I have been on the road the last few days for work, attending a conference in Indianapolis. As is my custom when I travel. I tried to limit myself to new beers on the trip. The only time I had to change from that strategy was at the Indiana Pacers game I went to one night. Luckily, I was sitting in the club level and had Fat Tire at my disposal instead of the swill they served elsewhere in the arena. Both cost the same – go figure.

To enjoy in my room, I picked up two Indiana brews – Ol’ Woody Pale from Fort Wayne’s Mad Anthony Brewing and Blind Tiger Pale Ale from Barley Island Brewing in Noblesville, Ind. Out of these two, I enjoyed the Blind Tiger better. Nothing wrong with Ol’ Woody (he he he). I just didn’t like it as much. The Blind Tiger had a heavier flavor, which is what I like best. Both were good straight-up pale ale brews with nothing fancy.

The other three I tried came courtesy of Scotty’s Brewhouse, a great bar which was recommended to me by more than one friend and did not disappoint. I tried Bloomington Brewing’s Ruby Bloom Amber, Bell’s Beer Two-Hearted Ale and Three Floyds Bewing’s Alpha King. Each made me happy for different reasons.

I tried the Ruby Bloom last, after eating a half-dozen wings and drinking an Alpha King. The beer had enough heaviness, but not too much to overwhelm my full belly. I really appreciated the flavor even though I’m a shitty reviewer when it comes to these things because I am terrible at describing them.

The Two-Hearted was a nice, solid ale, the first one I tried on my first of two visits to Scotty’s. I have heard of Bells, which is based in Michigan, so wanted to try one of their beers. This one really did a nice job complementing the monster Shewman’s Special burger – which includes peanut butter and jalapenos in a surprisingly good mix – for dinner.

But the one that really won for the weekend was the Alpha King from Three Floyds Brewing in Munster, In., outside of Chicago. The beer had a drinkability and flavor that just made you shake your head and reach for the glass again, that is if you like the American pale style. I now know this is their flagship beer so can tip my hat to them for getting it right the first time. They didn’t need to do anything fancy – just create a really good beer.

Now if I can just fine any of these beers back home. I don’t know when I will hit the road again so I need something to keep me happy until then.