3rd Wave female owner dominates in industry full of men

Lori Clough is making waves.

She co-owns 3rd Wave Brewing Co. in Delmar along with her best friend, Suellen Vickers. And after three successful years of brewing, the two are ready to expand.

"We are in a really good place right now," Clough said. "We've been taking our time, developing our reputation and product. But we're ready for the next step."

3rd Wave fans can expect to see select styles available in bottles soon, and cans later this summer. The Delmar brewery plans to distribute to all of Maryland and Delaware, and hopefully the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Clough's journey began with a home brewing kit.

After finding success from her first batch, she wanted to try crafting her own recipes. She started reading books on brewing and started researching different techniques.

Clough put her science degree to good use, experimenting with a new recipe each month for two-and-a-half years. As she crafted beer in her garage, she dreamed about opening a brewery with Vickers.

"We knew it would have to be beach themed," she said.

Clough and Vickers met 30 years ago in Ocean City while working at a pizza place on the Boardwalk. Fond surfing memories were the inspiration behind the brewery's name, logo and concept.

"Waves come in sets," she said. "The third one is the one you want. The third wave is the good one."

Clough's old surf board now hangs above the brewery's entryway. The tasting room's vibrant, orange walls are decorated with paddle boards and other surf memorabilia.

The brewery has 15 "beachy" beers available on tap, like the Shorebreak Pale Ale, Bonzai Black IPA, Sandstorm Belgian Tripel and the Big Reef English Porter.

The building home to 3rd Wave was once occupied by Evolution Craft Brewing. When Evo moved south to a larger facility in Salisbury, Clough and Vickers jumped at the opportunity to have a microbrewery of their own.

Clough remembers the day like it was yesterday. She was working for UPS at the time, and was out on a run when she got the phone call from Vickers.

"It's true," Vickers told her. "They're really selling it. You know we have to buy it."

The two spent the weekend in the garage, brewing beer and going over the details. Three days later, they bought the property.

The purchase was a smart investment; Evolution had already paved the way for 3rd Wave.

"The Knorr brothers have been very good to us," she said. "They've never been too busy to answer any questions or even offer advice. That's how everyone in this industry is."

Clough describes the craft beer industry as one full of camaraderie and support. And although she is a female, she's never received special treatment.

"I get the occasional raised eyebrows when I'm introduced as the brewery owner, but I think I've proven myself," she said. "Hard work pays off."

Clough said she hopes to see more women taking charge in the craft beer movement.

Her advice to anyone trying to make break into the industry is to have a solid business plan, take time developing an exceptional product and have a good work crew in place.

"Hire people who know what they are doing and who are passionate about it," she said. "I wouldn't be where I'm at without my team."

hcarroll2@dmg.gannett.com

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If You Go

3rd Wave Brewing Co.

Where: 501 N. Bi State Blvd., Delmar

When: 3-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays

Call: 302-907-0423

Visit: http://www.3rdwavebrewingco.com/home.html