Indiana Flower & Patio Show highlights craft beers at new Backyard Brewfest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sixteen beers. Seven breweries. Four flight styles. One backyard.

The 56th annual Indiana Flower & Patio Show has partnered with Brew Bracket to host its first-ever Backyard Brewfest, an a la carte beer tasting March 8-16 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St.

Among the beautiful landscapes and Urban Homestead at the Fairgrounds Expo Hall, beer enthusiasts can sample four different beers of the same style, such as amber or brown ales, so they can appreciate the variations within just one style.

“This is much different than our typical event or tournament,” said Ryan Coyle, owner of Brew Bracket. “Normally we have 16 brewers who compete with just one style, and then people can vote for their favorite.”

“But for this show, it’s not so much about getting the ‘people’s vote,’” Coyle said. “Our main goal is to introduce people to craft beer, educate them on what to look for and just make them feel like they’re out in their backyard enjoying a beer.”

Participating artisans include Upland Brewery, Sun King Brewery, Flat12 Bierwerks, Fountain Square Brewery, as well as Barley Island, Oaken Barrel, and Triton brewing companies.

Four tasting stations will feature the following flight styles:

The Lighter Side (Wheat/Blonde/Hybrid) – Upland Wheat, Sun King Sunlight Cream Ale, Barley Island Sheet Metal Blonde, Oaken Barrel Razz Wheat

The Malt Shop (Amber/Brown) – Triton Four Barrel Brown, Sun King Wee Mac, Flat12 Hello My Name Is, Oaken Barrel Indiana Amber

Hop Garden (Pale/IPA) – Flat12 Half Cycle, Sun King Osiris, Fountain Square Hop for Teacher, Triton Railsplitter

Dark & Delicious (Porter/Stout) – Flat12 Pogues Run, Fountain Square Backyard Porter, Triton Deadeye Stout, Upland Bad Elmer Porter

Beer fans will enjoy perusing through more than 40 fabulous showcase and featured exhibitor gardens reflecting the theme “Personal Spaces.” Coyle, also owner of VIVE Exterior Design and recipient of last year’s Mayor’s Award and Garden of Excellence honors, is collaborating with Brew Bracket for VIVE’s “Home Brewing” theme in hopes of sparking some inspiration among guests.

The biergarten admits adults ages 21+ only, and will be open from 3-7pm Monday through Wednesday, 3-9pm Thursday and Friday, 10am-9pmSaturday, and 10am-5pm Sunday.
Sample flights are $8 each; subsequent flights cost additional. A portion of sales from the Backyard Brewfest will benefit the Indiana State Fair Foundation. A special Brewfest and general admission show package is available at the show’s box office only for $18; general admission is discounted to $10 for Brew Bracket participants.

General show admission is $13 for adults at the door, or when purchased online. Children 12 and under are free. Downloadable $3 discount coupons are available on the show’s website, and are not valid combined with other promotions.

Senior Day is Monday, March 10, when showgoers 65+ with proper ID are admitted for $9 per person.

Show hours are 10am-7pm Mondaythrough Wednesday, 10am-9pmThursdays through Saturdays, and10am-5pm Sundays.

Parking is $5 per vehicle in convenient, well-lit Fairgrounds lots. Free shuttle service runs continually from parking areas to entrances of the West Pavilion and Expo Hall.

For more information, log onwww.IndianaFlowerandPatioShow.com, or call 317.576.9933 or toll-free800.215.1700.