Triton Brewing’s barely been open three years, but they’re drawing fans based on a solid base of year-round beers and fun, rotating, experimental offerings.
The brewery is actually located at an old brick barn that was once part of the Fort Benjamin Harrison U.S. Army base in Lawrence, just northeast of Indianapolis. They’ve converted that barn into a bustling brewery, but have been able to retain a rural feel that is familiar to Hoosiers.
Co-founder Jon Lang’s been a head brewer for nearly 15 years and he and partner David Waldman keep their roots in the community, partnering with key charities and non-profits that also help spread the word of their local beers among non-traditional audiences.
Their flagship beer is the Triton Brewing Railsplitter IPA. When pouring it, there’s an immediate citrus aroma, but that fades with the taste, as more of a piney flavor takes over. It’s hoppy dry at the end and delivers just a quality, balanced IPA.
Triton stepped it up a notch this year with their Headsplitter Imperial IPA, with a wallop of hops driving over that familiar Railsplitter flavor. My favorite Triton IPA, though, makes a trip to their brewpub well worth the visit. Hatchblower Pepper IPA is a tap-only beer that delivers a mild ass-kicking with green peppers, chipotle and jalapenos. The 2013 version might have been a bit strong, while 2014’s has incredible balance.