Do Evansville’s Craft Breweries Have Your Attention? They Should

Indiana beer fans, Evansville would like your attention.

Adjacent to the Ohio River in downtown Evansville, IN, a creative community of 4 neighborhoods (Riverside, Culver, Goosetown, Blackford’s Grove) defines the Arts District. The heart of the Art District is a unique “corner” marked by a shift in the cities grid, multiple arteries meet at a fountain (constructed in 1979). Historically, the Haynie’s Corner area has undergone multiple transformations. A symbol of community, advocacy, preservation, and regeneration, its future sits with art, design, and architecture.

The areas assets include The Evansville Museum of Art & Science, Alhambra Theater, Nationally Registered Historic Riverside Neighborhood, and multiple small businesses such as Rivercity Co-Op.

Soon, that area will add another business that’s sure to make Indiana beer fans happy: the Evansville Brewhouse located at 56 Adams Avenue.

I corresponded with owner Jeff Smith, who indicated that he hopes the brewhouse, home to a 3 BBL system, will open by late summer. Smith added that aside from two ADA-compliant restrooms that the leaser is installing, the building itself requires no major renovations.  Smith will be taking possession March 1 and plans to start the bar build and cold room construction shortly after.

Smith said that the goal of the Evansville Brewhouse is to make good beer, have fun, and contribute to the revitalization of the Arts District.

Recently the city of Evansville has been brewing up some great Indiana craft beer. Turoni’s Main Street Brewery and Forget-Me-Not-Inn has been a city staple for years (can you go wrong with the Honey Blonde?). Tin Man Brewing Company has, within the last couple years, burst onto the craft scene and continues to produce some amazing beer (most recently their Damascene Apricot Sour and Café Leche Coffee Porter in addition to Alloy APA, Overlord Imperial IPA, Circuit Bohemian Pilsner, and Rivet Irish Red). There is also Carson’s Brewery, whose core line-up (Eville Wheat, Harlot, Red Dawn, and RIPA) is nothing short of impressive. (Red Dawn won gold at the Great American Beer Festival in the American Style Wheat Beer Category.)

Smith cited a simple, noble reason for wanting to put a brewhouse near downtown Evansville, one I can completely get behind: revitalization.

“Three years ago my wife and I moved to a historic region near downtown Evansville just a few blocks from the Haynie’s Corner Arts District. The HCAD is undergoing a major revitalization.  By mid-summer the district will include two new restaurants (Sauced and Dapper Pig), a rebranded bar/pub (Haynie’s Corner Pub), and an expanded Bokeh Lounge, a venue regularly featuring local musicians. In a few years the beautiful Alhambra Theatre, located next door to the brewery, may reopen as an event venue.  I believe Evansville Brewhouse will complement these other business quite nicely.”

When asked what kind of beer Smith will offer at the Brewhouse he said, “I will probably have a small core lineup that will include an IPA, a lighter beer such pale or blonde ale, and a porter or stout.  I will surround the core beers with a variety of seasonal and one-off brews. Since I will have a three-way liquor license I’ll also have guest taps and wine.”

Smith intends to sell their beer only through the taproom by the glass or growler.  While they will not be offering food line-up, they will invite patrons to order- or carry-in.

Does Evansville have your attention? It should.

Stay tuned to Indiana on Tap for more information about the Evansville Brewhouse as it unfolds.