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If Indiana is going to so kindly deliver the Bucket back to West Lafayette tomorrow it would be nice if they could bring some good beer with it. Here in the last week of the season it feels like we should feature an in-state brewery from That School Down South. Since we already did Upland, let’s take a look at Bloomington Brewing Company.
1795 E. 10th St.
Bloomington, IN 47408
Bloomington Brewing is one of the oldest brewpubs in the state. Its founder, Jeff Mease, was instrumental in working with Indiana legislators in the early 1990s to change state laws so places like Bloomington Brewing Company (and our own beloved maker of Boilers Gold, People’s Brewing) could exist. The state now has close to 50 small breweries, with more opening each month, it seems.
So you could say that Bloomington Brewing started most of this. It is located right in the heart of IU’s campus, and is one of the few really good things to come out of Bloomington. Many of their beers are now canned and can be found at retailers all over the state.
Kirkwood Cream Ale – This is a very, very tasty beer and a good starter for someone just getting into real beer away from the Bud Lights of the world. It is a smooth, light, sweet ale with only 11 IBUs and 4.9% ABV. It is honestly quite tasty, but it comes with an unfortunate package: It’s can is a red and white (excuse me, Crimson and Cream) can that instantly connects it to IU. The tap handle on their site even has that damn candystripe motif. Purdue fans drinking this beer should immediately pour it into another container before consuming.
Ruby Bloom Amber – This has some heft for an Amber at 6% ABV, but is not very bitter at all. It is a smooth tasting beer that has a rich red amber color as good ambers should. Ambers can be hit or miss. When they are good, they are really good. When they are bad or start to go bad, they can be hard to choke down. This is a good one.
Rooftop IPA – This is their award-winning beer, as it won a gold medal out of all IPAs at the 2013 Indiana Brewers’ Cup. It comes in at 7’4% ABV and has some punch at 80 IBUs. That’s going to give it quite the bitter finish, which is what we hope Indiana feels tomorrow.
Bloomington Brewing Company also has several other seasonal and special beers, such as a current Java Porter that sounds excellent and a winter ale that is coming soon. If you’re in Bloomington take a growler to their place because you won’t be disappointed. If we’re going to take out Bucket back tomorrow we might as well celebrate by drinking their beer, too.