Restaurant
Unclaimed profileAsh & Elm Cider Co. Indianapolis Taproom
Indianapolis, IN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Ash & Elm Cider Co. Taproom is a cider-first destination with a creative cocktail program, a focused wine list, and local Indiana beers. Cider flights and a cider club highlight the taproom's commitment to its core product. The beverage menu extends to non-alcoholic options, making it a versatile stop for varied tastes.
- What should I order?
- Start with a cider flight to sample the range, including favorites like Horchata and Fleeting Youth. For a cocktail, try the Cider Mimosa or the Black & Tan. The Purple Rain, mentioned by patrons, offers a dessert-like apple pie character. Pair with a local draft from Sun King or 3Floyds.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cider enthusiasts will appreciate the flights and club, while cocktail fans can explore cider-based mixes. Beer drinkers have local options, and non-alcoholic drinkers are covered with mocktails and specialty drinks. The taproom suits groups with varied tastes.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal for sampling flights and cocktails. The cider club suggests a monthly visit for new releases. The taproom's casual atmosphere fits after-work drinks or weekend gatherings.
- What should I expect to spend?
- However, the variety of offerings suggests mid-range pricing typical of craft beverage venues.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The taproom's identity is rooted in cider, with a dedicated focus on flights, a cider club, and cider-based cocktails. The integration of local Indiana beers and a small South African wine selection rounds out the program, while non-alcoholic options ensure broad appeal.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative cider-based cocktails like the Cider Mimosa and Black & Tan showcase the taproom's innovative use of its own product. The Purple Rain, noted by a guest, adds a dessert-like option. The cocktail program is a highlight, though limited in documented variety.
Menu strengths
- — Creative use of cider in cocktails, such as the Cider Mimosa and Black & Tan.
- — Community praise for the Purple Rain cocktail's apple pie flavor.
Standout selections
- — Cider Mimosa: champagne-like Landstone Dry cider with choice of juice.
- — Black & Tan: Guinness layered on Landstone cider.
- — Purple Rain: a cocktail described as tasting like apple pie.
Wine
The wine list is concise but includes a dry Chenin Blanc and a red blend from South Africa's Western Cape, offering both white and red options. A sweet rosé is available at the Carmel location, but the selection appears limited.
Menu strengths
- — Offers both white and red wine options.; Wines sourced from South Africa's Western Cape.
Standout selections
- — Chenin Blanc: dry, light, and tannic white.
- — Red Blend: shiraz, grenache, mourvèdre blend.
- — Sweet Rosé: notes of strawberry and cherry.
Beer
Draft beer selection includes Guinness, Sun King Cream Ale, and 3Floyds Undead Pale Ale, with a nod to local Indiana breweries. The list is compact but well-chosen, appealing to both stout and hop lovers.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local Indiana breweries like Sun King and 3Floyds.
- — Variety from stout to cream ale to pale ale.
Standout selections
- — Guinness: classic Irish stout with roasted barley and coffee notes.
- — Sun King Cream Ale: smooth malt with crisp finish.
- — 3Floyds Undead Pale Ale: distinct hoppy taste.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic offerings include sodas, juices, hot teas, coffee, and mocktails, with a Root Beer Float adding a nostalgic touch. The variety ensures non-drinkers have options beyond the usual.
Menu strengths
- — Wide range from specialty teas to coffee and mocktails.
- — Root Beer Float offers a fun, dessert-like option.
Standout selections
- — Hot Tea: chai, turmeric & ginger, mint & lavender, or hibiscus.
- — Coffee: Indy Coffee Roaster's Circle Blend with chocolate notes.
- — Root Beer Float: root beer and vanilla ice cream.
How it sits with the food
The food menu was not the focus of this review, but the beverage program's versatility suggests pairings with the taproom's food offerings. Cider's acidity and fruitiness can complement a range of dishes, from fried snacks to savory plates.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.