31 January 2012

Bee Creek Brewery: 2007 - 2012


Brazil's Bee Creek Brewery recently announced they are closing their doors. They will be greatly missed, as we were fans of their beer, holding fond memories of the Clay County Coffee Stout, among others.

We hope as this door closes, this won't be the last we hear from them.

Unsung Heroes of Indiana Craft Beer - Porters and Stouts
KOTBR #109 - The Mass Ave Craft Beer Pride Parade

The second year of the Beer and Cheese Club starts off with a bang.  In the beer department, Shoreline's 2008 Curse the Goat barrel-aged doppelbock.  Shoreline's barrel series can typically fetch $20 or more at a liquor store, so for Curse the Goat to show up in an edition of the Beer and Cheese Club is really something special.  But it doesn't stop with an impressive beer, oh no.  Our cheese selection is crafted by an Italian cheese maker that decided to set up shop in Kentucky.  Giovanni Capezzuto's Kentucky Grana gets an even more local twist this month.  The Smoking Goose has smoked a wheel of this cheese and it is this month's cheese selection with the Beer and Cheese Club!

The beer is from the north, the cheese is from the south and Goose the Market brings it all together with the Smoking Goose and the Beer and Cheese Club.  If you're a member of the Beer and Cheese Club at Goose the Market, your January installment is ready for you to pick up right now. If you're not a member, the club is $99 for 4 months.  We normally get this out ahead of time, but Winterfest slowed us down this month.  Despite our lethargy, I think you'll enjoy the pairing just the same.


This month brings an extra special treat to members.

The beer is from Indiana’s own Shoreline Brewery and part of their Big Bourbon Series. Curse the Dopplebock is interesting right now. It imparts a bit of sour flavor, mixed with aromas of bourbon and dark fruit. It is light on the tongue and a little warming in the belly.

This goat’s milk cheese from Lexington, KY is made by Napoli native, and now Lexington resident, Giovanni Capezzuto. His Old World approach makes for a deliciously subtle and buttery textured cheese. But this particular batch gets a little “Goose” from Chris Eley. This cheese has been smoked at the Smoking Goose, which gives it a little extra something special. If you’ve ever been fortunate to have some bacon or other smoky treat from the Meatery, you know how delicious it is. This cheese takes on that flavor like a champ.

Thanks Goose!


I was quite excited about this beer, because everything I've had from the Barrel Series has been great.  Curse the Goat took me a little by surprise, perhaps because the barrel aging is beginning to influence the beer in the sour direction.  Sour red grapes were the first thing I noticed in the aroma, followed with faint notes of raisin, chocolate, malt and bourbon.  The flavor was similar.  A bit of tartness mixed with plums, figs and raisins and a hint of bourbon in the background.  Certainly no longer your typical doppelbock, this is now something entirely unique.  I wouldn't let this beer sit another year or it may lose its body to sourness, but right now the balance is intriguing.

The cheese is another story, as it is quite fresh and bursts with a beautiful smoky flavor.  The fresh Smoking Goose treatment is immediately noticeable both in the aroma and flavor.  The cheese has a distinct dry, salty, nuttiness that lends itself to smoking and creates an incredible end product.  When tasting the cheese and the beer together, the doppelbock notes are incredibly complimentary with the dark fruit and rich malt flavors pairing well with the smoked character of the cheese.  The sourness creates an interesting reaction with the salty flavor of the cheese, which seems to run parallel to the other flavor interactions without disturbing them.  Certainly a unique pairing!

Sorry, you don't get the whole wheel

To join the Beer and Cheese Club at Goose the Market (in conjunction with Hoosier Beer Geek), check out this PDF and then either call Goose the Market at 317-924-4944 or stop in the shop at 2503 N. Delaware St.

30 January 2012

Hoosier Beer Geek's Guide to Good Beer for Super Bowl XLVI Visitors

Over the past weekend, visitors coming to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI began hitting the city. Fans from New York, New England, and elsewhere will continue to arrive in Indy this week to cheer on their team on Sunday. But rather than instill rivalry and conflict between Giants and Pats fans, it's our mission at Hoosier Beer Geek to spread the love of craft beer, especially among those visiting Indiana. We know how hard it can be finding good beer in an unfamiliar state.

Where to Drink Craft Beer in Indianapolis

We've covered this one before. Rather than repeat it all, check out our "Where to Drink" guides. In these guides, we cover many local bars, breweries, and brewpubs. We also provide some tips on effectively using public transportation to get to your desired craft beer destinations. All in all, it's going to be busy this week, so a lengthy list of watering holes will be a good thing to have. Hey, we actually have a lot of beer in Indianapolis.

Many of the establishments we list in our Where to Drink guides are holding special events and will be open for extended hours this week. If you're interested in visiting an establishment after perusing our Where to Drink guides, check that establishment's website for more details on specials (we link to their websites in the Where to Drink guides). You should also check this blog on Friday morning for our weekly feature, the Random Beer Roundup, which will have the latest news on any Super Bowl-related events featuring craft beer. Our HBG calendar in the sidebar of the blog is also a handy tool.

What to Drink

We cannot emphasize this enough: Indiana breweries are making amazing beer. If you know anything at all about Indiana breweries, you're undoubtedly familiar with Indiana's most acclaimed brewery among beer geeks, Three Floyds. Rest assured that if you're looking for Three Floyds beers in Indianapolis, you'll find them at just about every establishment that serves craft beer in this town. But don't fixate on only Three Floyds. While we love their beer, you won't be disappointed with other Indiana-brewed beers. The Indianapolis area alone boasts 16 breweries, with several more opening soon. In short, we have a burgeoning craft beer scene in Indianapolis. We cover most of the breweries in our Where to Drink guides. If you'd just like a simple list of Indianapolis breweries, head over to Indiana Beer.

And now for Indiana's silly liquor laws

One last warning: At some establishments, you cannot purchase beer/wine/liquor for carry-out on Sunday. This law primarily includes liquor stores and grocery stores. Do NOT forget this or you may end up very upset if you want to have your own stash of beer for your hotel room or tailgate party. Plan ahead and buy before Sunday. Yes it's stupid, but we all have our dumb liquor laws we have to work with.

All is not lost, however. Keep in mind that you can still drink at bars, restaurants, and breweries on Sunday. In addition, Indiana breweries and wineries *are* permitted to offer carry-out sales on Sundays, though not all breweries take advantage of this.

In closing, we hope you like your stay in Indianapolis. It might be called Naptown, but don't expect to have time for a nap while you're here; there are plenty of things to do in our fair city. Have fun, and enjoy the big game!

29 January 2012

Where to Drink in Indy - Hoosier Beer Geek's Guide to Downtown

You can forget all your troubles and forget all your cares and drink downtown…

Indianapolis has some great drinking neighborhoods. Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Massachusetts Avenue… they all have great establishments for craft beer, but if you live, work, or visit downtown, there is no need for expensive cab fares or a potential DUI. There are a variety of places within stumbling distance. Here are a few of our favorites, with distances from the center of the city (Monument Circle) and from the house that Peyton built (Lucas Oil Stadium)…

Adobo Grill
(Monument Circle: 2 blocks; Lucas Oil Stadium: 8 blocks)
110 E. Washington St.
http://www.adobogrill.com/indianapolis/
HBG Visits
http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2009/06/kotbr-74-tacos-and-chelada-at-adobo.html
This Mexican grill has a small craft beer selection, but they make your guacamole tableside (highly recommended), have fantastic tacos, and a fine selection of tequila, if that’s your thing.

Creation Café
(Monument Circle: 11 blocks; Lucas Oil Stadium: 18 blocks)
337 W. 11th St.
http://www.thecreationcafe.com/
The Creation Café is located in the former church building known as Buggs Temple. It is located at the north end of the Central Canal, which puts it a good mile from the city center. But it is close to IUPUI and a short people mover ride to Methodist or IU/Riley Hospital. Because even hospital patients need a drink. The views from Creation Café are spectacular and a popular place when the weather is nice.

Dick’s Bodacious Bar-B-Q
(Monument Circle: 1/2 block; Lucas Oil Stadium: 9 blocks)
50 N. Pennsylvania St.
http://www.dicksbbq.com/
This counter-service Texas-style BBQ joint keeps a great craft beer list on tap and in bottles. A great choice for a quick bite and a drink. I highly recommend the Hoss nachos.

Hoosier Park’s Winner Circle
(Monument Circle: 1 block; Lucas Oil Stadium: 8 blocks)
20 N. Pennsylvania St.
http://hoosierpark.com/winnerscircle
If you want to place a bet on the big game, you can’t do it in Indy. At least, not legally. But if you want to bet on the ponies, Indy can help you. The Winner Circle is a bar, restaurant, and off-track betting facility. It just recently opened, but you’ll find craft beer to help lubricate your wallet.

The Libertine
(Monument Circle: 1 block; Lucas Oil Stadium: 7 blocks)
38 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
http://www.libertineindy.com/
HBG Visits
http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/search/label/Craft%20Beer%20and%20Fine%20Food%20Symposium
Chef Neal Brown owned and operated L’Explorateur before opening The Libertine. We are fans of Neal’s food. The Libertine is probably better known for their cocktails than their craft beer, but we are making a convert out of Neal…

Mo’ Joe Coffeehouse
(Monument Circle: 7 blocks; Lucas Oil Stadium: 10 blocks)
222 W. Michigan St.
http://www.mojoecoffeehouse.com/
HBG Visits
http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2009/09/kotbr-86-berghoff-at-mojo-coffee-house.html
Close to IUPUI, Mo’ Joe is an off-campus coffee shop that is adjacent to a college bookstore and serves a selection of bottled beer. A relaxing place to hang and be out of the way.

Pearl Street Pizzeria and Pub
(Monument Circle: 2 blocks; Lucas Oil Stadium: 7 blocks)
65 E. Pearl St.
http://www.pearlstreetpizzeria.com/
A little off the beaten path, but close to everything, Pearl Street serves up pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and craft beer. It is in the same building as O’Reilly’s ( ) and Coaches Tavern ( ), two other bars with craft beer selections. And great picks if Bankers Life Fieldhouse is your destination.

Ram Restaurant & Big Horn Brewery
(Monument Circle: 3 blocks; Lucas Oil Stadium: 8 blocks)
140 S. Illinois Street
http://www.theram.com/indiana/indianapolis.html
HBG Visits
http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2011/06/kotbr-128-knights-of-beer-ramtable.html
The two breweries downtown are chains, but they have good food and locally crafted beers with fantastic brewers. We recommend you grab a burger and a pint of Andrew Castner’s special or seasonal brews.

Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
(Monument Circle: 1 block; Lucas Oil Stadium: 6 blocks)
10 W. Washington Street
http://www.rockbottom.com/indianapolis-downtown
HBG Visits
http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2008/11/kotbr-59-likely-story.html
http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2007/11/rock-bottom-pumpkin-ale.html
Brewer Jerry Sutherlin brews up some fantastic hoppy beers (the Hopbomb is a personal favorite) and the food is good too. I recommend the nachos (I like nachos!)

Scotty’s Brewhouse
(Monument Circle: 2 blocks; Lucas Oil Stadium: 7 blocks)
One Virginia Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.scottysbrewhouse.com
HBG Visits
http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2009/06/kotbr-77-socratic-beer-method.html
Scotty’s Brewhouse has locations in Indy, Muncie, Lafayette, and Bloomington with a brewery (Thr3e Wise Men) in Broad Ripple and a Burger Joint in Columbus. The food menu is extensive and the craft beer tap list is the largest downtown. The patio is a great place to hang and there are plenty of TV’s inside. It is a block from the front door of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Tavern on South
(Monument Circle: 9 blocks; Lucas Oil Stadium: 1 block)
423 W. South St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225
http://tavernonsouth.com/
HBG Visits
http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2011/08/kotbr-133-youre-going-to-hate-this.html
Tavern on South has one of my favorite non-nachos appetizer: Shagbark Teriyaki Duck Wings. The mushroom cappachino soup is wonderful on a cold day. The entire menu is fantastic. It is close to Lucas Oil Stadium. And it has a great tap list. You’ll find me there after work during half priced appetizers (4p-6p Monday through Thursday).

Tomlinson Tap Room at the historic City Market
(Monument Circle: 3 blocks; Lucas Oil Stadium: 10 blocks)
222 E. Market Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
http://www.indycm.com/index.php/tomlinsontaproom
HBG Visits
http://www.hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2010/11/sneak-preview-tomlinson-tap-room-at.html
http://www.hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2011/02/replicale-tapping-at-tomlinson.html
If you are looking for a variety of local food bites, you’ll find it at the City Market. Papa Roux and 3 Nights in Paris (crepes) are amongst my favorites. But the icing on the cake: the Tomlinson Tap Room. Located on the second floor of the main hall, the TTP serves nothing but Indiana craft beer. And you can get growlers to go (except on Sundays).

Previously in our "Where to Drink in Indy" series:

Where to Drink in Indy - Hoosier Beer Geek's Guide to Broad Ripple, the North Side, and the Northeast Side
Where to Drink in Indy - Hoosier Beer Geek's Guide to Mass Ave, the Near East Side, and the Near North Side
Where to Drink in Indy - Hoosier Beer Geek's Guide to Fountain Square

Where to Drink in Indy - Hoosier Beer Geek's Guide to Broad Ripple, the North Side, and the Northeast Side


To better serve our readers and folks coming to town for Super Bowl XLVI, we're updating our "Where to Drink in Indianapolis" series. In our third post of the updated series, we focus on one of Indy's prime entertainment and cultural districts: Broad Ripple Village. We also highlight some drinking destinations on the city's north side and east side. Here's our list, sorted according to area.

South Broad Ripple/Meridian Kessler

Recess/Room Four
If you're looking for an amazing culinary experience to match your search for excellent beer, you should dine at Recess or its companion restaurant, Room Four. Chef/owner Greg Hardesty is a gastronomic superstar in Indianapolis, and the restaurants' contemporary American dishes are unparalleled in the city. The menus change daily. And the beer selections, though offered solely in bottles, are perfect for pairing with Hardesty's cuisine. Reservations are a must for Recess; if you want to walk in, try Room Four.
4907 N. College Ave.
317.925.7529
Website
HBG Visits:
Scenes From a Beer Dinner: Nøgne Ø at Recess

The Sinking Ship
Along with Recess/Room Four and the Upland Tasting Room, the Sinking Ship recently brought a welcome revitalization to the long-neglected intersection of 49th Street and College Avenue. The Ship has a punk vibe and a menu of hearty sandwiches and draft beers from regional and local brewers (though be prepared to have your beer served in a Mason jar). The Ship is a great place for hockey fans because NHL games are always on during the season. 21+ only. Smoking permitted
4923 N. College Ave.
317.920.7999
Website

Twenty Tap
The sign outside Twenty Tap says "Craft. Beer. Bar." What more need we say? Well, this: Twenty Tap, owned by Broad Ripple Brewpub brewmaster Kevin Matalucci, is one of your best bets for getting a taste of the best beer Indiana has to offer, especially considering that the pub boasts 31 taps. It's also worth noting that Twenty Tap offers half-pours of any of their beer selections, allowing patrons to moderate their sampling. Chef Rob Coates keeps a menu of expected bar food favorites interesting and upsale yet remarkably affordable. The vegan (yes, vegan) bahn mi sandwich is a Hoosier Beer Geek favorite.
5408 N. College Ave.
317.602.8840
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #134 - Zombies on Twenty Taps

Upland Tasting Room
Bloomington-based Upland Brewing Company opened up their Indianapolis outpost, the Tasting Room, in 2009. The brewery's concept for the space is pretty simple. They serve beer, but they're not a bar. They serve food, but they're not a restaurant. The best way to describe the Tasting Room is that it's like a coffee shop, but with the emphasis on beer instead of coffee. Stop in and you'll be able to grab a beer and relax in a funky chair, or just walk in with a growler and head home to enjoy some fresh Upland beer there. We recommend the Teddy Bear Kisses Imperial Stout or a bottle of one of Upland's acclaimed lambics (if available).
4842 N. College Ave.
317.602.3931
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #124 - In Tribute
Upland Tasting Room Now Open!
Upland Coming Soon to Indianapolis

Broad Ripple

Binkley's Kitchen & Bar
Binkley's is a neighborhood favorite with Broad Ripple and Meridian Kessler residents. The restaurant offers classic American fare and has a great line-up of local and regional beers on tap, including unique offerings from a nitro line.
5902 N. College Ave.
317.722.8888
Website
HBG Visits:
Sierra Nevada Brewmaster Meet and Greet - Binkley's

Broad Ripple Brewpub
Despite owning Twenty Tap, Kevin Matalucci still holds down a regular job as the head brewer at the Broad Ripple Brewpub. English expatriate John Hill opened the Brewpub in 1990 in an effort to bring an authentic English pub experience to Indianapolis. He did more than that, kick-starting Indiana's craft beer revolution and creating an Indiana craft beer monument. Matalucci's English-style ales and an extensive menu help complete the effort. Order whatever is on the hand-pull. We especially like the Monon Porter.
842 E. 65th St.
317.ALE.BREW (253.2739)
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #94 | 2001: A Stout Odyssey
The 2009 Knights of the Beer Roundtable Beer of the Year - Broad Ripple Brewpub's Monon Porter
KOTBR #64 - Forgotten Landmarks
Indiana Beer Week Bar Hop - Day One - Operation Chaos
KOTBR #11 - Broad Ripple Brewpub's Wee Alec Heavy

Brugge Brasserie
Look below and you'll see a long list of posts we've written about Brugge Brasserie. There's a good reason for this: Brugge is an Indianapolis treasure. Nestled next to the Monon Trail, Brugge is unique among Indiana's brewpubs because it's the only brewery in the state to focus on Belgian-style beers and food. Ask your server if there are any sour beers on tap, and be sure to order the frites (fries), which are among Indianapolis' best. You also can't go wrong with a glass of Brugge's famous Tripel de Ripple, but be advised: there's a two-beer limit due to the potency of this beer.
1011 E. Westfield Blvd.
317.255.0978
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #124 - In Tribute
KOTBR #120 - Two Places, One Beer - Dogfish Head/Three Floyds Poppaskull
Beer Diary #17 - Jim | The Power of Names
KOTBR #104: Brugge Spider
Beer Diary #18 - Lose Ends Edition
KOTBR #90: Medal Winners
Beer Diary #15 - Mike - Vacations
The First Annual Hoosier Beer Geek Craft Beer Breakfast
Beer Diary #10 - Mike
KOTBR #51: The Hoosier Beer Geek Second Anniversary Party
Indiana Beer Week Bar Hop - Day One - Operation Chaos
KOTBR #48 - Dude, Where's Chris's Car?
Six Pack Interview with Brugge's Charlie Midgley
The Complete Works (so far) of Ted Miller (abridged)
KOTBR #34 - Two at Brugge Brasserie - Thunder Monkey and Impérial
Beer Diary - Mike
The Hoosier Beer Geek 6 Pack - Ted Miller, Brewer/Owner of Brugge Brasserie and Brugge Beer
Beer Diary - Jim | South Florida Edition
KOTBR #14 - Brugge Quadripple
KOTBR #5 - Brugge's The Black

Chumley's Pub
Chumley's is more or less a college bar, attracting much of its clientele from nearby Butler University (home to Indy's beloved Butler Bulldogs). But unlike many college bars with their sole focus on macrobrews, Chumley's has an extensive tap list that always has something to suit any beer geek's tastes. The bar also sells beer by the pitcher and has several nitro lines that pour more than the usual nitro offerings. 21+ only. Smoking permitted.
838 Broad Ripple Ave.
317.466.1555
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #55 - Beer and Progress with the Urbanophile

Corner Wine Bar
If you're looking for a restaurant that is perfect for date night and that has a well-curated wine and beer list, visit the Corner Wine Bar. Along with a menu of Continental-inspired dishes, the CWB has a cozy English-style pub with a small but nice selection of draft beers. Stop by on Wednesdays, when pints are $3.00. Smoking permitted in the pub.
6331 Guilford Ave.
317.255.5159
Website
HBG Visits:
Beer Diary #8 - Jim | Then and Now

Locals Only Art & Music Pub
Seeking local music in an off-the-beaten-path establishment? Then Locals Only is your place. There's a stage in one corner of the bar, offering live music of all sorts. The work of local artists hangs on the walls. And then there's the amazing bottle and draft beer selection, put together by proprietor and craft beer lover David Quiesser. 21+ only. Smoking permitted.
2449 E. 56th St.
317.255.4013
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #38 - I Love Scotch. Scotchy Scotch Scotch. Here It Goes Down, Down Into My Belly...
KOTBR #12 - Locals Only...With a Special Guest Star

Monon Food Company
Offering a selection of 60 beers (mostly bottled), the Monon Food Company is a great place to dine in a family-friendly and casual atmosphere. During the summer, the restaurant's deck is a great place for people watching due to the restaurant's close proximity to the Monon Trail. When it comes to the food, we recommend the Ultimate Mac and Cheese.
6420 Cornell Ave.
317.722.0176
Website

Northside Social
Managing to be upscale and casual at the same time, Northside Social carries a sophisticated air with its contemporary furnishings, well-dressed patrons, and attentive servers. Sink into a cushy chair in the lounge area, grab a table, or snag a spot at the bar and you'll have a good draft list at your disposal.
6525 N. College Ave.
(317) 253-0111
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #112 - Flashback at the Northside Social

Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Company
Scott Wise's Scotty's Brewhouse restaurants are well-known in central Indiana, especially in the area's college towns. To refer to Wise as possessing a restaurant empire would be no exaggeration. But Wise is an emperor of the best kind: a benevolent one who always wants to ensure a fun, good-quality dining experience. In 2011, Wise added a brewpub to his stable of restaurants with Thr3e Wise Men. With its blond wood paneling and airy space, the restaurant kind of looks like a ski lodge inside. But pizza and beer are the house specialties. Hop-heads should go for a Golden Zoe IPA, which is lovingly crafted by head brewer Omar Castrellon.
1021 Broad Ripple Ave.
317.255.5151
Website
HBG Visits:
3WM HBG Double Brown Tapping
KOTBR #132 - Thr3e Wise Men Golden Zoe IPA, Neil Patrick Harris Style
Opening Today: Thr3e Wise Men

Union Jack Pub
There was a time when hardcore soccer fans in this town had no place to go if they wanted to watch a match from across the pond. Around the time of the 2006 World Cup, Indy's barkeepers began to catch on to the fact that yes, rabid fans of the Beautiful Game make Indianapolis their home. The Union Jack Pub is one of Indianapolis' soccer-centric bars, offering Saturday and Sunday breakfasts to accompany the English Premier League matches they show. The pub has a pretty extensive draft and bottle list with some British, regional, and local offerings.
924 Broad Ripple Ave.
317.257.4343
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #75 - Secret Meeting of the (Expanded) Knights of the Beer Roundtable

North Side

Ale Emporium
Billing itself as "The Home of Honest Pizza," the Ale Emporium certainly has a diverse selection of pies to choose from. But this Allisonville pub also has a well-rounded selection of local and regional craft beers on tap and in the bottle. You can even order by the pitcher if you desire. Visit on Tuesdays for discounted pints and pitchers. 21+ only. Smoking permitted.
8617 Allisonville Rd.
317.842.1333
Website

The Beer Sellar
"100 bottles, 50 taps, and 1 bitchin' jukebox"--with the Beer Sellar's tagline, you at definitely know what's in store for you. This bar is probably the north side's best known beer bar and occasionally hosts tap takeovers by the likes of Michigan's Bell's and Indy's own Sun King. If you're on the north side and don't mind smokers, we definitely recommend that you stop in, especially on Wednesday, when Indiana beers are $3.00 by the pint and $4.00 by the bottle. 21+ only. Smoking permitted.
6466 E. 82nd St.
317.849.2739
Website
HBG Visits:
Photo Post: 30 Bell's Taps at The Beer Sellar

Chatham Tap Fishers
Like soccer? We do. Chatham Tap is the default choice for fans wishing to catch English Premier League action. The pub's tap list follows suit, with the standard English selections as well as local taps and a nice bottle list. And if you happen to follow the U.S. National Team, the Chatham Tap is where you want to be on match day because the local American Outlaws chapter takes over the bar with their bawdy chants and infectious enthusiasm.
8211 E. 116th St.
Fishers, Indiana 46038
317.845.1090
Website

Rock Bottom College Park
Unfortunately, chain brewpubs sometimes get a bad rap. People automatically assume that if it's corporate, it's not worth having. Definitely not so with Rock Bottom. While some of Rock Bottom's beers are the same no matter which Rock Bottom you visit, each pub's brewer is given the freedom to brew several other beers according to the brewer's own recipes. Rock Bottom's north side location offers several gems from brewer extraordinaire Liz Laughlin. We recommend ordering whatever's on cask.
2801 Lake Circle Dr.
317.471.8840
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #107 - Re-dedication at Rock Bottom College Park

Northeast Side

Bier Brewery and Taproom
Bier Brewery and Taproom's Darren Connor began his brewing career at homebrewing supply store Great Fermentations, perfecting the homebrewing craft that he learned in college. In late 2010, he opened Bier just a few doors down from Great Fermentations. Bier is different from other Indy breweries in that it operates on a small, 1.5 barrel system. So in that sense, Bier is the city's one and only nanobrewery (though that will change soon with the opening of Black Acre Brewing Company in Irvington). Because Bier's batches are small, the brewery rotates styles quite frequently and offers only growlers for sale. But that's not a bad thing; variety, as they say, is the spice of life. We're quite fond of Bier's DFG IPA, so grab a growler if it's on. 21+ only.
5133 E. 65th St.
317.253.BIER (2437)
Website

Triton Brewing Company
Triton Brewing Company opened in 2011 out at Fort Benjamin Harrison in a marvelously refurbished building that was long-used as a horse barn. At Triton's helm are Jon Lang, former head brewer at Barley Island Brewing Company; Mike DeWeese, a longtime veteran of Indianapolis' craft beer scene; and David Waldman. Triton's name--borrowed from the name of  Greek sea god Poseidon's son--stems from the brewery's emphasis on water quality. Indeed, Triton uses a reverse osmosis filtration system to ensure the highest quality water for its beers. Pints and growlers are available at the brewery, along with local and regional beers from the brewery's guest taps. Drinkers won't be disappointed by Triton's Rail Splitter IPA or Deadeye Stout.
Fort Benjamin Harrison
5764 Wheeler Rd.
317.735.2706
Website

Previously in our "Where to Drink in Indy" series:

Where to Drink in Indy - Hoosier Beer Geek's Guide to Mass Ave, the Near East Side, and the Near North Side
Where to Drink in Indy - Hoosier Beer Geek's Guide to Fountain Square