29 Sep Indianapolis Beer Isn’t Getting the Credit it Deserves and it’s Time to Raise Some Hell About It
In Justin Torres’ novel, We the Animals, the opening line is a simple, often overlooked sentence containing three unpretentious literary words.
We wanted more.
Personally, I find that line quite universal. Underneath the simplistic three words is a message that thirsts for something. It’s raw and unguarded, and can be used in context with just about anything that’s good and righteous in the world.
So, naturally it goes without saying that if beer can fit into the aforementioned literal context, then Indiana beer fits like a Kardashian’s dress.
But instead of preaching a sermon for the entire Hoosier state, I want YOU to take a closer look at beer in Indianapolis.
Because, quite frankly, if more is what you thirst for, then Indy has it.
Sun King, Flat 12, Chilly Water, Fountain Square, Tow Yard, Two Deep, Indiana City, Outliers, Ram, and St. Joseph’s - these are all worthwhile breweries located downtown and can be visited in any kind of whimsical order depending on where you start and where you wish to come stumbling to an end. Mix in neighborhood establishments like Broad Ripple Brew Pub, Three Wisemen, Bier, Triton, Black Acre, Daredevil and a slew of others surrounding downtown, each nestled in their own respective “burgs” and you have yourself one hell of a brewery tour and a bitchin’ hangover.
Indiana craft beer fans know this. But most of the outside beer world does not.
To those outsiders, we (Indiana) are mostly known for 3 Floyd’s and Upland. Listen, I’m not complaining about that recognition because both 3F and Upland clearly deserve the praise and their beer more than talks the talk – It’s pretty damn phenomenal. Period. But when we talk about Upland and 3F’s we aren’t talking Indianapolis. Munster (home of 3F’s) is, well, suburban Chicago and Bloomington is quite remarkable but if either one (3 Floyds and Upland) of those breweries – or both – were located in Indy would it then crack someone’s “Best Beer City” list?
I would bet my truck (and I do love my truck) that it most certainly would.
That’s not the case though is it?
That’s because neither one of those phenomenal breweries are located in Indianapolis. Sure, Upland has a taproom over off North College Avenue and a beautiful tasting room in Carmel, but that isn’t the same things as actually having the brewery in town.
No.
No it isn’t.
Therefore unless you’re from the Hoosier state, you may not know about all of these “other” havens for malted deliciousness.
So I pose an honest question, and I really want you to think about it before forming an answer: Why isn’t Indianapolis on the same level as other American cities when it comes to beer?
A quick search of America’s best beer cities will show you a few no brainers like Bend, Portland (OR & ME), Asheville, San Diego, and Grand Rapids. Then there are a few cities that might leave you with more questions than certainty like Cleveland and Tampa.
However, not one (that I found) lists or even mentions Indianapolis.
Why?
I’ve been to Grand Rapids. It’s great. I know that Founders has a national reputation and produces outstanding beer – world class even. They are the archetypal brewery in Grand Rapids and arguably the best in Michigan. (No offense Bells….let the debate ensue).
I’ve been to Asheville. It’s downright awesome. Asheville is a beer lover’s paradise with staples Green Man, Highland, and Wicked Weed, among a gang of others (welcome to the fold Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, and nearby Oskar Blues). I’ve been multiple times and am more and more impressed with each visit.
I’ve been to Cleveland. Wait. Cleveland? What the hell is in Cleveland?
With all due respect Chief Wahoo, aside from Great Lakes (which is a fabulous brewery) why is Cleveland outshining Indianapolis in the eyes of these beer pundits? (I saw Cleveland listed on the Huffington Post. Now I realize that carries about as much weight as me diagnosing you at your next proctology exam, but(t) the idea has to sound absurd to you right? Maybe a little?)
If not then I’m biased. And I’m ok with that.
So for the sake of argument, take Cigar City out of the equation and argue Tampa. Go ahead. Enlighten me.
Most of the cities mentioned above are geographically similar (save Tampa) to Indy and are gaining notoriety when it comes to beer.
But Cleveland? Seriously? I’ll try to let that one go for now.
Still the question remains: why are beer pundits snoozing on “Naptown”?
Why hasn’t anyone outside of the state taken notice? Especially these “best of” experts that conjure up these lists?
To be honest, I have no idea. Perhaps these “experts” have never been to Indy. I’m not on the same level as these guys but I always find myself absolutely loving what Indianapolis is doing/continuing to do when it comes to beer.
There’s me being biased again.
Those lists are fun to read, whether or not you agree with the opinions of the writers, or this writer even. But ultimately, they are just that, opinions. We all have them.
Here is mine. Indianapolis is a thriving beer city that continues to grow. Ask any Hoosier beer geek.
The opening line in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is simple: I am an invisible man.
Indianapolis is tired of not being seen.
Jim
Posted at 08:58h, 30 SeptemberI agree with the general premise of the article, particularly when it comes to comparing Indy to cities like Cleveland and Tampa. But I wish you guys would be more critical of Indy’s breweries sometimes rather than simply being cheerleaders because some breweries have a long way to go when it comes to innovation, consistency, and good quality control (that includes some breweries mentioned in this article). That’s not to say that Indy doesn’t have some fantastic breweries; it does. But before Indy takes its place among the great beer cities in the country, we need to see better beer from more Indy breweries.
Cory
Posted at 12:14h, 30 SeptemberI agree to your point…to a certain extent. As an avid enthusiast of beer, I find myself very hard pressed to criticize the craft and result. Now, that doesn’t mean I love every beer I’ve indulged in. Far from it. But in today’s world we nitpick every possible thing we can (or so it seems). Even the “best” breweries nationally have pundits. Here’s my point. Almost every brewery I’ve been to will tell you that they are consistently seeking ways to improve their product and themselves. So as long as they continue to work hard and putting forth the best possible product, I will continue to support them (cheerleading) — even when they screw up here and there.
Jim
Posted at 12:50h, 30 SeptemberI don’t disagree that all breweries are trying their best. And I’m not saying you should nitpick or tear down breweries by name. As I said, there are a lot of great beers being brewed here. I do, however, think there’s room for intelligent, constructive criticism, and I wish I would see more of that on Indiana’s beer websites, particularly if the critic is well-versed in the brewing process and the aim of the criticism is to spur improvement.
At the very least, I hope you guys are honest behind the scenes with brewers if you have a beer that you think is off due to QC issues.