Sun King Celebrates 8th Anniversary
WHAT: Sun King Brewing is celebrating eight years! The 8th anniversary event on June 24th will feature live music from DJ Helicon, Nikki Lane and Parker Millsap, and some of Indy’s best food trucks, a great lineup of limited release beers on tap, plus the return of the popular seasonal Grapefruit Jungle, a classic American IPA devised by head brewer Dave Colt that showcases hops from the Pacific Northwest to create an intense citrus hop flavor explosion that is reminiscent of biting into a fresh grapefruit. We had a chance to ask Sun King a few questions about this year's event and we also had a chance to catch up with singer Parker Millsap.
EI: As to Grapefruit Jungle (GFJ), I feel like it’s your muse. Do you think another beer will even take its place and get its own party?
SK: That depends on the people and what they are demanding! We do other parties with beers surrounding them (Pachanga Awareness just happened, we will be hosting an Oktoberfest Party at Sun King in August, and not to mention our collaboration beer with Revolution Brewing will be released during the CANvitational on September 9thon Georgia Street & Pan Am Plaza) but this one is special because we release Grapefruit Jungle around our anniversary each year. Fun Fact: Our anniversary is on July 1st.
EI: You’re going to have limited release beers on June 24, and everyone always wants to know what variety. What style did your employees vote on this year to serve to attendees and does it have a name yet?
SK: Our employees voted for a Berliner Wiessbier infused with key lime juice. Yet to be named, but we are calling it “8” around the brewery.
EI: Last year you offered the option – for the first time – for patrons to buy GFJ cans as they left the release party. Will you offer that again this year?
SK: You bet your sweet patootie!
EI: Sun King has received several medals at the Indiana Brewers Cup, the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup competitions, but what one sticks out in your mind and feels most important to you and why?
SK: Of the 18 medals that we have received at the Great American Beer Festival the most important medalist is Johan the Barleywine. We have received medals for two variations of this beer. It medaled twice in 2011 Bronze for Johan the Barleywine and Silver for Bourbon Barrel-Aged Johan the Barleywine. Then a Gold in 2012 for Johan the Barleywine. It also won a Bronze medal at the 2014 World Beer Cup.
Not only is it our very first batch of beer at Sun King Brewing, it’s also in homage to our (Dave Colt and Clay Robinson) great friend, John Hanley aka Johan. He was instrumental to our early development as brewers.
EI: What kind of collaborations are you working on with other Indiana businesses?
Sun KIng: In the beer world – We are currently working on a beer collaboration with our friends at Chilly Water and we are also hosting the Indiana Beer Brigade central Indiana collaboration, a S’mores-Inspired Indiana Imperial Stout.
We are also working on a new project with PUP using recycled grain bags.
And don't forget our publisher, Jennifer Rubenstein's questions with one of the brillant new acts of 2017 – Parker Millsap!
EI: Being from a small town, what has been your most awesome eating experience that you've had?
Parker Millsap: Everytime I eat it's awesome. Can you believe we just put plants and pieces of other animals in our bodies and it keeps us alive? Science or magic, I don't know, but it's rad.
EI: What is your adult beverage of choice?
Millsap: Water. I feel that it is probably the most adult beverage besides prune juice.
EI: What is the oddest food you have ever eaten and where?
Millsap: When I was about 11 years old I made macaroni and cheese but forgot to drain the water out of the noodles before I put the cheese powder in it. It wasn't great but I ate it.
EI: We see the trend of touring acts diving into the local food scene – is there any place in Indianapolis you plan to grab a bite or drink?
MIllsap: I hear that there's a great local spot called Arby's in Indy. Just kidding. I'm going to the Tamale Place.
EI: Is there a particular meal that brings a memory to mind about your childhood?
Millsap: Besides mac and cheese soup, fried okra, but with cornmeal, salt and pepper. None of this extra battered, pops-in-your-mouth heresy. That okra better crunch!
More event details:
WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, June 24 at 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Sun King Brewery (135 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. 46202). Entertainment 5:30-10 p.m.; Party ends at 10:30 p.m.Event is for patrons 21 and over.
TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now and available for $10 in advance online or at Sun King Brewery locations (Indianapolis and Fishers) for a limited time ($10 ticket ends Wednesday, May 10). After May 10, tickets are $15 in advance. Day of show tickets will be $20.
MORE INFORMATION: www.sunkingbrewing.com | www.mokbpresents.com
About Sun King Brewing Company
Sun King Brewing Company is the brainchild of Dave Colt and Clay Robinson. With the help of family and friends – Omar Robinson, Andy Fagg and Steve Koers – the first keg of Sun King beer rolled out the door for delivery in July 2009. Now available on tap and in cans at hundreds of locations statewide, Sun King has grown into the second-largest beer brewer in the state of Indiana. The company's commitment to handcrafted seasonal and specialty beers has been rewarded with multiple medals at the Indiana Brewers Cup, Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup competitions. Visit sunkingbrewing.com for more information. Sun King Brewery is also on Facebook and Instagram.
About MOKB Presents:
Indianapolis-based MOKB Presents produces concerts and events throughout MOKB Presents is a concert promotion and event services company. Since launching in 2012, MOKB Presents has focused attracting great up-and-coming acts to Indianapolis while playing a significant role in artist developments for those acts. To date MOKB Presents has produced over 1100 events throughout Indiana including Summer Concerts at Garfield Park, The Lumineers, Sturgill Simpson, Future Islands, Return of the Mac - Mac & Cheese Fest, Alabama Shakes, The National, Lake Street Dive, CANvitational, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Sufjan Stevens, Sun King Brewery Anniversary, and more. For more information: mokbpresents.com
