Like many American cities, Indianapolis has experienced a huge explosion of craft and micro brew establishments in recent years. From the much beloved, and ever-popular Sun King, to newcomers like Books & Brews, Indy has you covered when it comes to craft and micro brews. Let’s go over a quick run-down of some of the more interesting, fun, and downright delicious breweries Indy currently offers:
WESTSIDE
Black Swan is located in Plainfield on the SW side of the city. Boasting a delectable menu of hearty and healthy food, this craft brew joint offers a plethora of locally made beers ranging from saisons to IPA’s. In fact, Black Swan even has a slogan which lets people know that not only do they have a large number of brews, but they their a straight up, no nonsense brewery. Black Swan: “16 taps and no crap”.
Contrary to the name, this brewpub offers far more than just three styles of beer. With a “classy environment to enjoy classic times” Three Pints makes some stellar brews that can compete with any other. Sitting almost directly across the street from the above-mentioned Black Swan, these two breweries have developed a friendly rivalry that will surely benefit the locals!
Having recently moved to Avon from Bloomington, Cutters Brewing Co. is a small nano-brewery housing enough fermentation capacity to produce 21,000 barrels of beer annually. They are the “hard working beer” for the “hard working Hoosier”. Although Cutters doesn’t offer a bar area or tasting room, they do allow you to fill stop by the brewery itself to purchase growlers, 4 packs, even kegs.
DOWNTOWN
The downtown area offers numerous options when it comes to brewpubs. That being said, let’s focus ones that you may not have heard of!
Located in the historic Chatham Arch neighborhood of Indy, Outliers is proud to call themselves an independent, artisanal craft brewery. With four “staple beers” offered year-round, it becomes easy to get attached to brews like the Whitcomb Rye or the Buffalo Jacket IPA. Keep an eye out for Outliers beers at various local bars and restaurants around the city.
With a great location near Lucas Oil Stadium, Tow Yard gives customers a chance to enjoy some world-class beers before a Colts game, after (or during) a hard days work, or if you’re just in town for a few days for a convention. Labeling itself as “the friendliest work environment possible” Tow Yard takes care of its employees just as it does its drinkers. Try Goldie Hops, the American style Golden Ale with a subtle spiciness and a slight bitterness.
With a recently opened (and beautifully designed) taproom on N. Capital Ave in the heart of the city, Two Deep offers a classy experience and some fantastic brews to boot. I mean how can you resist a name like Brickhouse Roasted Amber Ale.
SOUTHSIDE
Focusing on good brews and good tunes, Chilly Water is a great brewery with a focus on live music. Located in Fletcher Place on the southside of the city.
Serving all of Central Indiana, Greenwood based MashCraft is dedicated to serving high-quality ales and lagers. Stop by their taproom to enjoy a classic Gold (American Blonde), Red (American Amber), or veer away from the norm with the aptly named Sunday Funday (Saison).
Oaken Barrel has been around the block of Indiana brewing more than a few times. In fact, this particular brewery has been creating award-winning beer for 14 years! Offering gourmet ales and lagers Oaken Barrels Brewmaster designs his creations to pair with the restaurant within the brewery. Having once been awarded “Best Brewpub in Indy” by Indianapolis Monthly, Oaken Barrel is sure to impress, whatever your tastes.
Although Indy has been in the beer-making game for some time now, starting with places like Broad Ripple Brew Pub (Indy’s first brewery), the city has seen a huge turnout of beer lovers lately. In fact, a recent article in the Indianapolis Star claims that 12 new brewers are scheduled to open in Indy in 2014 alone. With this explosion of new breweries in the city, some say that this may lead to an over-saturation. I think I can speak for my beer-loving city when I say, it’s impossible to over-saturate with good brews!