If you’re looking for a good excuse to pour a nice craft beer, do it for the skipjacks. Delaware brewer Fordham & Dominion will re-release the oyster stout that raises money for one of the Bay’s most prized original skipjacks.
Rosie Parks Oyster Stout contains Chesapeake Bay oysters and shells, according to the brewery, “contributing to a slight briny taste in the beer.” Naturally, it is designed to pair well with oysters. The “very distinctive” beer retains a loyal group of followers, Fordham & Dominion says.
The stout will be officially re-released this fall, with a portion of proceeds raising money for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels. CBMM maintains the 1955 skipjack Rosie Parks, built by Bay legend Bronza Parks. The museum says Rosie Parks is one of the “least altered skipjacks still in existence.” She recently underwent a three-year restoration.
Rosie Parks oyster stout will be on draft and in cans at businesses throughout Maryland, Delaware and Virginia after it premieres August 1 at Rams Head Tavern Annapolis. It will also star, appropriatly, at CBMM’s OysterFest on October 26.
“CBMM’s festival-goers will be thrilled to have the oyster stout back at OysterFest, especially knowing the proceeds will help us in maintaining our floating fleet of historic Chesapeake boats. It’s a win-win for all,” says CBMM president Kristen Greenaway.
Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company is based in Dover, Delaware and welcomes visitors to its tap room.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
