Indianapolis Brewery Guide

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By Megan Bulla

Located on the East side of downtown Indy in the historic Bottling House of the former Home Brewing Company, Indiana City Brewing Company opened its doors in 2013 and has become a local favorite. All of their creations are unfiltered for full flavor and aroma. As an added bonus, Indiana City partners with local artists, the Craft Brew Doodle Crew, to design some of the coolest can and label art available anywhere.

Taste Test: Don’t miss the small-batch Yo! Pale Ale series with rare and experimental hops.

Save the Date: Each February Indiana City hosts Ales from the Crypt, a massive bourbon barrel-aged beer awakening.

Housed in the newly renovated Circle City Industrial Complex on the city’s Near East side, Centerpoint Brewing is a neighborhood favorite serving precision-engineered craft beer in a welcoming, laid back tap room. Four-legged furry friends are encouraged. The large parking lot makes it easy to park and explore the brewery, then hit up neighboring 8th Day Distillery and New Day Meadery.

Taste Test: Be sure to try the Black, a big, dark, chocolaty American Porter served with a marshmallow.

Save the Date: Typically hosted outside in January, the Frigid Digits Beer Festival, is taking on a warmer atmosphere at the Not So Frigid Digits event taking place this June.

Newer to the Indianapolis craft beer scene is Guggman Haus in the West side’s Riverview neighborhood. The brewery is located on the old stomping grounds of the Boyle Racing Headquarters, home to the three time Indy 500 winner Wilbur Shaw. From eclectic sours to traditional hefeweizens to delicious milkshake IPAs- this family-owned microbrewery is a popular hangout. Be sure to come early on a nice day, space is limited and the place is hoppin’ (pun intended).

Taste Test: Named for the neighborhood, The Riverside is a juicy New England IPA that pairs perfect with Guggman Haus’ cozy patio on a warm, summer day.

Host to one of the best Indianapolis skyline views, Metazoa Brewing Co. is in the heart of downtown and offers everything from true-to-style traditional ales to experimental styles big on flavor. The taproom is pet-friendly with garage doors that open to the large patio space and an on-site dog park. Plus, you can feel good while drinking your brew, five percent of sales go directly to a rotating list of animal charities.

Taste Test: Take advantage of the $6 Friday growler fill to get yourself some Puppy Slumber Party, a tasty peanut butter milk stout.

Save the Date: Metazoa hosts breed meet-ups at the dog park every Wednesday and Sunday.

Nestled in the Irvington neighborhood you’ll find the Black Acre Garden (not to be confused with their sister Black Acre Irvington Taproom on Washington Street). The family and dog-friendly space features delicious Black Acre brews alongside Wilderland Distillery cocktails with spirits made onsite. The expansive patio features a fire pit, outdoor theatre and plenty of seating.

Taste Test: Balancing bold citrus notes and earthy spiciness, the Saucy Intruder Rye IPA is an American IPA and Indianapolis favorite.

Save the Date: Every third SaturdayBlack Acre hosts Yoga in the Garden, complete with a tasty beer reward at the end. Namaste.

Operating under the mantra of deviating from the norm, this Northside brewery just outside of the I-465 circle is definitely worth the trip. Owners and brewers Mike and Greg are known for taking classic food pairings and incorporating them into delicious craft beer. Flavor combinations such as Watermelon Mint Ale and Hawaiian Imperial Stout with coconut and coffee push the envelope of what is traditional craft beer. Be sure to stock up on take-out, this microbrewery does not distribute so you’ll have to go straight to the source.

Taste Test: My personal favorite is Juicy Caboosey, a double dry hopped double IPA: sweet, juicy and satisfying.

Save the Date: In late August, the brewery hosts their popular anniversary party that boasts bold and flavorful deviations from their usual line-up - these small-batch creations go fast!

Garnering almost 100 medals at state, national, and international competitions, Bier Brewery boasts high quality and consistent biers. Located 10 miles northeast from Monument Circle, Bier Brewery is off the typical tourist path and is somewhat of a hidden gem in Indy. Their cozy living room atmosphere makes a comfortable space to raise a pint and catch up with friends.

Taste Test: Each autumn Bier releases their widely popular Pumpkin Ale. Hailed as “liquid pumpkin pie,” it’s a rite of passage into the fall season.

Save the Date: Stay tuned - Bier Brewery will soon bring back their popular line-up of events including live music, trivia and pet adoptions nights.

Tucked into a quiet, residential neighborhood on the city’s southeast side, Fountain Square Brewing Co. is a true neighborhood gathering space. The industrial-style taproom combines community and the arts with local craft beers. Local artwork adorns the walls, while sounds from local musicians fill the air. The impressive line-up of pinball machines, pairs perfectly with brewery’s consistent line-up of stellar craft beer. The woman-brewed institution also houses New Day, serving handcrafted mead and hard cider.

Taste Test: Just in time for warmer weather, the recently-released Puppy Kisses Raspberry Berliner Weisse is tart and refreshing. Pucker up!

Save the Date: The brewery has an impressive live music line-up that performs on an outdoor stage with plenty of seating under a canopy of hops.