October 27, 2021
Road trippin’ is back! The beaches along the Gulf Coast are the destination of choice for millions of weary travelers. Interstate 65 is one of the main routes to get there, beginning just south of Chicago and winding down to Mobile, Alabama. Along the way are some amazing craft beer cities, towns and craft breweries to quench your thirst as you stop for the night.
First Stop: Indianapolis, IN: Metazoa Brewing Co.
“’Metazoa’ is the scientific word referring to the whole animal kingdom,” explains Sarah Silcox, Metazoa Brewing Co. Marketing and Events Manager. “Since day one we‘ve donated 5% of our profits to animal and wildlife organizations to give back to the planet that gives us beer. Drink beer. Help animals.”
Metazoa is nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis with 18+beers on tap and a dog park on-site. While our four-legged friends are always welcome, one thing that does set Metazoa apart is their brewery is ages 21+ only.
“Our best-seller is typically our house IPA called Hoppopotamus that features a bright, citrus aroma from Citra and Mosaic hops balanced by a light sweetness from Vienna malt,” says Silcox.
Metazoa is experimenting with some seasonal fruit beers this summer.
“Flaming Juice (Cherry Blonde Ale) and Blueberry Bandit (Blueberry Wheat Beer) along with the debut of our new Pander Bear hard seltzer series and our rotating DDH Hoppopotamus series featuring double dry-hopped versions of our house IPA, Hoppopotamus,” says Silcox.
Metazoa’s brewing philosophy is all about balanace. From traditional ales to quirky experiement styles, they focus on balanced flavor.
Second Stop: Louisville, KY: Monnik Beer Co.
Brian Holton was working as an emergency room nurse three days a week when he decided he wanted to make it big with a brewery. He opened up Monnik in 2011.
“That little spot opened in 2011 and was successful so I looked to open another bigger spot in Louisville. My Dutch contractor friend, Ian, came on board as a partner and we opened our brewpub, Monnik Beer Co., in Louisville in November 2015,” Holton told craftbeer.com.
Holton says Monnik’s beer is a mix of classic styles and new American creations and their food is locally sourced.
“The summer beers you must try this year are both session ales. Ginger Saison has been around since the beginning and is a bright and refreshing take on a classic style. We also will have a low-cal session ale coming out in July called Nite Life Lite. Coming in at 4.6% ABV and only 100 calories, it’s a unique take on a low-calorie beer in that it’s lightly dry hopped and is 100% malted barley.”
Saisons have always been popular at Monnik, which usually has several available at any given time.
“Our biggest seller has always been our flagship IPA, but lately we’ve been selling a ton of Italian…
