Somers Point Historical Society appreciates brewery support, historical angle
SOMERS POINT — Somers Point Brewing Co. has introduced a new limited-edition craft beer to honor U.S. Navy hero and Somers Point’s own Master Commandant Richard Somers.
According to the brewery, 11-Minute Fuse, described as a bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout with 10 percent ABV, embodies Somers’ legacy of courage and sacrifice. The brewery, known fondly as SoPo, is donating $1 from the sale of every bottle to the Somers Point Historical Society.
Partner John DiNofrio said SoPo has 350 bottles (750ml) that it will sell at $20 apiece, noting it ages well and can be opened in six months and still be good, and will also have the beer on tap.
The beer’s unveiling is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at SoPo, 705 W. New York Ave.
“Crafted with a blend of specialty malts for richness and depth, the beer matured for six months in freshly emptied bourbon barrels,” SoPo Brew Master Adam Curnow said. “The result is a bold, full-bodied stout with layers of dark chocolate, roasted coffee and dried stone fruit, complemented by warm notes of vanilla, toasted oak and subtle caramel from the barrel.”
DiNofrio said he is always looking for new ways to link the business with the city.
“We are Somers Point, so we want to do anything that promotes Somers Point,” he said, noting their first beer, Big-Nose Blond, also honored Somers, and that a picture of Tony Marts is displayed prominently alongside a photo of the Anchorage Tavern.
The bottle label will feature artwork depicting the scene, along with a QR code linking to additional historical information about the naval hero.
During the official unveiling, Curnow will speak about the craftsmanship behind the stout, while local historian Kirk Gerety, president of the Somers Point Historical Society, will share insights into Somers’ life and legacy.
Richard Somers
Somers was born in 1778 in Somers Point, the great-grandson of John Somers, the area’s original settler. He received his warrant as a midshipman in the U.S. Navy in 1798 and rose to the rank of master commandant, serving during the war between the United States and Tripoli in the early 1800s.
In 1804, Somers lost his life aboard the Intrepid during a daring nighttime mission in Tripoli Harbor. Under the command of Commodore Edward Preble during the First Barbary War, Somers volunteered to lead an effort to break the blockade of the Barbary pirates by sailing an explosives-laden ship directly into enemy lines.
The Intrepid was packed with powder, shells and an 11-minute fuse meant to give the volunteer crew time to escape after ignition.
On Sept. 4, 1804, Somers and his 13-man crew sailed into Tripoli Harbor under cover of darkness. Moments later, an enormous explosion lit the sky — far earlier than expected.
The true cause remains unknown. Was the ship fired upon? Did the fuse ignite prematurely? Or did Somers and his men choose to detonate the ship rather than be captured.
What is known is that all aboard sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
Somers and his crew are buried in the Old Protestant Cemetery in Tripoli, Libya. His heroism has been honored with multiple memorials, including seven U.S. Navy ships named USS Somers and a monument at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
DiNofrio said they hope the name will be intriguing and lead to more awareness of the city’s favorite son.
“To me, it just goes hand in hand with our brewery,” he said.
Somers Point
Brewing Co.
Founded in 2017, Somers Point Brewing Co. (SoPo) is a small-town independent craft brewery.
“Every beer is brewed from scratch using premium ingredients to ensure what’s poured into the glass is fresh, distinctive and full of character,” DiNofrio said. “Visitors to the taproom are met with a warm welcome, a knowledgeable team and a passion for sharing the craft of great beer.”
Somers Point
Historical Society
Established in 1987, the Somers Point Historical Society was founded by community members dedicated to preserving the city’s historic buildings and heritage. Their advocacy helped protect Old City Hall from demolition, resulting in its rebirth as the Atlantic County Library/Somers Point Branch.
The group also secured National Historic Recognition for the Bay Front Historic District and continues to support its preservation.
After years of collecting artifacts, photographs and records, the society achieved its long-term goal in 2004 by opening the Somers Point Historical Museum — housed in a rehabilitated 1886 former church and public library.
The museum is staffed by volunteers and dedicated to preserving and sharing the town’s rich history.
“The Historical Society is very excited to see a local business get involved with the history of the city and honoring a local hero, Richard Somers,” Gerety said. “The Historical Society is involved in a lot of community events — car show, Good Old Days, the Christmas Parade and others — and we are always dependent on donations from our supporters. Sopo Brewery is a great member of the Somers Point business community and this event shows how much they care about being a part of our history.”
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff