INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis has a popular, and growing, beer scene. But with so many breweries opening over the past couple of years, it's also a crowded one.
Three people from Indianapolis are adding one more to the mix.
Eric Fear, Max Schenk and Jerry Sutherlin are opening up Round Town Brewery at the southwest corner of downtown Indianapolis next month.
Schenk and Sutherlin worked together at Rock Bottom Brewery three years ago when they got the idea for the new brewery.
All three have different roles within the company -- Schenk helped put together the money, and is the one in charge. Sutherlin is the brewer of the group, and makes a "fantastic IPA," Fear said.
Fear is the sales director/marketer of the three.
Along with the IPA, Sutherlin will be keeping the beer selection "true to style."
"He's not throwing everything in the kitchen to see what happens," Fear said.
Fear was hesitant to divulge much more about the exact selection of beer that will be available, saying they're keeping it close to the vest until Round Town Brewery opens.
Fear said the brewery will be open "the minute we have beer," but that time is unclear. He's hoping for a soft opening within two weeks, but the grand opening will be Oct. 20.
PHOTOS | Take a look inside Round Town Brewery
Two new breweries were opening in the United States per day by the end of 2015, according to the Brewers Association, a national organization for brewers. There are more now than ever before, more than 4,000 across the country.
Indiana is one of just 15 states to have more than 100 breweries. There were less than 50 breweries just five years ago.
BREWERIES | LIST: Top new craft breweries in Indiana
"People like to drink," Fear said of the growth of breweries. "And they're caring more and more about what goes in their body. It's not enough to be local -- it has to be local and high quality."
Fear's excitement could be heard in his voice when discussing the new business opening at the corner of Kentucky Avenue and White River Parkway Drive.
"Beer's always been the life of the party," he said.
The brewery will serve pints of beer -- but not food, Fear was quick to say.
"We're not a kitchen or a restaurant," he said. They're working to try and get food trucks nearby.
To Fear, Sutherlin and Schenk, brewing is an art. And it's something they've been working on for years. They drove 10 hours to Philadelphia for a brewers' conference, so you know they take it seriously.
"A lot of people think brewing is the greatest job in the world," Fear said. "And they're right -- to some extent. A lot of work also goes into it."
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