Mispillion River Brewing to release 2017 tribute stout Saturday

For the past few years, brewmaster Ryan Maloney at Mispillion River Brewing has been brewing Short ‘N Stout in honor of fallen police officer Chad E. Spicer, a Georgetown patrolman who was killed on-duty in 2009.

The bourbon barrel aged beer was inspired by Spicer’s love of tobacco and whiskey.

On Saturday, June 3, Mispillion Brewing in Milford will release its 2017 edition of the Short ‘N Stout. This year, the brewery changed the type of the bourbon barrel, in hopes of a smoother beer.

The 9 percent ABV Russian Imperial Stout features notes of tobacco, oak, vanilla and toffee, which blend well with the whiskey flavors from the six-month barreling process.

Since 2015, the beer has been brewed as a fundraiser for the National Criminal Enforcement Association’s Officer in Distress Fund.

Spicer was killed in September 2009 as he and his partner tried to stop a vehicle that had been involved in a shooting. Convicted killer Derrick Powell was originally sentenced to death, but a 2016 ruling by the state Supreme Court found the death penalty law in Delaware unconstitutional. Powell is in prison for life without parole. 

More than 100 bottles will be available, and bottles 1-10 will be auctioned off live.

Per a press release, bottle No. 1 raised $2,700 last year.

Bottles go on sale Saturday, June 3, at 1 p.m.

The release party, which runs from 1-6 p.m., will include live music, a cornhole tournament, food and a debut of a Short ‘N Stout Whiskey.

For more information, visit mispillionriverbrewing.com.

Jeff Neiburg can be reached at jneiburg@delmarvanow.com.