By Jenny Elig
It’s true: The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into everything. This year, the granddaddy of all annual beer celebrations, Munich’s Oktoberfest, was officially canceled. If you had Oktoberfest in Germany on your bucket list, don’t worry: the event returns in 2021. And this gives you a chance to visit some southside breweries that are carrying the torch. Check out their seasonal offerings or imbibe their tried and trues. Whatever you choose, Oktoberfest is still on tap on the southside. Here, some heady options.
TAXMAN’S DEFALLT
This Belgian amber is the brewery’s autumn seasonal rendition of an amber bière de garde, or “beer to keep.” DeFallt is a cinnamon and Indiana wildflower honey blend featuring smooth and spicy vanilla notes from French oak.
Celebrate the season at 13 S. Baldwin St., Bargersville. (317) 458-0210, taxmanbrewing.com.
SHALE CREEK BREWERY’S DON’T RYE FOR ME AMBER
Explore the Dark Side of Amber with Shale Creek Brewery’s bourbon-barrel aged Don’t Rye for Me amber.
Tie one on at 178 W. Jefferson St., Franklin. (317) 868-2200, shalecreekbrewing.com.
MASHCRAFT BREWING’S FARMHAND SOUR
Traditionally, Berliner Weisse beers — which is what Farmhand Sour is — were brewed in spring and aged through the warm summer months. The result is a pleasantly sour brew; MashCraft’s is made with Sugar Creek malt.
You’ll find the Farmhand Sour on tap at 1140 N. State Road 135, Greenwood. (317) 215-4578, mashcraft.com.
HOOSIER BREWING CO.’S 6 FEET UNDER IMPERIAL STOUT
This recently released stout is a thick, rich brew made with Sugar Creek malted oats. Available on tap or canned, 6 Feet Under boasts a silky, smooth mouth feel with chocolate and coffee undertones.
Tap in at 147 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood. (317) 215-4753, hoosier.beer.
BIG WOODS’ PUT A FORK IN IT PUMPKIN ALE
Wake up with Starbucks’ pumpkin spice lattes and mellow out with this Quaff On Brewing Co. brew, on tap now at Big Woods Franklin. This seasonal ale is brewed with pumpkin spices and malt. If you want a stronger version, check out the Imperial Pumpkin, a spiced imperial ale.
You’ll find it at 1800 E. King St., Franklin. (317) 739-0378, bigwoodsrestaurants.com/franklin.
