Beer Around The NFL: Indianapolis Colts

Football season is here and you know what that means, don't you? If we weren't so freakin' beer happy all year round, we would call it beer season, because there really is no better way to cheer your team than with a pint or mug of your favorite local craft brew. All season we will be taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops. And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout (it's OK, we're not judging), then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the Indianapolis Colts.

WHAT TO DRINK

Sun King El Gallo Negro: This black IPA is available come October and, be forewarned, supplies don't last. Despite the dark color, the brew gives off bright hoppy and citrus notes. The flavor is rounded out by roasted malty, coffee and chocolate accents. sunkingbrewing.com

Three Floyds Gumballhead: This microbrewery is actually all the way up in northwest Indiana, near Chicago. But it would be a shame not to include its American Wheat Ale. Floral on the nose, it's got bright, clean flavors of citrus and peach. 3floyds.com

Flat12 Bierwerks Lacto-Matic Milk Stout: Like the name suggests, this beer has a sweet milk aroma, with hints of chocolate, caramel and coffee. The brewery offers growler fills, as well as kegs, half-kegs and sixth-kegs. Perfect for watching the game with friends. flat12.me

WHERE TO DRINK IT

The Tomlinson Tap Room: Located in the historic Indianapolis City Market, this beer bar has 16 taps pouring all local Indiana craft beers, with many more brews available by the bottle. Get your growler filled or order by the pint. 222 East Market Street, 317-634-9266, indycm.com/tomlinsontaproom

The Rathskeller: Set in an ornate 19th-century downtown building that was once at the heart of Indy's Germantown, the bar recalls a Bavarian beer hall. It hosts live music and stocks 50-odd bottles of beer, with a strong focus on German offerings. 401 East Michigan Street, 317-636-0396, rathskeller.com

Chumley's Beerhouse: This old standby, one of the last holdouts to not comply with the smoking ban, has 50 taps and another 100-strong bottle list. The game is always on and a good number of local brews are always on offer. 838 Broad Ripple Avenue, 317-466-1555, chumleyspubs.com

WHERE TO BUY IT

The Rural Inn: It may not have the vast size or inventory of some of Indy's biggest beer stores, but this unassuming little shop-slash-tavern, dating back to 1945, sells more than 200 import, domestic and local craft beers. 2725 East Michigan Street, 317-631-9875, theruralinn.com

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