Indy Bitez: #3 Points South Edition: Twisted Trail Travels

Located south of Indianapolis lies a beautiful stretch of colorful hills that come alive no matter the time of year. The fall offers vibrant colors among the hills and the trees. The winter offers beautiful snowcapped log cabins and ample time to sit by the fireplace and watch the snow fall. The spring offers rebirth of life and rejuvenation as flowers bloom and we feel alive again awaken from our winter doldrums. Summer offers water activities, hiking, and sitting back on the porch wasting the days away. What is missing from all of these wonderful seasons? How about a nice handcrafted, locally made beer and great local eats.

The Twisted Trail is a great place to find all of these wonderful things. The Twisted Trail is a is a 40-mile stretch of scenic highway that connects three distinctly different communities, each known for its rich arts heritage, lush landscapes, and eclectic retail and art. Along state road 46 from west to east, Bloomington, Nashville, and Columbus offer their arms wide open welcoming everyone.

Upland Brewing Company-
My journey began where all Twisted Journeys should begin... Bloomington. I was here mostly for fresh food, liquid libations, and lively conversation. Since no trip to Bloomington is complete without stopping by Upland Brewing Company, that is where I journeyed to first. Upland is one, if not the best and largest, breweries in the state of Indiana. Known for their emphasis on organic and environmentally conscious menu Upland continues to cater both the college and community crowds. No "Breaking Away" townie versus college student hatred here. Its all love.

"Greatest Spinach Artichoke Dip Ever"- IndyBitez

On this visit I ordered the Spinach Artichoke Dip with the warm flat bread and blue corn tortilla chips. The meal can be described in two words... delicious! This was and still is the best spinach artichoke dip I have ever put inside the entrance that leads to my secondary pleasure center, my taste buds. The inclusion of both pita bread and blue corn tortilla chips really enhances this dish. They show the versatility of this amazing little dish. The blue corn chips really bring out the nuances of flavor in the dip with the salty goodness of the chips playfully bantering with the creaminess of the dip. The warm pita bread is a delight even without the dip. Bring them together and the reaction is illegal in many states, including but not limited to, Mississippi.

With all that greatness I needed something to wash down and quench my thirst amid all the excitement. I chose Upland's German Altbier from their draft selection of handcrafted brews made on premises. The malty sweetness was a great complement to the food and provided for an dancing party inside my mouth. This isn't the only beer they have that will make your mouth feel like an ABBA tribute concert. This beer is only one of Upland's many rotating specialties and seasonals as well as their regular lineup. From the easily approachable Upland Wheat to the range of IPAs like Dragonfly or Double Dragonfly to the fruity/sour lambics made from blueberry, pomegranate, strawberry and others, you will not be disappointed. Come down to Bloomington or visit your local beer store or bar and try some Upland today. You will not be down about something this good. Also check for Upland on the small screen on the show "Parks and Recreation" about a fictional town somewhere south of Indianapolis. Several Upland beers are routinely featured in bottles on the show.
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Bloomington Brewing Company @ Lennies Restaurant Brewery and Pub
Next on the journey was a quick jaunt through town to the other brewery in town with the name that is hard to forget where it is located. Bloomington Brewery is the small guy compared to Upland but they have expanded recently so expect to hear more about them soon. They are on their way up in production and visibility.

Calzone with Pepperoni and Sausage

Small Sample of BBC Beers

Located inside Lenny's Restaurant Brewery and Pub, this place is harder to find than Upland but well worth the search. While there I decided to try one of their delightful calzones. Can't go wrong with pepperoni and italian sausage. The calzone hit the spot for sure, but what really did it was the amazing selection of beers that were spread out in front of me for as far as the eye can see (If the eye is staring directly at the beers in front of me and nothing else.) All the beers looked and smelled great but the hop of my eye was the Homegrown Pale. This was brewed with hops grown on a farm in the country outside Bloomington that is owned by the brewer/owner/BBC Co. Think Global, Drink Local. This motto sums up my excitement for this beer. It is hard to get more local than a local brewer using locally grown resources to create something beautiful. The freshness of this beer envelopes the senses as the hop aroma is pleasant and inviting. I thoroughly enjoyed this beer as well as the entire catalogue of beers I tried. If you live in Indianapolis and are not making it to Bloomington anytime soon, visit Scotty's Lakehouse where Quarrymen Pale Ale and Ruby Bloom Amber are routinely on tap.
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Big Woods Brewing Company-
Brown County, Indiana. Home of the 2nd greatest town called Nashville in the country. Brown county is a wonderful, quaint vacation spot for tourist from Indiana and all over to come visit and soak in the county for all its glory. In the center of it all is Nashville, a town designed to cater to these tourists with touristy things like art galleries, chocolate shops, mini golf, winery, handcrafted goods, antiques, Coca Cola store, and the sorts. The newest inclusion to Nashville is something for the townsfolk as well as the visitors. Big Woods Brewing Company is located just west of the main drag on a road that I would more affectionately call an alley. Even knowing the address, I had to walk around several times before finding it. Once there, my journey was all worth it.

Beer Menu at Big Woods

Set in a rustic nouveau cabin is Big Woods. With a small patio area and a slightly larger inside, Big Woods offers a brewpub with all the intimacy that a small town brewery can offer. On the night that I came the place was busy with people outside waiting there turn to enjoy the delights of the food and beer. Today was steak special night where they cook the steak on the grill outside. The smell was intoxicating. Unfortunately the only thing that would be intoxicating me that night would be the beer. I was way too full to eat by the time I made it to Big Woods. I already have it on my calendar to come back and try that wonderfully delightful steak. But enough about my tears, back to the beers. I tried all six of their beers they had on tap. All the beers were good. I had previously had the signature beer, the Busted Knuckle. This is a hybrid between a porter and a red. Although it is confused, you will not be after trying this beer. You will know that you love it! Come try them all for yourself. When in town don't forget to buy a shot glass or a mug or t-shirt. If you do not do any of those things at least buy someone a good beer. Drink up!
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Power House Brewing Company @ Columbus Bar

The last leg of my journey brings me to Columbus to partake in Columbus beer history. The Columbus Bar is a staple in downtown Columbus. This bar was known for good beer even before Power House Brewing began brewing. Once again, I came to Power House Brewing strictly for the beer. At the bar you can do samples of a number of good beers that they have on tap. You can mix and match Power House beers with other local, regional, and national beers to get a sampling of greatness. I chose the White River Brown Ale and Diesel Oil Stout. Both beers were just what I needed to end my night on a high note. The stout is one of the best stouts in the state of Indiana, probably the best. The brown ale was perfectly crafted and was a delight. The bar has great guest beers and several of its own as well as a great group of patrons to waste your night away. Come for the beer, stay for the food, come back for the company of strangers that will not be strange for very long.

Visit the Twisted Trail in South Central Indiana for whatever whets your whistle and fulfills your appetite for delight.

To learn more and plan a visit to these great establishments please check out the contact information below.