28 Sep 5 Reasons to Visit Flat12 Bierwerks
By Andrew Dickey for Indiana On Tap
I get to visit a lot of breweries, and I’m a big fan of most of them. Indiana brewers are making awesome beer, and Flat 12 is a leader among them.
Well into their sixth year, this downtown Indianapolis brewery has been a fixture of the Holy Cross neighborhood for some time. I have had the chance to do many events with them, both as a IOT writer, and as a bartender and server at events Flat 12 did at restaurants where I have worked. I have had fun getting to know their crew.
If you haven’t had those same opportunities, here are five reasons to visit the brewery (and crew) in Indianapolis at their Dorman Street location or, if you live in southern Indiana, at their Jeffersonville location.
- Unique brews
The first reason to visit Flat 12 is simple and straightforward: The beer. The brewers go outside the box and always have some unique offerings on tap along with their standbys. The Cucumber Kolsch, and its barrel-aged counterpart, the Pickle Barrel, come to mind.
Flat 12 also has been making one of the state’s best pumpkin ales, Flat Jack, since the beginning and does dark beer very well, from the ever popular Pogue’s Run Porter, to the Russian Imperial Stout. The stout was the first craft beer to be available in 8 oz. stubby cans. The brewery also has a 12-gallon series creating small batch beer, and it’s available only at the brewery. Also, the brewers even make 12 Paws, a nonalcoholic healthy brew for dogs.
- A tap room with deals and art
The tap room offers the best deal in town every day. Flat 12’s pint and package deal is $10 for a pint of one of the flagship beers plus either a four- or six-pack to go. It’s a great deal and one on which Flat 12 needs to get the word out. There is always a nice selection of carryout beer available in addition to excellent growler service.
Flat 12 also has undergone new labeling with great artwork. They also have a new chalk artist who is doing an excellent job around the tap room. Another aspect I like visually about the brewery is a set of doors with a sticker collection from a plethora of breweries. I always find myself drawn to it.
There also are improvements to come at the tap room — the brewery is planning some renovations and looking to make the beer garden into a greener space.
- Good people
Flat 12 has another asset, as well: Friendly staff. I talk to them at beer festivals, and it has always been a pleasure. They are a warm bunch, and they love their beer. If you talk to enough of the male staff, the odds are good you’ll meet someone named Sean. And if you’re hungry, Christina has the best Pennsylvania style hoagie shop in town right next to the taps. She is a bonus reason to visit Flat 12.
- You can take your dog
The fourth reason is very dear to my heart if the picture above does not make it obvious. This is a dog friendly brewery to the nth degree. Tails seem to wag here all the time, and it’s kind of neat to watch people come in to get a growler filled with a dog on a leash at their side. The owners and employees are dog people, and it shows at events like Dogapoolza and the events they do for shelters. Christina also has dog treats at Hoagies and Hops, and Valerie tells me a Flat 12 dog calendar might be in the works. Additionally, the spacious beer garden will have dogs in mind as the green renovations take place. And only dog people would think to make the 12 Paws non-alcoholic brew; I look forward to it next year, as does my Schnoodle!
- Events on events on events
In addition to quality beer and quality people, Flat 12 has a lot of quality events that take place at the brewery. Christmas in July is a big hit, as are the monthly comedy shows and events for Indy Parks. A yoga class takes place every Saturday, and Pints & Poses concludes with a beer tasting. A big Halloween party is slated for late October, and look for the brewery’s seventh anniversary party in January!
There’s always something going on at Flat 12, and most of these events can be found on their website.
Flat 12 has had nearly 7 years to develop a personal niche in Indiana brewing, and I commend them on a job well done. This is a fun group, and they have a good time providing their product. I have enjoyed many visits to the brewery and encourage you to visit as well.
It might be a little off the beaten path, but Google the brewery, and upon visiting, you’ll soon see it’s worth the effort.
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