Indiana Beer love

Yeah, it's unfortunate, but, it is always the same beers that are sitting out. I think the self distributing brewers will eventually send less of the Brown Ales and more of their IPAs so that problem won't exist forever. The real issue (?) is it'll end up pigeon holing some of the more talented guys into only distro'ing certain styles, which seems like it could gimp creativity

 

Sorry for double post, but, I didn't click the multi quote button because I'm an idiot.

Yeah, I 100% agree that pricing is an issue. I'm not sure if it is because of the fiasco that is their other location they're trying to open and it is just hemorrhaging their funds or what, but, three milkshake releases ago (raspberry I believe) they set the price of $25 dollars for a 4 pack. That is when I stopped trying their shake releases, it is just insane. Doesn't feel good walking out of there with two 4 packs and a 40 dollar receipt. Maybe things will change now that they're adding some bigger equipment and they can benefit from purchasing in bigger quantities? Who knows, I just know I'm bummed about it considering a 4 pack of Julius sets you back $16.50. (i know i know, not a fair comparison, but, it is in the back of my head)

 

I'd love to see one of the local breweries undercut the others in terms of pricing, making a 4 pack both more affordable and attractive.

Upland might be trying to do that with their new Juiced in Time/trail series. I'm curious to see how it pans out.

 

The market is so saturated with breweries right now I've got to imagine things are going to change soon.

 

I know it is completely stupid but I feel like smaller self distro guys just need to get in grocery stores before liquor stores/beer shops. You'll get the casuals that pick things up in a grocery store quicker than the beer shop

 

In many *rural* parts of Indiana, I don't believe that's accurate. A lot of macro/mainstream drinkers are buying at both Walmart/grocery stores and liquor stores. But, in general, grocery stores have virtually no craft options, and so almost the only option is to go to a liquor store. It'd take quite a bit of a large number of craft options to enter the grocery store for me to even consider going there for beer. That's not happening anytime soon, especially for small-town options.

 

Had a number of Brew Dogs on draft last night from their Ohio facility. Glad to see them distro'ing across the border. Had an elvis juice, which was interesting. Spicy smooth sweet grapefruit. Also had a Hazy Jane which was, as the name implies, a NEIPA. Much better than the cans I have had before. And 4 dollar pints, so, I'm not complaining

 

I had a couple cans of Hazy Jane last night. Very good. Especially for $10.99/6. Might be my new go to.

Much better than the pint of the Batch 1000 NE IPA at Fountain Square I had. Very disappointing attempt at a NE IPA.

 

Overrated, yes. Making good NE IPAs, yes. Meh at other styles, yes. That being said, they're basically my local brewery, and I'm not going to spend that kind of money for their cans.

I think basically the entire style of NE IPA is overrated. They're good, but quite frankly no beer could live up to that amount of hype.

 

Regarding Bare Hands, yes they are pricey, but that is coming down. Big Red liquors has Westy and Thai for $11.99 as their regular price.

 

Crazy, they're still 15 right at Bare Hands brewery.

Not even trying to be a jerk, just want to know if I have crap taste in beer, but, have you had anything good from Fountain Square? Upland made a very easy drinking NEIPA that I just had but I can't remember the name :|

 

A little confusing as you are asking about Fountian Square and then upland - but regarding Upland, is called "Juiced in Time"

 

He was talking about the style so I suggested one close in proximity that is much better. And I had them on the same weekend

 

Ah. =)

I think the general consensus in this thread is fohntain square is no bueno. Scroll back through to double check. They never seem to really be on the list of the top places to visit (unless I am just crazy!.

 

Surprise new Bare Hands release today.

Cherry Milkshake

The last milkshake release was $20 but the one before that was $25, I'll post the price once I get back. I work 10 minutes away I can't resist, I'm a sucker! They say it tastes like Barq's Red Cream Soda

 

I'm not an IPA guy, so I don't get it, admittedly, but.....Why would you want an IPA to taste like that?

 

There is literally no way to answer that question and appease you if you can flatout say you are not an IPA guy haha. So don't sweat it, to each their own!

 

I mean - I haven't had a stout that "tastes like marshmallow puffs cereal" taste just like it, and make me thrilled either.

I liked the Upland IPA as I mentioned before.

I guess I just don't understand why you'd want a hoppy beer to taste like artificial cherry soda?

I more get why you'd want a stout to taste like a dessert - they are already chocolately and slow sippers. The IPA thing is more perplexing.

Not trying to be insulting, although I think it could come off that way.

 

I've only been to Fountain Square Brewing a couple times but I do remember them having an excellent Hefeweizen, maybe the best one I've had from an Indiana brewer. The other couple beers I have ratings on from them were not great. Will be interesting to see what changes are made at Fountain Square with their new ownership.

 

1 statement and 1 question:

Statement: Evasion (formerly Death and Taxes) is being released in cans this year, as are any variants that are canned. Horray for 12oz format.

Question: Last year I seem to recall reading that the Designated driver tickets could still purchase to-go bottles, just not consume anything (samples etc.) on site. Any idea if this IS still the case this year? Although I had hoped to attend and sample everything this year, the timing just sucks. That said, I might still be willing to drive over (and pay $10 to do so) in order purchase evasion + variants if DD tickets can still purchase.