It’s starting to feel like fall in Bloomington, and the town is bustling with back-to school-festivities, tailgating, and the chance to explore. No doubt, we have our old haunts, but the great thing about Bloomington is that there’s always something new to explore. And that includes our Wood Shop Sour Ale Brewery. Whether you dabbled in sour ales for the first time this summer and want to learn more or you’re visiting your IU student and looking for some adventure of your own, a tour and tasting should be on your to-do list.

Here are 5 reasons to add the Wood Shop to your must-do list in Bloomington:

Exclusive, small-batch experimental beers
The Wood Shop is stacked floor to ceiling with barrels. Some of them are used for aging experimental sours, and Wood Shop visitors often get a first taste at what may become the next lottery release or unique flavor combinations the brewers are trying out. (Um, Boysenberry or Guava anyone?)

20 rotating taps with something for everyone
Really, 20 taps! 10 are dedicated to our sours beers. If you’re still deciding whether sours are your new thing, the Wood Shop also has 10 taps with familiar favorites like Champagne Velvet, Dragonfly IPA as well as other small-batch brews, like our MargaWHEATa, which is Wheat Ale aged on a tequila barrel.

A bar of beauty
Each Upland location has its own unique style and flare, and the Wood Shop is no exception. We worked with local design duo, Audi and Ivy of Siosi Design, to create a custom bar and wood features that are stunning and inviting. Matched with the clean and sophisticated look of the subway-tile that frames the taps and the natural beauty of the oak barrels that line the brewery, it’s a memorable spot to enjoy memorable beers.


Photo by Indiana Public Media

Behind-the-barrel stories
Our guides don’t just show you around the brewery during a tour. You’ll learn about the extensive process of brewing sours and get to meet our oak foeders (yes, you’ll know what those are by the end of the tour) like Woody Barrelson and Twiggy Sawdust.

Our brewpub next door
Did you know several of our sours use whole fruits that are Indiana grown, like pawpaws, blackberries, mulberries, and persimmons?Local is at the heart of everything we make.Our brewpub, with a fantastic patio, is just across the parking lot with a seasonal menu featuring ingredients from many local growers. We don’t just love sour beers—we love good, fresh food to enjoy them with as well. 

Ready to have a sour beer with us? Book your tasting and tour online today.

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