Three Floyds Brewing Co. (Munster, IN) - 2/7/13

Quick Glance Stats:

Access/Parking: Munster is a good 30-45 minute drive from Chicago. Relatively close to the interstate (10 minutes away from, but a straight shot). In a business park with a devoted parking lot, but can and will fill up quickly – street parking otherwise.

Space: Nearly front office like of a large warehouse building.  Small over all space – two rooms (one restaurant, one bar area).

Beer: Beer Advocate rating as of 6/18/13 = 96

  Where to start with Three Floyd’s?  First and foremost, they make some of the most sought after beer in the United States and indeed the world.  They have (5) beers in the top 100 on Beer Advocate (All 53 or better).  They have an extremely limited distribution network (Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and sometimes northern Ohio).  So, add FANTASTIC beer with the fact it’s very hard to get, and you’ll create a must visit situation.  Munster is in the VERY northwest corner of Indiana, so close you might as well consider it a suburb of Chicago, but it’s still a bit of a drive.  If you only read this paragraph, the thing you should remember is to absolutely go to Three Floyds if you can.  I’ve been here before, but this particular visit provided me much more writing material.

  You’ll find that Three Floyds (TF) is located in the back of a small business park.  Not quite what I’d hope for a tasting room/brew pub, but with beer names like Zombie Dust, Dark Lord, Zes Zes Zes (666), Blot Out The Sun, Perminent Funeral...they make up for a dull surrounding easily.  In the parking lot they have a great sculpture in a small garden of the trademark “Three Floyds” head and body and that adds a little to the outside.  Once inside, you’ll likely be underwhelmed at first by sight as it’s mainly just a regular room with white walls, a lot of other brewery’s beer signs, some interesting art depicting TF beer labels, and pretty standard tables and chairs.  However, unless you’re deaf, you’ll be overwhelmed by the music.  Metal is king at TF.  I opened the door and was practically hit in the face with sound waves of thrash metal and guttural vocals.  I like metal a lot actually, so I’m just had a huge smile on my face as I made my way to the bar, but for those with kids in tow, you may want to bring ear plugs for the youngin’s (okay, it might not be that bad, but it’s loud and likely vulgar).

  Grabbing a seat at the bar, depending on the time of day, may be a bit challenging as it is a pretty small bar (only 13 seats…such a lucky number) but there are high tops available as well.  The bar is elbow shaped, and surround with a wide assortment of some Star Wars collectables, pictures, instruments, and in general obscure toys and stuff.  Behind the bar, is a treat as well.  It’s almost like a game in counting just how many tattoos your bartender will have.  During my visit I had made this observation even telling friends that a requirement to work at TF’s was to have at least 15 tats; but the second trip was far more entertaining.  My bartender this day had arms completely covered in ink.  I don’t mean a lot of designs…I mean painted in black.  There were however 4 small spade shaped areas of blank skin on the backs of each arm, but otherwise they were completely covered.  These sleeves put other sleeves to shame.  Also, his chin was completely black (think of it as a goatee) and on his neck a spattering of tattooed  lines, nearly as if a spider’s web was drawn, but I couldn’t tell enough of the detail to be sure.  I’m sure that he had plenty more, but this was all I could see.  I know this has nothing to do with the actual place, or the beer, but it is indicative of the employees.  Everyone is either punked out, or seemingly in a metal band.  All the better for me because it adds sooooo much character to the place, and as said, strikes a sharp contrast to the business park they are found in.

  I didn’t get to sample a lot of their food, but I did have some of the strangest nachos.  Think “pigs ears” snack consistency, but a chip with an odd dollop of a pureed “salsa” (for lack of a better word).  Their menu is just as eclectic as their people, so don’t go in thinking you’ll get a standard burger.  Not being of any culinary background, nor do I really even enjoy cooking, the menu is fun and different so paring the food up with the fantastic beer just adds to the fun.

  Their beer lineup is phenomenal and also includes taps and bottles from many other great breweries all over the country.  You won’t find any bad beer here (unless you’re taste buds get in the way).  There are 13 TF beers available (that lucky number again), with 5 guest taps.  I personally recommend the Zombie Dust Pale Ale the most, but Alpha King IPA is close behind.  More than those two though, I would recommend one of their many one offs that you won’t be able to find in a bottle.  Nearly every style can be had, and unique blends abound here (I don’t mean blending pours, but rather styles).  TF is often known for their “Dark Load Day” which is a HIGHLY sought after ticketed event for the release of their imperial stout called Dark Lord.  I’ve only had this beer once, and that was just a sip in North Carolina, so I doubt it will be available at the brewery unless you visit that day only.  Regardless, many of the TF standards can be found in the merch store which is located just next to the bar area in its own room.  There you can pick up tees, hats, sweat shirts, bombers, 6 packs, cases, and I believe growlers and kegs as well.

  Overall, if you haven’t gathered, YOU MUST come here.  It’s one of my favorite breweries in the country, and while out of the way, it is well worth the visit.  Pick up a 6 pack of Zombie Dust, because as the current #4 beer in the world (according to Beer Advocate), the $10 6 pack price is fantastic. Honestly, picked up anything to take home, because it's very likely to be great!