INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Visited Indianapolis’ vibrant Broad Ripple section, August ’06. A recreational riverbank village north of midtown, its small boutique shops and affordable night clubs make this a perfect hotspot for young adults.
Demure tan-bricked BRUGGE BRASSERIE did a fascinating job re-creating Belgian ales in an odd mod upscale environment distinguished by weird purple-blue walls, metal chairs-tables, small central bar, and cozy outside deck. Fab menu included crepes, fritas, soups, and stews.
Better than comparable Karmaliet Tripel was creamy Chardonnay-like Tripel De Ripple, a sticky butterscotch-vexed, tartly mandarin orange-hexed, bruised lemon-soured, cotton-candied treat with a slight medicinal kick. Just as delightful was sweet-n-sour citric-centric fig-pecan-hinted hop-roasted burgundy-barleywine-finishing digestif Dubbel. Docile American-styled Wit had washed-out lemony tartness, candied orange surge, and minor floral-cardamom-chamomile tinge.
Bought bottled selections from Greenwood’s Oaken Barrel Restaurant & Brewery, located 10 miles South of Indianapolis near remote airport. Situated in small Western-styled mall, this exquisite brewpub offered wood-furnished family dining and television-ensconced right side bar (with rear brew tanks). Check Beer Index for reviews of Oaken Barrel’s Alabaster Wit, Gnaw Bone Pale Ale, Razz-Wheat, and Snake Pit Porter.