The Microbrewery Status Update
It’s no secret that the craft-beer explosion has made Indy a microbrewery destination, and the increasing number of up-and-coming production breweries proves it. With spring around the corner, expect to have more options of brews to sample and taprooms to visit—along the lines of last week’s grand opening of Outliers Brewing Company. Here’s a roundup.
Outliers Brewing Company (534 E. North St., outliersbrewing.com)
This venture from local restaurateur Ted Miller (of Brugge Brasserie) is stationed next door to Miller’s in-the-works restaurant, The Owner’s Wife, which will have Recess/Room Four’s Greg Hardesty onboard as co-owner/master chef. The brewery’s grand opening on Friday featured Buffalo Jacket IPA, Blau Machen Pilsner, Whitcomb Rye, and County Brown.
Scarlet Lane Brewing Company (7724 Depot St., McCordsville, scarletlanebrew.com)
Target Opening: Spring 2014
After living in Oregon for seven years, husband-and-wife owners Eilise Lane and Nick Servies say their upcoming brewery will have some Pacific Northwestern flare. The production brewery will also house a taproom for tasting the brews.
Cartel Brewing Company (5778 U.S. 40, Plainfield, cartelbrewing.com)
Target Opening: June 2014
After Ruari Crabbe and Adam Burk became friends at Burk’s three-year-old homebrewing supply shop, Cartel Brewing Supply (formerly Tuxedo Park Brewers), the two got the idea to go pro. Using a community concept, Cartel is asking its supporters to voice their opinions on new brews, giving input on everything from styles to names. The present planning phase includes a taproom with rotating house beers, outside craft brews, and growler refills.
Tow Yard Brewing (501 S. Madison Ave., towyardbrewing.com)
Target Opening: Early February
Four signature brews and deli-type food are coming to a tasting room and outdoor beer garden in the former Chateau Thomas Winery building (moved from its original location on a south-side tow lot). Developer Jim Siegel says the Tow Yard plans to host outdoor festivals in front of the facility.
Twenty Below (5408 N. College Ave., twentytap.com)
Open Since: November 2013
Twenty Tap bar and restaurant is known for its diverse craft beer options, both local and regional. Now it is looking at new beer options a bit closer to home. In mid-November, a tweet announced the bar was serving its own personal brews—an American Pale and Brown Ale—something owner Kevin Matalucci has been dreaming of doing since the restaurant opened.
