With the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 quickly approaching, we tasted (some of us gulped) six local canned beers that fans can take to the race, with an emphasis on offerings that have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.5 percent or less. Basically, craft beer you can drink at the track without getting wrecked. Here, the list—and our take.
Champagne Velvet
Pre-Prohibition Pilsener
5.5% ABV, 29 IBU
Upland Brewing Company
“This one’s in my Top Five—along with, like, nine others.
“This is the perfect gateway craft beer. You can jump straight from a Miller Lite to this.”
“Full, blue-collar flavor.”
“The can looks like one you might’ve seen at the track back in the day. It might be a conversation starter with some of the old-timers.”
Special K
German-style Kolsch
5.5% ABV, 14 IBU
Bier Brewery
“I could run through about six of these before the race.”
“Crisp.”
“Bready. Might weigh you down. If I’m sitting in the stands, I’d probably drink this one. But, if I’m running around in the infield, I’m going to go with something lighter.”
“Love that the can design looks like a doodle on a Trapper Keeper. “
House
Rustic Blonde Ale
4% ABV, 38 IBU
Central State Brewing
“I might trade one of my kids for this beer. It’s my favorite.”
“I like this—I get tired of IPAs all of the time.”
“Has almost a grassy, raw flavor—and sour at the end.”
“Grapefruit-y.”
Candi Crushable
Pale Ale
5.5% ABV, (not available) IBU
18th Street Brewery
“I’d drink the shit out of this.”
“Very light. I’m getting a whiff of bubblegum. Sweetarts, maybe?”
“I’d drink this—and I don’t even like beer.”
“This one would satisfy your flavor needs without getting ripped in the process. The hops are pleasing.”
Natural Liberty
American Pale Lager
5.3% ABV, 35 IBU
Black Acre Brewing
“This makes my nose burn and sticks to the back of my tongue.”
“Like it. Plus, the propaganda-style art on the can is the best. Reminds you that this is what Bernie Sanders’ America is going to taste like.”
“If I was camping out the night before the race, this is probably what I’d drink.”
Sly Boogie
Session IPA
4.4% ABV, 16 IBU
Triton Brewing
“Tastes burnt.”
“Don Draper would say ‘It’s toasted.”
“I’m not getting IPA at all.”
