The 50 Best Beers in Indiana

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Citra-driven orange, grapefruit, tropical fruit, and resin surge from a lean pale-ale base, finishing firmly bitter but never clumsy. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink the freshest can you can find and use it to calibrate every other hop-forward beer in the flight. Pair it with spicy pizza, sharp cheddar, or barbecue; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Molasses, coffee, dark fruit, cocoa, and immense roast fill a famously dense imperial stout built for slow pours and patient sharing. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Split the bottle at cellar temperature and give the beer time to reveal layers beyond its initial sweetness. Pair it with flourless chocolate cake, blue cheese, or smoked brisket; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Caramel malt supports grapefruit, pine, and orange-peel hops in a muscular pale ale that helped define 3 Floyds long before haze arrived. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Taste it beside Zombie Dust to compare the brewery’s maltier old-school flagship with its brighter Citra icon. Pair it with burgers, curry, or aged cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Smooth pale malt, faint fruit, restrained hops, and a clean crisp close make this deceptively simple ale a statewide refrigerator staple. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve it cold between bigger beers and judge it by balance, freshness, and how readily the glass empties. Pair it with fried chicken, hot dogs, or nachos; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Lemon, citrus, floral hops, and soft white wheat create a bright, aromatic ale with more snap and bitterness than conventional wheat beer. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it young and compare its hop-driven profile with Upland Wheat’s citrus-and-spice approach. Pair it with fish tacos, grilled chicken, or chèvre; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Floral Cascade, pine, grapefruit, and a solid caramel-malt base produce a balanced, unmistakably classic American IPA. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Choose a fresh can and use it as a bridge between Alpha King’s pale-ale structure and stronger double IPAs. Pair it with pizza, grilled pork, or sharp cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citra pushes ripe orange, grapefruit, and tropical fruit through a stronger malt frame, retaining a surprisingly crisp finish for its strength. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it very fresh after Zombie Dust so the added body, alcohol, and hop saturation are easy to compare. Pair it with blue cheese, spicy pizza, or ribs; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Baker’s chocolate, espresso, caramel, molasses, and earthy roast settle into a velvety body with a warming, bitter close. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Let it warm in a snifter and give the cocoa nibs and roasted malt several minutes to separate. Pair it with brownies, aged Gouda, or smoked beef; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Caramel, cocoa, hazelnut, and toffee lead a smooth brown ale balanced by restrained bitterness and a clean fermentation profile. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Allow it to warm slightly and use it as the malt-focused counterpoint to Indiana’s many pale and hoppy flagships. Pair it with roast pork, mushrooms, or nutty cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Tropical fruit, citrus, pine, and colossal hop aroma ride over a dry, clean base with a sharp but controlled bitter finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it fresh and compare its leaner modern shape with Alpha King’s deeper caramel malt. Pair it with tacos, spicy wings, or pepper jack; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Toffee, chocolate, cherry, raisin, and Belgian yeast spice build rich malt complexity before candi sugar helps the finish turn unexpectedly dry. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Use a tulip glass and let it warm enough for the dark-fruit fermentation character to fully emerge. Pair it with braised beef, washed-rind cheese, or bread pudding; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Cracker, light corn sweetness, floral hops, and smooth bitterness recreate a historic regional pilsener with a clean, easy finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it cold and appreciate the continuity between Terre Haute brewing history and modern Upland. Pair it with hot dogs, chili, or fried fish; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citrus and pine hops strike first, followed by a light malt backbone and a firm, refreshingly dry finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Check freshness and taste it beside Alpha King to compare two influential Indiana pale ales. Pair it with grilled chicken, pizza, or sharp cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Grapefruit, tangerine, tropical fruit, pine, and resin arrive with enormous force over a substantial malt base and lasting bitterness. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Share the pint very fresh and move to it late in a hop flight so its intensity does not flatten lighter beers. Pair it with curry, barbecue ribs, or blue cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Grapefruit, pine, floral hops, and a restrained malt base deliver a clear West Coast IPA with a crisp, confidently bitter finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it fresh near race weekend or anytime a classic, aromatic IPA sounds better than soft haze. Pair it with smash burgers, wings, or pepper jack; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Dark plum, raisin, brown sugar, toffee, and peppery Belgian fermentation create a strong ale whose sweetness closes with measured dryness. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Pour a modest serving into a tulip and let the beer warm slowly as its dried-fruit layers expand. Pair it with roast duck, aged cheese, or sticky toffee pudding; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Orange zest, coriander, soft wheat, and lively carbonation make an approachable witbier with enough spice to remain distinctive. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Pour it cold with room for foam and compare its yeast-and-citrus profile with Gumballhead’s hop emphasis. Pair it with salads, white fish, or goat cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Grapefruit, orange, pine, and bright hop bitterness define a citrus-forward IPA with a dry West Coast silhouette. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it fresh and pair it against Keller Haze to compare Sun King’s clear and hazy IPA directions. Pair it with fish tacos, grilled pork, or spicy noodles; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Chocolate, caramel, coffee, and restrained roast build a medium-bodied porter with a soft texture and clean, moderately bitter close. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Let it warm several minutes and use it as a gentler dark-beer alternative to Teddy Bear Kisses. Pair it with smoked pork, mushrooms, or brownies; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pear, lemon, orange peel, coriander, and peppery yeast ride through a deceptively pale strong ale toward a dry warming finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve cool in stemware and respect the strength hidden beneath its crisp golden appearance. Pair it with mussels, roast chicken, or creamy cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Local corn grits, cracker malt, mild herbal hops, and long lagering deliver a clean beer with more regional identity than anonymous light lager. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve it very cold as a reset after the brewery’s louder pale ales and imperial releases. Pair it with burgers, grilled corn, or potato chips; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pineapple, orange peel, citrus, and tropical fruit fill a slightly hazy body while a clean finish preserves drinkability. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it young and compare it with GFJ’s clearer, sharper West Coast bitterness. Pair it with carnitas, curry, or grilled chicken; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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American hops deliver grapefruit, pine, and tropical aroma over enough malt to steady the high bitterness and warming alcohol. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Share the can fresh and place it after Lift Off so the increased strength and saturation remain clear. Pair it with barbecue, blue cheese, or spicy sausage; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Clover honey, citrus, grapefruit, pine, pepper, and earthy fermentation create a sparkling farmhouse ale that closes dry. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Use stemware and allow the beer to warm slightly so its honey and fermentation character can separate. Pair it with roast chicken, chèvre, or mussels; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Locally malted Vienna grain supplies toast and light caramel while restrained hops and clean fermentation keep the finish brisk. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it cold during a game and judge it by balance and repeatability rather than intensity. Pair it with brats, nachos, or fried chicken; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Orange and vanilla layer over smooth pale malt, suggesting cream soda while a clean ale finish prevents the flavor from turning heavy. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve it cold and treat it as a playful change of pace rather than a substitute for hop-driven beer. Pair it with vanilla cake, barbecue pork, or fruit salad; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citrus, pine, pale malt, and measured bitterness create an uncomplicated, aromatic pale ale built for a full pint. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it fresh when Dragonfly sounds too strong but clean American hop character still matters. Pair it with campfire brats, grilled chicken, or cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Soft grain, a touch of bread, restrained hops, and bright carbonation make a clean local lager designed for long afternoons and another pour. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it cold and compare its light, direct profile with Sun King’s fuller Indianapolis Brewing Company Lager. Pair it with pork tenderloin sandwiches, hot dogs, or fries; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Molasses, chocolate, coffee, and roast collide with pronounced American hop bitterness in a festive porter that refuses to play quietly. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Let it warm and compare its hoppy dark profile with the smoother Bad Elmer’s Porter. Pair it with gingerbread, smoked ham, or aged cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Clean pale malt, subtle lime-like Bravo hop character, and brisk carbonation make a highly refreshing lager without added heaviness. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve it cold with a lime only after tasting the brewery’s own citrus contribution first. Pair it with tacos, grilled corn, or ceviche; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Bourbon, oak, coffee, chocolate, dark fruit, and Belgian fermentation complexity merge in a powerful stout built around vintage and barrel variation. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Share a small pour and compare vintages when possible rather than treating every release as identical. Pair it with pecan pie, blue cheese, or espresso; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Cracker malt, lemon zest, fresh grass, and floral noble hops make a pale lager with a dry, decisively bitter finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Pour it into a clean narrow glass and let the foam carry its delicate herbal aroma. Pair it with schnitzel, bratwurst, or pretzels; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Passionfruit, mango, wheat, salinity, and bright acidity create a vivid gose whose fruit stays lively rather than syrupy. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve it cold before darker beers and let the salt and acidity sharpen the palate. Pair it with ceviche, goat cheese, or spicy tacos; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Soft bread, pear, light honey, and gentle Belgian spice build a golden ale with a crisp, balanced finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Use it as the entry point to Taxman’s stronger abbey-inspired beers before Deduction, Exemption, and Qualified. Pair it with mussels, roast chicken, or Brie; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citrus, pine, and tropical hops cut through a clean malt platform with the assertive bitterness expected from Munster. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it fresh and compare its broad hop blend with the more Citra-focused Zombie beers. Pair it with pepperoni pizza, burgers, or hot wings; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Orange, peach, and tropical hops fill a rounded body with low perceived bitterness and a clean enough close to preserve definition. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it very fresh and taste it beside Dragonfly to track Upland’s move from classic IPA to modern haze. Pair it with curry, tacos, or grilled chicken; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Caramel, toasted bread, orange peel, noble hops, and clean lager fermentation produce a rich amber beer with a dry-enough finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Let it warm slightly and focus on layered malt instead of expecting the brewery’s usual hop assault. Pair it with bratwurst, roast pork, or pretzels; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pale grain, restrained hops, clean fermentation, and lively carbonation make an easy lager carrying a historic Indianapolis identity. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it cold and compare its neutral precision with the toastier Hoosier Gameday Lager. Pair it with pork tenderloin sandwiches, fries, or grilled sausage; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Peanut butter, milk chocolate, roast, and lactose sweetness create a creamy stout whose playful name accurately signals dessert. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Let it warm above refrigerator temperature and keep the pour modest so the adjuncts remain enjoyable. Pair it with chocolate cookies, vanilla ice cream, or pretzels; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Toasted bread, caramel, gentle noble hops, and a clean fermentation profile create a rich seasonal lager that remains refreshingly dry. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Pour it cool rather than ice-cold and let the malt aroma lead before the first sip. Pair it with sausages, roast chicken, or pretzels; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Natural lime brightens corn-grit lager crispness, producing a clean, direct refresher with mild herbal hops and no unnecessary weight. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve it very cold after tasting regular Floyds Deluxe so the added citrus is easy to isolate. Pair it with tacos, grilled corn, or chips and salsa; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Tropical fruit, grapefruit, soft oats, and lactose create a creamy pale ale balanced by Simcoe and Falconer’s Flight hops. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it fresh and consider it a lighter, softer counterpoint to northern Indiana’s forceful Floyds pale ales. Pair it with spicy chicken, fruit salad, or soft cheese; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Clean grain, faint bread, restrained bitterness, and brisk carbonation deliver a 96-calorie lager that values precision and repeatability. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it cold when refreshment matters more than intensity and compare it honestly with national light lagers. Pair it with hot dogs, popcorn, or grilled chicken; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Natural lemon, pale malt, low bitterness, and sparkling carbonation make a direct warm-weather beer with a crisp citrus finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve it cold outdoors and place it before stronger IPAs so its delicate base remains visible. Pair it with grilled fish, salads, or lemon chicken; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citra and Mosaic bring orange, mango, and resinous hop aroma over a clean base with moderate bitterness and a dry close. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Drink it fresh and support the brewery’s animal-welfare mission while judging the beer on hop clarity. Pair it with tacos, wings, or pepper jack; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Cocoa nibs, milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and roast create a full sweet stout brightened by a noticeable hop edge. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Let the can warm several minutes and compare its chocolate depth with Metazoa’s peanut-butter stout. Pair it with brownies, smoked ribs, or coffee ice cream; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Salted caramel, brownie-like chocolate, roast, and smooth malt create a rich seasonal porter whose salinity keeps sweetness moving. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Split the can after dinner and allow it to warm enough for caramel and cocoa to separate. Pair it with vanilla ice cream, pretzels, or pecan pie; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Pale malt, mild toast, restrained hops, and clean fermentation create a straightforward lager tied directly to Indiana sports culture. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Serve it cold during a game and keep expectations centered on precision, refreshment, and regional character. Pair it with pork tenderloin, nachos, or pizza; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Citrus, pine, floral hops, and a medium malt body create an approachable classic IPA with a firm but balanced finish. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Choose a fresh package and let this northern Indiana brew broaden the list beyond Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Munster. Pair it with fish and chips, burgers, or sharp cheddar; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.

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Toasty malt, bread crust, gentle noble hops, and a dry clean finish give this fall lager richness without sacrificing drinkability. It earns this position by adding a distinct flavor, technique, or piece of brewing history to a balanced statewide Indiana tasting.

Finish the list with a cool pour that returns the palate to balanced malt and precise fermentation. Pair it with bratwurst, roast pork, or pretzels; use a clean glass, protect the package from heat and light, and give the aroma a moment to open before judging the finish.