Flat 12 Bierwerks

We have been very keen to let a place get up and running before rendering judgment about a new bar, brewery, or restaurant around town.  Flat 12 will be approaching its one year anniversary this month, and I think they have come into their own in that time frame. Flat 12 makes six house beers and what seems to be an unlimited amount of variations on those beers.  They also brew a huge handful of seasonal beers to go along with those house beers and house variations. Brewers Rob and Josh seem to be able to come up with something new and interesting for any occasion.  This was just showcased with their 12 Beers of Christmas, which showcased twelve different holiday-themed beers with holiday ingredients.  

Flat 12 up to this point has been on-premises sales only.  Their tap room is available for pints, growlers, and kegs.  They have their beer all over Indiana as well.  If you follow them on twitter (@flat12bierwerks), there has been some chatter about a bottling line coming in soon as well. 

What you need to know: 

Address: 414 N Dorman St Indianapolis, IN 46202 (click for map)

Hours:  
THURS 4 pm – 7 pm
FRI Noon – 8 pm
SAT Noon – 6 pm
SUN Noon – 4 pm

Money: Cash and debit card accepted 
Food: Bynres Grilled Pizza available outside in the beer garden
Web: www.flat12.me


Front Room Growler Fill and Pint Station

2nd larger growler/pint room

Beers for the Day


Cheers!
Matt

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

When it comes to Indianapolis neighborhoods, Fountain Square is one of our favorite drinking destinations. Not only did the neighborhood initially serve as our home base, it also has much to offer visitors. If you're looking for good food, great local shopping, thought-provoking art, or cutting edge live music, Fountain Square has all of these things. And with the Fountain Square branch of the Cultural Trail finally complete, the neighborhood is poised to leap to the top of the list of must-visit Indianapolis destinations.

Whether you're unfamiliar with Fountain Square or looking to explore the neighborhood's newest watering holes, here's our list of Fountain Square establishments to check out, especially if you want to enjoy a good pint or two (or three, etc.).

B's Po Boy
Maybe you're a native of the Big Easy yearning for a taste of your hometown or someone who simply appreciates great New Orleans cuisine. Regardless, B's Po Boy should be on your list of dining establishments to visit regularly. Aside from the namesake sandwiches, B's also serves up gumbo, beignets, and a rotating list of craft beer. And if you're itching to take on other bocce enthusiasts, you'll want to visit B's, which sports two bocce courts.
1261 S. Shelby St.
317.916.5555
Website

Bluebeard
Since Bluebeard appeared on the Indy dining scene in the summer of 2012 with its Italian-influenced cuisine and artisanal breads, patrons have been clamoring to get a table at the restaurant. So yes, the food is fantastic. Fortunately, Bluebeard's proprietors also understand that a great dining experience is supplemented by a well-curated craft beer selection. Bluebeard's tap list is usually dominated by beers brewed right here in the Hoosier State.
653 Virginia Ave.
317.686.1580
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #143 - If This Isn't Nice, I Don't Know What Is

The Brass Ring Lounge
This swing-era bar offers small plates, classic cocktails, and several craft beer selections on tap. The Brass Ring is favorite hangout with the neighborhood locals. The retractable front walls and the open air patio make the Brass Ring a great place to drink at in the summer. 21+ only.
1245 Shelby St.
317.635.RING (7464)‎
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #76 - Do This In Memory of Jim

The End of the Line Public House
Located in the Fountain Square Theatre Building, The End of the Line Public House has 10 taps, mostly local, along with a diverse selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. The menu also has a good selection of vegetarian dishes. Open for breakfast on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays. Named for the Fountain Square terminus of Indy's long-defunct streetcar line.
1105 Shelby Street
317.687.4857
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #138 | Fountain Square Times Two
End of the Line - Now Open in Fountain Square

Fountain Square Brewing Company
One of Indianapolis' newer breweries, Fountain Square Brewing Company has a strong stable of flagship beers, including a pale, an amber, a porter, and one of the best Pilsners in Indiana. The tap room offers pint sales in addition to growler sales. 21+ only.
1301 Barth Avenue
317.493.1410
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #145: Fountain Square

Imbibe Lobby Bar
Five taps, a nice bottle selection, and a friendly, whip-smart bartender who makes outstanding vintage cocktails--what more could you ask for? Imbibe has a chill atmosphere and is the perfect place to kick off the night or to visit for a nightcap. Bartender Brian Jones will set you up nicely. 21+ only.
1105 Shelby Street
317.685.1959
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #99 - Stone Arrogant Bastard at Imbibe
KOTBR #135 - And Now For Something Completely Different

La Margarita
In addition to offering hearty Mexican fare, La Margarita has six craft taps and an exceptional bottle selection. Indeed, proprietor Jon Carlos Rangel likes to stock off-the-beaten-path craft beers. La Margarita also has a well-rounded selection of premium tequilas.
1043 Virginia Avenue
Murphy Arts Center
317.848.1457
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #142 | Two at La Margarita Fountain Square
KOTBR #138 | Fountain Square Times Two

New Day Meadery
Looking for something other than beer? Head to New Day's beautiful tasting room at the corner of Shelby and Prospect to try their mead (honey wine), cider, or both. The meads range from dry to sweet, so there's something at New Day to suit most palates. Try a Hoosier Beer Geek favorite:  Breakfast Magpie, a delicious mead made with a hefty dose of raspberries and coffee.
1102 Prospect Street
888.MEADERY (888.632.3378)
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #146 - NKOTB and the Bee's Knees
It's a New Day in Fountain Square

Radio Radio
Radio Radio has become an institution in Indianapolis' local music scene. Run by Tufty Clough, bassist for local punk legends Zero Boys, Radio Radio hosts both local and national acts. And the club is no dive either, being one of the nicer places in the city to see live music among an eclectic crowd. The club normally has at least two craft selections on tap, usually local. 21+ only.
1119 Prospect Street
317.955.0995
Website

Red Lion Grog House
The Red Lion is Fountain Square's very own taste of the British Isles. Footy on the telly, fish and chips on the menu, and at least half of their 10 taps carrying craft beer, Red Lion is always a popular neighborhood destination. Check out trivia night on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
1043 Virginia Avenue, #6
Murphy Arts Center
317.822.4764
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #105 - The Zoo That Is Fountain Square

Revolucion Café & Bar
The interior of this popular cantina looks like it was decorated by a group of nuns and luchadores after they'd ingested peyote. Out back of the establishment, a Polynesian atmosphere rules the day as the outdoor patio serves as the neighborhood's tiki bar. Revolucion's menu focuses on tacos, with a few other familiar Tex-Mex items (such as nachos) sprinkled in. The cafe has 10 taps, mostly craft, plus a selection of standard Mexican beers in the bottle or can and the house lager (which is Coors) on draft. And yes, margaritas too. 21+ only.
1132 Prospect Street
317.423.9490
Facebook page (no website)
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #131 - Flat12 Milk Stout at La Revolucion Cafe & Bar

Santorini Greek Kitchen
We have to confess--Santorini Greek Kitchen isn't a craft beer mecca. The restaurant carries only Sun King Brewing Company's flagship beers--Osiris Pale Ale, Wee Mac Scottish Ale, and Sunlight Cream Ale--and of those, only Sunlight Cream Ale is on tap. But even if the craft beer selection is limited, Santorini is worth visiting because it's one of the best Greek restaurants in the city. Order a combination plate and you'll be greeted with a massive platter of delicious Greek favorites that at least two people can share. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
1417 Prospect Street
317.917.1117
Website

Siam Square
Lovers of Thai food won't be disappointed by Siam Square. The glowing orange and yellow hues adorning the restaurant's interior will make you feel like you're being greeted by a warm Siamese sunrise. To accompany your dish of delicious pad thai, order a local beer on draft.
936 Virginia Avenue
317.636.THAI (8424)
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #76 - Do This in Memory of Jim

White Rabbit Cabaret
Clowns who run a bingo game? Yeah, we thought it sounded lame too. But then we went and played and were hooked. That's because these aren't your run-of-the-mill creepy circus clowns. They're the Muncie Brothers, Dorgan and Milroy, and they run a bimonthly bingo game at the White Rabbit Cabaret called "The Burlesque Bingo Bango Show." They drink. Milroy mimes. Dorgan curses. If you win, they offer awesome prizes like a three wolves statue. And they are assisted by the lovely burlesque dancer Alabaster Betty. A killer beer list and frequent local music shows don't hurt the White Rabbit's allure either. Changed your mind yet? 21+ only.
1116 Prospect Street
317.686.9550
Website
HBG Visits:
KOTBR #105 - The Zoo That Is Fountain Square

Beer and Cheese Club - December Edition

To round off 2011, the Beer and Cheese Club bucks the trend of huge imperial beers that need to be rested for 6-12 months or more and takes a more friendly approach.  This month's pairing is something that you can bring with you to your Christmas gatherings.  Uerige Altbier is one of the quintessential altbiers from Dusseldorf, a great traditional German style that might be foreign to inexperienced beer drinkers.  Trugole is an Italian cheese, similar in both flavor and origin to Asiago and a cheese that's not too strong to ward off people unfamiliar with the style.

'Tis the season to share your love of beer and cheese with friends and family, and this month's pairing provides the perfect conversation starter.  If you're a member of the Beer and Cheese Club at Goose the Market, your December installment is likely ready for you to pick up right now. If you're not a member, the club is $99 for 4 months.  Beer and Cheese also makes a lot better gift than a simple beer of the month club, so don't forget to inquire about gift memberships!

There is something most interesting with the cheese here.  As I let the cheese coat the top of my tongue, it made my tongue feel like it was burnt.  The sensation didn't linger, and the cheese didn't actually burn my tongue, of course, but the sensation held something remarkably similar.  The lightly-spiced fruitiness in the cheese paired well with those same aromas in the altbier.  There was also something earthy to the beer, grassy, perhaps.

Thanks GtM for another great pairing!

Uerige alt - sweet pear cereal nose, but the beer goes u-turn on that nose when tasting. Not much on front, works sides of the tongue w/ a peppery and slightly sweet bite throughout.

Cheese is immediately agreeable, tart and biting, working the part of the tongue ignored by the beer. Creamy!

I personally was expecting a huge beer that would need an even bigger cheese to stand up to it for the Christmas season.  One could say that I was both surprised and confused when I found a bottle of Uerige Altbier sitting on the table.  Uerige is one of my favorite Alts, as it carries with it 150 years of tradition.  Many regions of Germany are known for a specific style of beer, and Alt is Dusseldorf's beer.  Alt is not a strong beer; it carries with it a refreshing suite of malt flavors.  As with many German beers, the complexity of Alt lies within its simplicity.  Much of the flavor is derived entirely from the choice of malts, imparting nutty, sweet and slightly roasted flavors with a delicate balance of dryness at the finish.  This beer is great for both summer and winter and is very flexible when it comes to food pairings.

The Trugole cheese is from the Asiago valley and is only aged for 2-3 months.  It is a sweet, creamy and slightly grassy cheese with nutty notes in the background.  With a beer like an Altbier, it would be very easy for a cheese to overpower it.  Instead, this month's pairing aims for balance.  The beer and cheese are both very complimentary, and the flavors of both stand out throughout the pairing.  In many pairings, the flavors change and evolve, building off of each other, but with the pairing of Altbier and Trugole, the two live in harmony.  This works great as a holiday snack.

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.