If you’ve ever stood in front of a tap list at a local brewery feeling overwhelmed by terms like “IPA,” “porter,” or “sour,” you’re not alone. If you are like me, then this hits close to home. Indiana’s craft beer scene is growing fast—and with it, a wide array of styles and flavors that can make choosing your first (or next) brew a little intimidating.
But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this Indiana Craft Beer Guide. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to branch out, this guide breaks down the most common craft beer styles in Indiana and tells you exactly where to try them.
What Is a Beer Style, Anyway?
At its core, a beer style is a category that describes how a beer tastes, looks, smells, and feels. It includes:
- Flavor profile (malty, hoppy, fruity, etc.)
- Color and clarity
- Bitterness (measured in IBU)
- Alcohol content (ABV)
- Traditional ingredients and brewing methods
Each style has its own character—and many Indiana breweries add their own twist, using local hops, regional grains, and even unique yeast strains to stand out.
Popular Craft Beer Styles in Indiana (And Where to Try Them)
Here’s a breakdown of Indiana’s most loved craft beer styles, with local examples to help you plan your next tasting adventure.
1. IPA (India Pale Ale)
Flavor: Bold, hoppy, often citrusy or piney
Great for: Fans of strong flavors and bitterness
Try it at: Hog Molly Brewing Co. (Columbus) — 2-A-Days Session Lemon IPA
IPAs are one of the most popular styles in craft beer, and Indiana is no exception. Expect bold aromas, higher bitterness, and flavors ranging from grapefruit to resin.
2. Pale Ale
Flavor: Balanced malt and hops, lighter than IPAs
Great for: A gentle intro to hop-forward beers
Try it at: Sun King Brewery (Indianapolis) — Sunlight Cream Ale
Pale ales are a great entry point. They offer complexity without the aggressive bitterness of an IPA. Cream ales like Sunlight are smooth, slightly sweet, and super drinkable.
3. Wheat Beer / Hefeweizen
Flavor: Light, cloudy, often with banana or clove notes
Great for: Summer days and craft beer newbies
Try it at: Upland Brewing Co. (Bloomington) — Wheat Ale
These are smooth, soft beers that often include citrus or spice notes. They’re a crowd-pleaser and perfect for hot days on a patio.
4. Stouts & Porters
Flavor: Rich, dark, often with chocolate, coffee, or roasted notes
Great for: Cold weather or dessert pairings
Try it at: Taxman Brewing Co. (Bargersville) — Deduction (Belgian-style stout)
Don’t let the dark color scare you—many stouts are surprisingly smooth. They’re perfect for sipping slowly by the fire or pairing with a chocolate cake.
5. Sour Ales / Gose
Flavor: Tart, tangy, sometimes fruity or funky
Great for: Adventurous palates, wine drinkers
Try it at: 450 North Brewing Co. (Columbus) – Slushy XL Series (e.g., Cherry Bomb or Tropical Freeze)
Sours are intentionally tart and often fermented with wild yeast or bacteria. They’re great for people who don’t think they like beer—until they try one.
6. Lagers & Pilsners
Flavor: Crisp, clean, refreshing
Great for: Light beer fans and easy drinking
Try it at: Metazoa Brewing Co. (Indianapolis) — Nap in the Hammock (Blonde Lager)
Light, low-bitterness beers like lagers and pilsners are great for tailgates, lawn mowing, or relaxing on the lake.
Tips for Trying Craft Beer as a Beginner
- Order a flight: Most breweries offer sample-size pours so you can try 4–6 styles at once.
- Talk to the staff: Bartenders and brewers love to make recommendations.
- Use the Untappd app: Track what you like and explore similar styles.
- Pair with food: A good burger or cheese board can make a beer even better.
Final Thoughts
Indiana’s craft beer scene is vibrant, welcoming, and full of flavor. Whether you’re dipping your toes into the beer world or ready to find a new favorite, the best way to learn is to sip, savor, and explore.
So next time you visit a local brewery, try something new—and who knows, you might just become a hop-head, a sour-lover, or a stout-sipper before you know it. You could also join our Tasting Society Marketplace and get over $1,500 worth of coupons to breweries and distilleries in Indiana.
What’s Your Go-To Indiana Beer Style?
Drop your favorite local brew in the comments or tag us on social with your latest pint. Cheers to discovering something new—one style at a time!
