HBG4 was a rousing success, thanks largely to the variety and quality of the Indiana beers on hand. But despite (or in some cases because of) Indiana's always developing craft beer community, there's always something new on the horizon - new styles, new breweries, and the continued pursuit of the craft of brewing beer. Recent trends in beer sales have shown that sales of American craft beer have not just hurt the big guys - they're also partially responsible for the erosion of the sales of foreign brands that appeal to the same audience. From a personal standpoint, I can attest that my first choice when having a beer almost always starts with an American brewery - despite the fact that there are plenty of great European options, many of which set the standard for style.
It got me to wondering if we'll ever reach a point where beer becomes even more local - when I'll stop looking to beer from other states, and set my default focus on beer made in Indiana. I don't think we're anywhere near that point now, but a large part of that sort of dedication relies on the creativity shown by Indiana's brewers and the availability of the creativity when I walk in the liquor store. Sure, you might be making wacky fruit beers (though not an Indiana brewery, this is exactly what I have in mind) for your brewpub, but can I find it in a liquor store on the south side of Indianapolis?
What would it take for you to focus primarily on Indiana beer? Are you already there? Or will you ever reach that point?
