staas Brewing – everything is made with care, and served at its peak.
“In a day and age where craft breweries are becoming increasingly experimental, we are going in a different direction,” adds Liz. “We are an all grain brewery, meaning no extracts are used in the brewing of our beers. Our goal is to brew lights out, classic styles at the highest possible level. So while we will do some experimentation, we especially hope to be known for brewing classic Belgian and English beer styles.”
Staas Brewing joins an impressive lineup of Downtown hot spots, including Barley’s Hopseters, Vito’s, and 1808 American Bistro. In addition, it’s near The Strand movie theater and Winter Street Inn, so plan a trip to Delaware today. From all signs, this “little town that could” finally is.
For a complete list and descriptions of the beers offered at Staas Brewing, follow them at www.facebook.com/Staas-Brewing-Company.
Photos via Staas Brewing.
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