When Bill Kerr and his brother-in-law, Jason Phillips, envisioned bringing the vibrant energy of larger city breweries to their hometown, they laid the groundwork for a transformative venture. The Guardian Brewing Co., born from a shared passion for crafting exceptional beers with a wide variety of flavors, has become an integral part of the Muncie brewing scene.
“We try to cater to as many different types of beer drinkers as possible,” Kerr said. “We offer light and easy drinking beers, dark and heavy beers, and everything in between.” Their current tap list is anything but mundane: a Black Rye IPA is listed next to a Cherry, Lime, Blue-Raspberry Sour Ale, which sits above an American Barleywine dedicated to the brewer’s late beloved dog. This inclusive approach has been instrumental in establishing The Guardian’s reputation as a gathering place for beer connoisseurs or folks who just like a good brew since its opening in 2015.
The journey to bring The Guardian Brewing Co. from an enthusiastic idea to a thriving reality has been marked by challenges. From securing startup capital and finding the ideal location to weathering the impact of COVID-19, Kerr and his team have seen and overcome some significant hurdles. The recent surge in ingredient costs is now one of the difficulties against which they must persevere. “Some ingredients are 40% to 50% higher than they were four years ago,” Kerr said. Working with a reduced staff and keeping a watchful eye on expenses have helped the brewery to adapt and maintain profitability.
Though costs have increased, producing quality beer remains at the heart of The Guardian’s brewing philosophy. “We try to incorporate locally sourced, high-quality ingredients whenever possible,” Kerr said. A strong emphasis on local sourcing is evident in their beers, with Indiana-grown malts from Sugar Creek Malt Company providing a robust base, while hops from Crazy Horse impart a distinctive bitterness and aroma. The decision to feature coffee from Muncie’s Caffeinery in their “Frank” coffee stout is one of many delicious testaments to their commitment to local partnerships and unique flavors.
Beyond their core selections, The Guardian consistently pushes the boundaries of exploration into both methodology and flavor. “As a rule of thumb,” Kerr said, “we try to create one or two new beers a month.” This house rule means there’s a constant stream of new and exciting brews to discover, like a Rainbow Pop New England Pale Ale which promises a “fruit and candy sweetness,” or the Charlie Cream Ale, a lighter homage to Ball State University’s mascot. The brewery’s experimental spirit keeps patrons eager to return in anticipation of savoring the next groundbreaking sip.
This pursuit of flavorful creativity is evident in The Guardian’s expansive tap list. From crisp and refreshing pilsners to rich and complex porters, there’s a beer to suit every taste. Kerr’s proud of their ability to offer something for everyone, including a homemade Root Beer (non-alcoholic). The diverse tap offerings are served in a spacious taproom filled with local art, a warm wooden bar, and friendly faces. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a well-crafted brew. Within those walls The Guardian has brewed more than great beer, it has cultivated an unshakeable feeling of community. Events such as live music, game nights, and beer releases have fostered a loyal customer base while enticing newcomers to become regulars.
The Guardian takes its food offerings just as seriously as it takes its beers. Ask about any beer on tap and not only will you learn its flavor profile and brew method, you will also hear a suggested food pairing. Heighten the citrusy notes of The Rez IPA alongside Bill the Butcher, a three-cheese pizza touting beer-infused sauce, and true to its namesake – six meats. With this winning combination of exceptional food and craft beer, it would be easy for The Guardian to find success outside of Muncie.
While expansion remains a possibility, Kerr says his team is currently focused on solidifying their position within their existing market. With a distribution network encompassing 160 accounts across Indiana, they have achieved a balance between growth and maintaining their core values. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, or pushing beyond their means, the brewers are dedicated to continuous innovation and improvement within their beer offerings.
The Guardian team has built more than just a brewery; they have become an integral part of the city’s fabric. Kerr emphasizes the importance of actively supporting local charities, showing up to participate in neighborhood events, and representing the spirit of their community, “We try to make Muncie a fun place to spend time in whenever possible!” The Guardian brewery tent has popped up at various events over the years, including the Brink of Summer ArtsWalk and Muncie Pride.
Kerr and Phillips have undeniably made their mark on not only the Muncie craft brewing scene but the. With a steadfast dedication to quality, a passion for crafting inspiring flavors, and a genuine love of their hometown, Kerr and his team have created a gathering place that’s as much about community as it is about beer. As Muncie continues to evolve, The Guardian Brewing Co. remains a vital and dynamic part of its story.
Find The Guardian Brewing Co. in The MadJax Maker Space at 514 E Jackson Street in Muncie.
