Sun King Brewing Co.
Indianapolis, IN
Available: IN
Sun King is currently available at more than 450 bars, restaurants, liquor stores, golf courses, and sports and entertainment venues in central Indiana.
ABV: 5.3
ABW: 4.3
Color: 23
Bitterness: 23
Original gravity: 1050
A russet-colored beer, 5.3 percent, with a big roasted grain and burnt fruit aroma. Roast and raisin fruit dominate the palate with some light hop notes and a hint of licorice. The finish is quite long, with lingering notes of roasted grain, dark forest fruits and a drying but gentle spicy hop note. This is a “Scottish” beer brewed in Indianapolis and is an interesting interpretation of a style disappearing from its homeland as paler and hoppier ales take over. A Wee Mac to a true Scot is a Scotch with ginger ale and perhaps this beer could be promoted as the ideal whisky chaser.
The second can of the day opens to reveal a beer with a handsome dark copper color and quickly receding foam. The aroma is softly malty with a backdrop of chocolate milk. The palate starts off showing sweet malts and a touch of caramel, the bitterness barely holding it in balance, but then dries into a silky finish. This is a nice rendition of an easy-drinking style, and at 5.3 percent it has some personality. Paper plate, some barbecue, five napkins and you’re good to go.
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
