Sun King Brewery: A Toast To Indiana's Craft Beer Scene

Indiana's craft beer scene has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with a surge in the number of breweries opening their doors to the public. One of the pioneers of this movement is Sun King Brewery, a beloved brewery based in Bloomington, Indiana. Since its inception in 2005, Sun King has established itself as a leader in the state's craft beer scene, and its commitment to producing high-quality beers has earned it a loyal following among beer enthusiasts.

With a focus on using only the finest ingredients and employing traditional brewing methods, Sun King has managed to create a distinctive style that sets it apart from other breweries. From its flagship beer, Sunlight Cream Ale, to its experimental seasonal releases, Sun King's beers are known for their rich flavors and complex nuances. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just discovering the world of craft beer, Sun King is a must-visit destination for any beer enthusiast.

A Brief History of Sun King Brewery

Sun King Brewery was founded by Clay Robinson and Rob Gerner in 2005, with a vision to create a brewery that would showcase the best of Indiana's brewing heritage. With a small initial investment, the founders began building their brewery from the ground up, using a combination of traditional brewing methods and modern technology. As the brewery grew, so did its reputation, with Sun King quickly establishing itself as one of the state's top craft breweries.

Early Years and Growth

In the early days, Sun King focused on producing a limited range of beers, with an emphasis on using local ingredients and traditional brewing methods. The brewery's flagship beer, Sunlight Cream Ale, was a particular success, with its rich, malty flavor and crisp finish winning over beer enthusiasts from across the state. As the brewery grew, Sun King expanded its operations, adding new facilities and increasing production to meet the growing demand for its beers.

Awards and Accolades

Sun King's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous awards and accolades over the years. The brewery has won numerous awards at beer competitions, including the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. Sun King has also been recognized as one of the top breweries in the state by publications such as Indianapolis Monthly and Indiana Monthly.

Community Involvement

Sun King's commitment to the local community is a key part of its success. The brewery is deeply involved in various local organizations and initiatives, including the Bloomington Area Neighborhood Association and the Indiana Brewers Guild. Sun King also hosts regular events and tastings at its brewery, providing a platform for local brewers and beer enthusiasts to come together and share their passion for craft beer.

Beers at Sun King Brewery

Sun King's beer list is diverse and ever-changing, with a wide range of styles and flavors to suit every taste. The brewery's flagship beer, Sunlight Cream Ale, is a classic example of a traditional cream ale, with a rich, malty flavor and crisp finish. Other popular beers include the brewery's pale ale, Sunowl Pale Ale, and its seasonal releases, such as the Winter Solstice Stout and the Summer Saison.

Year-Round Beers

Sun King's year-round beers are a staple of the brewery's offerings. Some of the most popular year-round beers include:

• Sunlight Cream Ale: A classic cream ale with a rich, malty flavor and crisp finish.
• Sunowl Pale Ale: A hoppy pale ale with a balanced blend of citrus and pine flavors.
• Juicy Lucy Stout: A rich, full-bodied stout with notes of chocolate and coffee.
• Sweet Cream Oatmeal Stout: A creamy, sweet stout with a smooth, velvety texture.

Seasonal Beers

Sun King's seasonal beers are a highlight of the brewery's offerings, with new releases every few months. Some of the most popular seasonal beers include:

• Winter Solstice Stout: A rich, full-bodied stout with notes of chocolate and coffee.
• Summer Saison: A refreshing, citrusy saison with a dry finish.
• Autumn Harvest Ale: A malty, earthy ale with notes of pumpkin and spice.
• Spring Awakening Pale Ale: A hoppy, citrusy pale ale with a bright, refreshing finish.

Visiting Sun King Brewery

Visiting Sun King Brewery is a must-do experience for any beer enthusiast. The brewery is located in Bloomington, Indiana, and offers a range of tours and tastings for visitors. The brewery's tasting room is spacious and well-appointed, with a large bar serving up a wide range of Sun King beers. Visitors can also explore the brewery's facilities, including the brewhouse and packaging hall.

Tour Options

Sun King offers a range of tour options, including:

• Brewery Tour: A 1-hour tour of the brewery, including the brewhouse and packaging hall.
• Tasting Tour: A 2-hour tour of the brewery, including a tasting of several Sun King beers.
• VIP Tour: A 3-hour tour of the brewery, including a private tasting and behind-the-scenes access to the brewhouse and packaging hall.

Events and Festivals

Sun King hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year, including:

• Beer Releases: Regular beer releases, featuring new and limited-release beers.
• Tastings and Tournaments: Regular tastings and tournaments, featuring Sun King beers and guest beers.
• Live Music: Regular live music events, featuring local and regional bands.
• Food Festivals: Regular food festivals, featuring local food vendors and Sun King beers.

Conclusion

Sun King Brewery is a must-visit destination for any beer enthusiast. With its rich history, diverse beer list, and commitment to the local community, Sun King has established itself as a leader in Indiana's craft beer scene. Whether you're a