Beer buzz

Geek Challenge winner, debuts this week at Bier Brewery and Taproom (5133 E. 65th

St.) as a Pro Am with Darren Conner. It is BIG and flavorful. For the record,

Bill Ballinger finished second in 2006 and if memory serves, that beer hasn't

yet been brewed commercially. Beer Buzz still anticipates a second commercial

brewing of Ron Smith's 2005 Beer Geek Challenge winning Castle Rock Red because

Upland's Pro Am product with Caleb Staton and Smith

still resonates.

Also starting Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.: Christmas Chocolate Mint

Stout made with Ghiradelli chocolate and organic

mint. A robust Winter Porter with a touch of Briess

cherry wood smoked malt and additions of Star Anise, Juniper Berries, and Sweet

Orange Peel. Rye Pale made spicier with the addition of Rye Malt to compliment

the C hop additions. "These are four of the nine Biers we're featuring at Winterfest on Jan. 29," reports Connor. 317-253-2437,

www.bierbrewery.com.

Oaken Barrel's seasonal Belgian Tripel Epiphany, a

big beer, multi-taste layered smooth with sweet and spicy notes, is back on tap

and in 6-packs at your favorite stores. Oaken Barrel also has sampler 8-packs

of four different beers. www.oakenbarrel.com.

Indiana Vodka Infusions, the newest release from Heartland Distillers is

available in seven unique flavors: Cherry Vanilla, Chai

Tea, Orange Cream, Chocolate Espresso, Lemon Honey, Raspberry Citrus, and

Double Vanilla. When NUVO stopped by for tastings distiller Stuart Hobson described

Indiana Infusions beginning with "6-times distilled award winning Indiana

Vodka. After our last distillation but before we blend to bottling

strength, we infuse the vodka with care and precision to produce each vibrant

flavor. Each Indiana Infusion is bottled at 80 proof.

Six of our seven infusions are a pairing of two or more flavors. Doing research

at the distillery, when we infused the cherry with a touch of vanilla something

magical happened—great taste! So an idea was born to pair primary flavors

with complementary flavors to produce a balanced infused vodka." For recipes to

make mixed drinks at home, visit http://www.indianavodka.com/IV/Promo1.html.