I was not planning to write another article about the closing of a brewery, but events this weekend have caused me to want to write a piece about Indiana City I have watched this brewery grow from their opening day back in 2013 all the way to the last couple of months when I’ve met friends there frequently. I attended their third anniversary celebration, and I’ve also been there for many special releases, and even vegan food trucks! I’m going to miss all the fun times I’ve had this at brewery. While they are searching for a new owner, they are closing their doors, and it may be for a good. But on Saturday, we got to have one last celebration with them, and least we sent them off in style.
I really liked their beer from the get go and was lucky enough to attend their grand opening Memorial Day weekend 2013. I found the Shadow Boxer to be one of my favorites. It was a delicious oatmeal stout, and I used to drink it at the now defunct Thirsty Scholar which was on 16th St. Over the years, I became a fan of many beers by them, including their Sister City Kolsch which was named after the relationship between Indianapolis and Cologne where the Kolsch originated. I was able to attend many release parties, but one that sticks out was four years ago when they released a strawberry basil sour that I knew a friend of mine would like. We tried all their available sours that day, and had fun demolishing that four pack the same afternoon.
They brewed a variety of different styles of beer, but their IPAs are very memorable They had great artwork on all their cans, and I wish I had saved many of them for they were beautiful. The brewery always seem to have something going on and over the years. I’ve gotten to know many people that worked there, and Ray Kamstra the owner has always worked hard to make it an inviting place. Their pumpkin beer was fun, and as several years went by, I would enjoy it each year. Every release was fun and I tried to get to the brewery often, even bringing people from out of town to try the beer.
Seven years ago, I was fortunate to attend their third anniversary party, and it was one heck of a night. There was live music in the parking lot, a burlesque show inside, and plenty of really good beer to go around! One highlight of the evening was a tapping of a Firkin of beer called Double Uddercut. It was an double milk stout, aged in Four Roses barrels, and my friend Tom and I really enjoyed and were some of the first people to try it. I have many fond memories of the brewery, but this night may have been the best!
I always thought they had a great location on Indianapolis’ east side. There was a time years ago when I would take friends to Metazoa, Indiana City, and Flat 12 showing them the awesome breweries that all were in proximity to each other. It was always a fun trip, and I was happy to have done that several times because I like supporting local breweries, and sadly after tonight only Metazoa remains.
So it was nice to spend one final night at this great brewery. Indiana city will always hold a special place in my heart. From the hop water they made for festivals, to just all the great beer I’ve had over the years, I am going to truly miss this innovating and exciting brewery. I hope that they might open up again sometime, but I know will not be the same. Still, thank you Indiana City for 10 wonderful years and you will be missed!
So Much Beer So Little Time 