Welcome to the second stop in the Living Fort Wayne Beer and Wine Tour. Every month we will be featuring a different local brewery or winery from our region. Today, Jake Pickett is talking with us about Mad Anthony Brewing Company, a Fort Wayne classic.
It’s no secret that craft beers are extremely popular right now, and many of our neighboring cities are seeing a major influx of microbreweries and brewpubs. Indianapolis alone has at least 14, with several more in the works. Here in Fort Wayne we have the longstanding Mad Anthony Brewing Company, along with a newcomer in Angola called Chapman’s, and a national chain in Granite City. Also joining the Fort Wayne beer fray will be Summit City Brewerks, who will hopefully be tapping their barrels over on East Berry this summer.
The missus and I went to Mad Anthony at 1109 Taylor Street, on the corner of Taylor and Broadway in downtown Fort Wayne, to have dinner and sample their beers. They had a surprisingly wide variety of options, including their regular staple of Gabby Blonde Ale (summer ballgame beer), Ol’ Woody Pale Ale (hoppy, but not overwhelming), Auburn Lager (solid body and flavor, hint of hoppiness), Raspberry Wheat (sweet and fruity), and Harry Baals Irish Stout (bold, but smooth coffee/chocolate combo) (by the way, anyone else notice that Mr. Baals seems to be getting more and more recognition these days, ever since Citizen’s Square almost took on his namesake? I’m pretty sure a local radio station just renamed their studio after him). They also had a few seasonals – Summer Daze Wheat (slightly fruity, almost herbal), Bent Rim Black Lager (details below), and a British IPA (subtle at first, then an emergence of late hoppy aftertaste).
Typically when I go out for a brew or two I pick a beer or style of beer and stick with it for the duration of my session. However, for the sake of this article I went with a flight, which is basically a short plank of wood that looks like a frat paddle with placeholders for 6 shot glasses. Each sample was 2-3 ounces of a different beer. I made my way through each of the regular options; then of course I had to try the seasonals as well.
I’m not going to provide a detailed review of each beer – I’m by no means a beer aficionado (more of an enthusiast), and my pallet isn't all that refined. All I really ask for when it comes to beer are three things: it’s cold, it has noticeable flavor, and it’s fresh. Simple as that. I’m not looking for the hoppiest beer in the world, and yes I know “true” beer connoisseurs don’t drink their beer very cold, but darn it this is America, and our constitution says beer should be crisp.
Even though summer is upon us and dark beers are generally going out of season, I still prefer a porter or stout the majority of the time unless I’m going to be outside in the sun/heat. However, there is something to be said about a sweet, refreshing wheat ale or clean, crisp lager. Therefore, my favorite brew of the night was the Bent Rim Black Lager. The pint I enjoyed with my meal was a pleasingly balanced compromise that hit the spot after a smorgasbord of different flavors and aromas.
As far as the other beers go, it all depends on your preferences. You really can’t go wrong at Mad Anthony, there's something for everyone. I think we take them for granted because they've been around for so long and there are so many new breweries out there with cool names and funky art on the labels. I believe this city can support several breweries if things are done the right way – they don’t necessarily have to serve food, just be a welcoming place to grab a pint, sample some varieties, and take home a growler or two. Sun King has done really well in Indianapolis with that formula, and others followed suit very quickly.
Oh, and speaking of the food, my wife and I completely forgot how good Mad Anthony’s is (formerly Munchie Emporium). The menu is huge and making a decision wasn't easy. We started with the Bavarian pretzel, which came with two amazing dipping sauces – pale ale mustard and jalapeno beer cheese. I’m tempted to go back just to try several other of the appetizer options.
She had the Asparagus Salad, and while she loves all the different veggie/fruit/nut/protein combinations that go into a rabbit’s meal, I judge it on the cheese and the dressing. Based on both her and my criteria this one was a winner, even to a meatitarian like me. I enjoyed the Tacos Montezuma, which was a huge plate heaping with Mexican pulled pork, spicy black bean corn salsa, cilantro rice, skillet onions, lettuce, and salsa. It all comes separated out so you can build your own tacos in the corn tortillas to your liking...it's like you're your own personal chef! Not only was it super tasty, but there was enough left over for lunch the next day. Gotta love Midwest serving sizes.
Please, go support your local breweries and eateries – if you’re downtown in the Fort, in Auburn, or in Warsaw, go check out Mad Anthony. Play one of the board games they have sitting out and admire the memorabilia on the walls and art on the ceilings. I’m pretty sure you’ll be pleasantly satisfied that they’re still a top quality food and beverage option after all these years.
