Big Beer Weekend on Tap

The state's craft beer industry will be back in the spotlight. The president of the Brewers of Indiana Guild is expecting around 4,000 people to attend a sold-out event tomorrow at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Clay Robinson says Winterfest is designed to showcase the state's growing sector, which now includes more than 70 operating breweries. He says some out-of-state brewers will also take part in the event that will feature more than 200 beers. In a Studio(i) interview, Robinson discusses the growth of the event. Winterfest is set for Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Indiana State Fairgrounds' Champions Pavilion.

Robinson says the industry is challenging because there is only “a certain amount of shelf space in a liquor store and only a certain number of taps in a restaurant.” He says a lot of the growth in the industry is coming in smaller, community-oriented brew pubs.

Robinson adds the high attendance numbers at Winterfest show craft beer continues a “great trend” in the state.

Organizers say the event will feature 50 Indiana breweries as well as 20 from out of state.

Robinson is also the owner of Indianapolis-based Sun King Brewing Co. and says craft beer consumption in the state has grown from less than three percent to more than five percent over the last five years.

Sources: Brewers of Indiana Guild, Inside INdiana Business