Beers Across the Wabash: A weekend in Lafayette, Indiana

I hadn't spent time in Lafayette in many years, and so the past weekend was a revelation. There were good times (and beers) at People's Brewing and Lafayette Brewing Company; excellent Italian food at La Scala; a killer first-time beer sampling event on the pedestrian bridge; jazz and blues in the evening air; and an enriching feeling of discovery all the way around.

Pausing on the drive back home, we checked in on Dig IN (A Taste of Indiana), under way in Indianapolis. This year's format was new and improved, so keep up the good work, Diggers -- see you in 2013.

Bridging the craft beer gap in Lafayette.

What we did in 1907, we cannot do now.

Dig IN, earlier today.

NABC on the road: Dig-IN, A Taste of Indiana (Indianapolis IN; 08/26/12).

NABC was there last year, too. Here's the report, with photos:

Dig-In Indiana in Indianapolis.

I'm told the format will be a bit different this year, but the end result should be much the same: Good eats, good drinks, and a fine setting in downtown Indianapolis.

Official web site

Dig-In Indiana in Indianapolis on Sunday, August 28.

Dig-IN - A Taste of Indiana was held at Indianapolis's White River State Park on a gorgeous, humidity-free Sunday afternoon. It was billed as a farm-to-fork event, and featured growers, artisans, chefs, vintners and brewers scattered across multiple tents.



I've nothing but good things to say about Dig-IN from the consumer's point of view. The event was well organized, and the crowd was mellow. From a participating brewer's point of view, not checking off beer samples in the same fashion as food (or, alternatively, awarding a set number of sample tickets to each consumer) had the effect of depressing full pour beer sales. I believe everyone knows it, and there'll be a better balance struck in 2012.



Note that Rodney gave a wonderful chat on beer and food pairings to an appreciative audience in the lecture tent. Just remember: Smoked beer with breakfast, and sours for palate renewal.