Guggman Haus Brewing Co., a family-owned brewery that has called Riverside its home since migrating from Broad Ripple in 2019, has hit some impressive milestones this year. The brewery opened a new taproom on 46th Street and transformed its original home into a charming coffee house. We sat down with Courtney Guggenberger, a co-owner, to unpack their plans for expanding the brewery, engaging the community and, of course, craft beer.
The origins of Guggman Haus Brewing Co. are deeply intertwined with the city’s racing heritage. The brewery is housed in a building that once served as the headquarters for the Boyle Race Team, a legendary name in Indy 500 history. The Guggenberger family, inspired by time living in Colorado and Germany – communities brimming with a love of beer – saw an opportunity to transform this historic space into a thriving brewery.
“It was this very large building that used to be home to the Boyle Racing Headquarters,” Guggenberger explained. “A group of vintage racing enthusiasts were looking for a tenant to come into this space.” The brewery’s commitment to preserving the building’s history is evident in its design. Original features have been carefully restored alongside the addition of a signature mural, and the space exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. The tables are handcrafted by a local artisan and the main room is filled with a variety of seating from casual four-tops to inviting sofas. This attention to detail has helped to create a unique and memorable experience for patrons that sets the tone for the aesthetic of their new taproom.
The decision to expand wasn’t part of a long-term plan, but rather a unique opportunity presented by friends at Scarlet Lane Brewing Company. The availability of a turnkey taproom space in Broad Ripple, combined with its proximity to the Guggenberger family’s residence, made it an irresistible proposition. “We honestly wouldn’t have done it if it was not within the area that we live in, for our first expansion,” Guggenberger said.
The 46th Street taproom, which opened its doors in June and has been lovingly dubbed the outpost, has all the earmarks of a neighborhood hotspot. With a focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere, the taproom offers a carefully curated selection of Guggman Haus beers, including the exclusive 46th St. New England IPA. Dry-hopped with southern hemisphere hops of Vic Secret, Nectaron and Citrate, this brew was crafted for the new location. The creamy notes of sweet citrus, lemon and pineapple with a refreshing zesty finish have been well-received. Expect it to tap again soon; Guggenberger says they’re aiming for regular rotations.
Visitors to the new taproom will also find a small but enticing food menu featuring paninis and other fresh options, expertly crafted by Casey Alexander, known for his restaurant The Beast. The kitchen might be small, but each offering is fresh and full of flavor. Drop in for a beer and a bite just off the nearby Monon, or grab something to go – they also have cans for carry-out to top off your order.
While the taproom is still finding its feet, the initial response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’re really trying to create that neighborhood hangout where people can come and always expect a quality pour of beer, something delicious to eat, and the community vibe of what 46th Street is,” Guggenberger said. They also serve nonalcoholic options, Tinker nitro cold brew, and Ash & Elm cider, ensuring there is always something for everyone.
Meanwhile, the original Guggman Haus, a two-story residence in Riverside, has undergone a charming transformation. “We asked, ‘What could we do? How could we activate it at different hours of the day and still bring people around?’” Guggenberger said. The family wanted to create a space that would appeal to a wider audience and offer a complementary experience to the brewery, and the coffee house was born.
Under the guidance of Manager Kelly Jones, the Coffee Haus has shifted from on-site storage to a space for co-working or chatting up a friend – a coffee-drinker’s haven. Featuring a variety of specialty drinks, including handcrafted lattes and refreshing Italian sodas, one standout is the Haus Latte. It is an expertly crafted double espresso with house-made maple brown sugar cinnamon syrup, steamed milk, and foam. It gives all the cozy cabin vibes felt at the Haus. The synergy between the coffee house and the brewery is evident. The space seamlessly transitions from morning coffee to afternoon beer, with a welcoming outdoor space connecting the two.
As for future plans, Guggenberger says the focus is on solidifying both locations before considering further expansion. While the possibility of additional taprooms is exciting, the immediate goal is to create thriving community hubs embodying Guggman Haus’s spirit.
Visit the new 46th Street Taproom at 4601 North College Avenue, Unit C in Indianapolis. If coffee is the brew you prefer, cozy up in the Coffee Haus right next to their main brewery at 1701 Gent Avenue in Indianapolis. Get more information online at guggmanhausbrewing.com or by calling 317-602-6131.
