Neal at Sun King Brewing reached out to us in regards to problems Indiana craft brewers are facing, as well as a collaboration between them and 3 Floyds, born out of trying to solve these legislation issues. We plan on following up with 3 Floyds on this matter, and hope when the time is right, you will join us in an effort to support this important cause. Cheers!

As you may or may not know, Sun King’s staff recently traveled to Munster to make a collaborative brew with 3 Floyds. Since both breweries make celebrated American pale ales (Alpha King and Osiris, respectively), 3 Floyds owner Nick Floyd, head brewer Barnaby Struve, and Sun King brewer/owners Clay Robinson and Dave Colt quickly agreed on a recipe for 3 Kings Pale Ale, a specialty beer that will be tapped in Munster and Indianapolis in April to draw attention to our lobbying efforts. Lobbying efforts for what you say? Funny you should ask…

According to Indiana law, a brewer cannot operate a tasting room, brew pub, or self-distribute its product if it produces more than 20,000 barrels (approximately 40,000 kegs) a year. With 3 Floyds on pace to exceed 20,000 barrels this year, the brewery is faced with either shutting down its brewpub or it’s brewing operation or moving their entire enterprise to Illinois. Sun King is on pace to hit the 20,000 barrel limit in 2013, when it will either have to stopped self-distributing its product or curtail growth permanently.

Businesses like 3 Floyds and Sun King have deep ties in their respective communities and are working hard to create a bright future for Indiana.

Respectfully,

Neal Taflinger

Communications Director, Sun King Brewing Co.