Scarlet Lane Brewing Company

A little off the beaten path NE of Indianapolis, this location is their OG brewing location and taproom (they now have 5 locations). Plenty of parking especially across the street from the adjoining bbq joint. Ten to twelve taps of on site brewed beer flowing, those of which I’ve had were good to very good. The Taproom has a few seats at the bar, and lots of seating inside the cavernous brewery as well as outside. The bathrooms are at the other end of the facility, next to the order area for the bbq restaurant.

The vibe is horror movies as both the owner/head brewer Elise and her husband are fans. I finally met Elise on my first of two visits this summer (I’ve been several times, including the taproom in south Indianapolis) and she was warm and personable as she spoke of her journey through the beer industry, and also their love of horror films. Indeed, there was one TV behind the bar playing an old horror flick. The decor is skeletons, monsters and a really cool carriage hearse driven by, of course, a skeleton.

I had arrived a week before the brewery’s 9th anniversary party. Even though it wasn’t on sale yet, she shared a pour of the upcoming Coconut Dorian Stout and told me about its production. Tons of coconut, tasted like a Mounds bar. Great beer!

On all my visits the bartenders have been super nice and knowledgeable. The locals sitting at the were friendly and lively discussions enjoyed by all. A selection of cans in the cooler for take away. And the dry rub ribs from the restaurant side are great. My go to taproom when driving through Indiana.

 

The vibe of the place is decent in a big location, but the beers are downright bad. Many are straight-up drain pours. The Dorian coconut stout is ok, and they have a BBQ guy and broad ripple chips to eat. I wish the beer was better because it has potential and it is close to my house.

 

 

Taproom tucked into the corner of their larger brewing facility (I spotted a basketball goal inside the building, yep its Indiana). Just their own beers on tap, typically including some interesting, off-beat styles. Love the Dorian Coconut Stout. Definitely a place I'd stop by more often if I lived closer.

 

Update: so much better now! I've had their brews at other locations around Indianapolis, including Kuma's Corner. I finally made it back in today to the tap room and everything was much better. The area is much bigger and you can get full pints, as well as growler fills and samples. The service was also much better, as the head brewer/owner has relieved the jerks from their service. The current staff is much more awesome, and Leah treated me wonderfully today.

INITIAL:
As of now, this is just a tasting room to get small samples and to buy growlers and bullets/howlers. Clean with some extra merch (shirts, hats, glasswear...).

No Postscript or Anthology on tap. Also had to come back, as my first try they were closed with no notice due to an issue in the grain room. Not a big deal, as they have to follow gov regs, but still slightly irritating.

Brewer (male) and helper were there. Both tried to be sociable, but just didn't have it in them. The girl helper was just a bit shy or unsure. The male brewer (female brewer not in) came off as slightly arrogant in a "know it all" way. I have to say being called a newbie at all is insulting. Perhaps stick with "first timer" as I've been drinking and brewing great beer since before he was legal to drink. Seeing him rinse and clean glasswear for the previous patron and then give me the display and replace it with a new one was irritating. Yes, I touched it to get a feel for it, but it was hugely arrogant. If he thinks it wouldn't be noticed, he's wrong.

Small hours and days, as well, but good beer. The darker ales were the best. I'll try therr brews elsewhere, but am doubtful anout returning to the tasting room.