Best 11 Breweries in Indiana: Top Picks for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Indiana is home to some of the best breweries in the United States. With a rich history of brewing beer, the state has become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. From small, family-owned breweries to larger commercial operations, Indiana has something for everyone.
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which breweries to visit. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best breweries in Indiana to help guide your choices. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or prefer a smooth and creamy stout, there’s a brewery on this list that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. So grab a pint, sit back, and enjoy the best of Indiana’s craft beer scene.
History of Indiana Breweries
Indiana has a long history of brewing beer, dating back to the 19th century. The state’s first brewery was established in Richmond in 1817 by Ezra Boswell, who had learned how to brew in Great Britain. Over the next few decades, more breweries opened up in cities like Indianapolis and Terre Haute.
In the mid-1800s, German immigrants began to settle in Indiana, bringing with them their love of beer and brewing traditions. This led to a boom in the state’s brewing industry, with many breweries producing German-style lagers and ales.
However, the rise of Prohibition in the early 20th century dealt a severe blow to Indiana’s brewing industry. Many breweries were forced to close their doors, and those that remained open were forced to produce non-alcoholic beverages instead.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that Indiana’s brewing industry began to see a resurgence. This was due in part to changes in state laws that made it easier for small breweries to operate. Today, Indiana is home to dozens of breweries, ranging from small, independent operations to large, nationally recognized brands.
Top Rated Breweries in Indiana
Three Floyds Brewing Co
Three Floyds Brewing Co., located in Munster, Indiana, is one of the top-rated breweries in the state. Known for their unique and flavorful beers, Three Floyds has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. Some of their most popular brews include Alpha King, Gumballhead, and Zombie Dust.
Website: http://www.3floyds.com/
Address: 9750 Indiana Pkwy, Munster, IN 46321, United States
Upland Brewing Co
Upland Brewing Co. is another highly-rated brewery in Indiana, with locations in Bloomington, Indianapolis, and Columbus. They are known for their sour beers and fruit ales, such as their popular Wood Shop series. Upland also has a strong commitment to sustainability, using solar power and rainwater harvesting in its brewing process.
Website: https://uplandbeer.com/
Address: 350 W 11th St, Bloomington, IN 47404, United States
Sun King Brewery
Sun King Brewery, based in Indianapolis, is one of the largest breweries in Indiana. They offer a wide variety of beers, from traditional styles to more experimental brews. Sun King is also known for their community involvement, sponsoring local events and charities.
Website: http://www.sunkingbrewing.com/
Address: 135 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
18th Street Brewery
18th Street Brewery, located in Hammond and Gary, Indiana, is a relatively new brewery that has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality beers. They specialize in bold, flavorful brews, such as their Hunter Milk Stout and Sex and Candy IPA.
Website: http://18thstreetbrewery.com/
Address: 5417 Oakley Ave, Hammond, IN 46320, United States
Innovative Breweries in Indiana
Indiana has a thriving craft beer scene, with many innovative breweries pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. Here are two of the most innovative breweries in the state:
Daredevil Brewing Co
Daredevil Brewing Co. is a brewery that is always pushing the limits. They are known for their experimental beers, such as the JWP American Stout, which is made with locally roasted coffee and aged in bourbon barrels. They also have a wide variety of IPAs, including the Lift Off IPA, which is made with four different hop varieties.
One of the things that set Daredevil Brewing Co. apart is its commitment to sustainability. They use solar panels to power their brewery, and they recycle all of their spent grain and hops. They also use a closed-loop water system, which means that they reuse their water instead of wasting it.
Website: http://www.daredevilbeer.com/
Address: 1151 N Main St, Indianapolis, IN 46224, United States
Taxman Brewing Co
Taxman Brewing Co. is a Belgian-style brewery that is known for its unique and innovative beers. They have a wide variety of beers, including the Gold Standard Belgian Blonde Ale, which is made with local honey, and the Deduction Belgian Dubbel, which is aged in bourbon barrels.
One of the things that sets Taxman Brewing Co. apart is their commitment to using local ingredients. They source their hops and barley from local farmers, and they use local honey and fruit in many of their beers. They also have a farm-to-table restaurant that serves Belgian-inspired cuisine.
Website: http://www.taxmanbrewing.com/
Address: 13 S Baldwin St, Bargersville, IN 46106, United States
Breweries with Unique Flavors
Indiana is home to many breweries that offer unique and flavorful beers. Here are two breweries that stand out for their creative and delicious offerings.
Metazoa Brewing Co
Metazoa Brewing Co. is a brewery in Indianapolis that specializes in craft beers inspired by animals. They are known for their creative and unique flavors that are inspired by the characteristics of different animals. For example, their award-winning Kolsch-style beer, called “Killer Whale,” is brewed with orange peel and coriander to give it a citrusy and spicy flavor that is reminiscent of the ocean. Another popular beer is the “Napoleon Complex,” a Belgian-style beer that is brewed with chamomile and orange peel to give it a floral and citrusy flavor.
Metazoa Brewing Co. also has a strong commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. They donate a portion of their profits to animal welfare organizations and use environmentally friendly practices in their brewing process.
Website: https://www.metazoabrewing.com/
Address: 140 S College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
The Tap Brewery
The Tap Brewery is a brewery in Bloomington that offers a wide variety of beers with unique and interesting flavors. They have 50 rotating taps that feature beers from local and regional breweries, as well as their own creations.
One of their most popular beers is the “Bloomington Brewing Co. Ruby Bloom Amber Ale,” which is brewed with honey and cinnamon to give it a sweet and spicy flavor. They also offer a “Blooming Chai” beer, which is brewed with chai tea spices to give it a warm and spicy flavor.
In addition to their creative beers, The Tap Brewery also offers a full menu of delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients. They have a strong commitment to sustainability and community involvement, and they host regular events to support local charities and organizations.
Website: http://www.thetapmassave.com/
Address: 306 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States
Overall, Metazoa Brewing Co. and The Tap Brewery are two great options for beer lovers who are looking for unique and flavorful beers in Indiana.
Brewery Tours in Indiana
Indiana is home to some of the best breweries in the United States. One of the best ways to experience the state’s beer culture is by taking a brewery tour. Here are three breweries that are worth visiting:
New Albanian Brewing Co
New Albanian Brewing Co. is located in New Albany, Indiana. This brewery has been around since 2002 and has won numerous awards for its beers. The brewery offers tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors can learn about the brewing process and taste some of the brewery’s most popular beers.
Website: http://www.newalbanian.com/
Address: 3312 Plaza Dr, New Albany, IN 47150, United States
ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing
ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing is located in Columbus, Indiana. This brewery offers tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors can learn about the brewing process and taste some of the brewery’s most popular beers. The brewery also has a restaurant that serves pizza and other food items.
Website: http://zwanzigz.com/
Address: 1038 Lafayette Ave, Columbus, IN 47201, United States
Mad Anthony Brewing Co
Mad Anthony Brewing Co. is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This brewery has been around since 1998 and has won numerous awards for its beers. The brewery offers tours on Saturdays. Visitors can learn about the brewing process and taste some of the brewery’s most popular beers. The brewery also has a restaurant that serves food and beer.
Website: http://www.madbrew.com/
Address: 2002 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, United States
Brewery tours are a great way to learn about the brewing process and taste some of the best beers that Indiana has to offer. These three breweries are just a few of the many great breweries that Indiana has to offer.
Indiana’s Brewery Events
Indiana is home to a vibrant craft beer scene, with breweries hosting a range of events throughout the year. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone.
Indiana Microbrewers Festival
One of the biggest events on Indiana’s beer calendar is the Indiana Microbrewers Festival. Held annually in Indianapolis, this festival brings together over 100 breweries from across the state, showcasing the best of Indiana’s craft beer scene. Attendees can sample a wide variety of beers, from classic styles to experimental brews, while enjoying live music and food from local vendors.
Bloomington Craft Beer Festival
Another popular event is the Bloomington Craft Beer Festival, held in April each year. This festival features over 50 breweries from around the Midwest, as well as food trucks and live music. The festival is held in the scenic Woolery Mill, providing a picturesque backdrop for a day of beer tasting.
Upland Sour Wild Funk Fest
For fans of sour beer, the Upland Sour Wild Funk Fest is a must-attend event. Held annually in Indianapolis, this festival features over 50 breweries from across the country, showcasing their best sour and wild beers. Attendees can also enjoy live music and food from local vendors.
Indiana Beer Brigade
If you’re looking for a more intimate beer experience, the Indiana Beer Brigade might be just what you’re looking for. This membership-based group offers exclusive access to limited-release beers from some of Indiana’s top breweries, as well as discounts and other perks. Members can also attend monthly events, including tastings and brewery tours.
Other Events
In addition to these major events, many breweries throughout Indiana host their own events throughout the year. From tap takeovers to beer dinners, there’s always something going on. Keep an eye on your favorite brewery’s social media pages or sign up for their email newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming events.
Conclusion
Indiana has established itself as a craft beer destination, with many award-winning breweries and a thriving craft beer scene. From refreshing ales to porters, stouts, and spirits, Indiana has something for everyone.
The state’s craft beer industry has seen explosive growth in recent years, with a 21% increase in the number of craft breweries since 2015. Indiana now ranks 16th nationally when it comes to the number of craft breweries per capita.
Some of the most iconic breweries in Indiana include 3 Floyds Brewing Company, Black Acre Brewing Co., and Sun King Brewery. These breweries have gained a reputation for their unique and flavorful craft brews, which have won numerous awards and accolades.