A Guide to Indy’s Best Seasonal Ales and Spirits
Presented by @theindyfoodcouple
Bier Brewery
@thebierbrewery
5133 East 65th Street
Why settle for a pumpkin spice latte when you can have a Pumpkin Ale? Bier Brewery has perfected their batch to the tune of seven awards, including a 2018 silver medal from the World Beer Cup. This highly awarded and sought-after Pumpkin Ale tastes like a liquid pumpkin pie – seriously, you can even taste the whip cream on top. Follow them on social media to stay up to date on special releases, and stop into their taproom and enjoy a pint this season.
Black Circle
@blackcircleindy
2201 East 46th Street
The beginning of fall means the chance to bring out your dark side that you’ve been hiding away all summer long. No other Indy brewery reflects the spooky season quite like Black Circle. Visit them in the Refinery 46 building for all the grunge, drag shows and live music events you could ever ask for. And of course, they brew all of their own beer in-house so you can enjoy a pint or two after you’re done rocking out with some local artists.
Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
@guggmanhausbrewing
1701 Gent Ave.
If you prefer a little extra spook with your sips, we have the perfect place for you. Enjoy a hauntingly festive taproom at Guggman Haus over Halloween weekend with themed beer releases, candy pairings, and other events such as Halloween-themed trivia with a costume contest, trick-or-treating around the brewery, and vampire readings. Follow them on social media for specific event details.
Hi & Mighty
@drinkhiandmighty
Sometimes the very best place you can enjoy a chilly fall evening is from the comfort of your own backyard. Hi & Mighty offers canned, bubbly cocktails that can be found at numerous liquor stores throughout the city. Of course summer means the refreshing lemon and cherry shake-up, but autumn is here, and you have to get your hands on the Spiced Apple Sidekick. This has “throw on a flannel and cozy up by the fireplace” written all over it. It’s the perfect drink to pack for your camping trip or football tailgate – either way, you’ll be the local hero.
Hotel Tango Distillery
@hoteltangodistillery
702 Virginia Avenue
This lodge-style distillery creates the ideal ambiance for when the leaves begin to change. Hotel Tango is great for both an evening with a larger group or a more intimate setting at the bar – either way, you can enjoy some of the finest craft cocktails here that give you all the sweater-weather feels. The ‘Shmallow (toasted marshmallow bourbon) is everything you could ever want in a fall spirit. It’s featured in a few cocktails and you can even grab a bottle to take home.
Kismetic Beer Company
@kismeticbeerco
201 South Rural Street, Suite 110
Nestled in a peaceful oasis between downtown and Irvington, Kismetic has made some huge waves in the city since opening their taproom in the spring of 2022. This women-owned brewery specializes in lagers and low-ABV beers, but their fall beer collection is fresh and funky, with styles that you really can’t find anywhere else. Spruce Kolsch? Yes, please! Banana Nut Bread Hefeweizen? We’ll take two! They’re also tapping a pumpkin ale. If you’re a beer enthusiast, this lineup is sure to impress. Stop in this month and check out all the cool vibes Kismetic is giving out.
Loom
@loom_indy
1901 East 46th Street
Showing off a brand-new exterior look, Loom is a local favorite where spending a fall day feels productive, fun and indulgent. You can stop in and knock out a load of laundry. While you’re waiting, test your gaming skills against your friends in their pinball lounge. When it’s all said and done, order up one of their specialty cocktails featuring their made-in-house spirits. We especially recommend the white-whiskey-based Cold Toddy, which will give you all the spiced fall flavors you’re looking for.
MashCraft Brewing Company
@mashcraftbrews
2205 North Delaware St.
MashCraft always boasts an impressive draft list, and their seasonal fall beer selection is a testament to their creativity. Their brewmasters craft a symphony of flavors, from rich pumpkin ales (Elvira) to crisp Oktoberfest lagers. We love MashCraft for their honest, heavy-hitting beers that balance nicely with their open, approachable taproom. Check out all they have to offer by stopping in this fall and checking into their beers on Untappd so we can “cheers” with you virtually!
Upland Brewing Company
@uplandbrewco
SoBro / 82nd Street / Carmel
Upland is absolutely booming, and it’s been so fun to see multiple locations open throughout the city these past few years. Stop into any of their Indy locations to enjoy these seasonal favorites. First, Oktoberfest. This beer is a fall classic – it’s rich and malty with a clean finish. Next, Two of Tarts. This mango/passionfruit ale is perfect for those sunny October days that we cherish. And finally, Hoosier Gameday Lager. Sometimes watching IU football can be slightly frustrating. This candy-striped lager makes those moments much more enjoyable!
West Fork Whiskey Co.
@westforkwhiskey
1660 Bellefontaine Street
West Fork Whiskey Co. offers an enticing fall drink menu that complements the season’s mood beautifully. Their expertly crafted cocktails evoke the warmth of autumn, featuring flavors like spiced apple, cinnamon, and smoky undertones. Whether you’re sipping on a classic old fashioned with their signature twist, or indulging in a seasonal bourbon-infused creation, West Fork’s drink menu promises a delightful journey through the rich and comforting flavors of fall. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of autumn in every sip.
8th Day Distillery
@8thdaydistillery
1125 E. Brookside Avenue
Close your eyes and picture this… it’s Sunday. You’re lounging on a cozy couch. The fanciest apple spiced cocktail in your hand. Local art and decor fill the space. A breeze coming through the open garage door. Now that we’ve achieved complete fall bliss, open your eyes and welcome to 8th Day. This gem in the Circle City Industrial Complex is rewriting all the rules when it comes to craft spirits. Everything is distilled and bottled with an emphasis on deep, aromatic flavors that make these cocktails exceptionally unique.
