You’re driving through the flat, corn-dusted stretches of Bartholomew County, wondering if your GPS finally gave up on you. Then, out of nowhere, you see it. A massive red barn-style building sits at 8111 East 450 North, Columbus, IN. This is the home of 450 North Brewing Company, a place that has managed to become one of the most polarizing names in the American craft beer scene.
Honestly, it's a bit of a trip.
One minute you’re looking at a 170-year-old family farm, and the next you’re standing in a line of hundreds of people who traveled from three states away to buy what basically looks like alcoholic Jamba Juice. If you’ve spent any time on beer Instagram, you’ve seen the cans. They’re loud, colorful, and usually dripping with thick, fruit-heavy sludge. But there is a lot more to this place than just the hype.
The Simmons Family Legacy
The story doesn't start with beer. It starts with dirt. The Simmons family has been farming this specific plot of land in Columbus for generations—we're talking back to the mid-1800s. David and Brenda Simmons didn't set out to make "Slushys." They were growing corn and peppers.
In the late 90s, David had this whim to plant a few acres of grapes. That turned into Simmons Winery in 2000. It was a classic "diversify the farm" move. As their kids, Daron, Aaron, and Lauren, grew up and jumped into the business, things got creative. They added a brick-oven pizza restaurant (Brix Haus) in 2012, and that’s when 450 North Brewing Company officially joined the party.
It’s a true family operation. Aaron handles the brewing, Daron manages the wine and cider side (they also have Gnarly Grove Hard Cider), and Lauren runs the massive events that put this tiny corner of Indiana on the map.
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The Slushy XL Phenomenon (and the Drama)
You can't talk about 450 North Brewing Company east 450 north columbus in without talking about the Slushy series. These aren't your grandpa’s pilsners. We are talking about Berliner Weisse base beers conditioned on literal thousands of pounds of fruit puree.
They’re thick. They’re opaque. They taste like mango, marshmallow, graham crackers, or whatever "Blueberry Cobbler" should taste like.
But let's be real—it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Back in late 2019, the brewery hit a massive PR wall. Some lab tests leaked online showing that their "8% ABV" Slushy XL cans were actually testing around 2.5%.
People lost their minds.
The brewery eventually owned up to it, admitting that their math was off because they weren't accounting for how much all that unfermented fruit puree diluted the alcohol content. They’ve since overhauled their testing and labeling, but it’s a moment that still gets brought up in every beer forum thread. It’s a classic case of "pushing the boundaries" getting ahead of the technical logistics.
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More Than Just Fruit Puree
If you're not a fan of drinking a smoothie that'll give you a buzz, you might think there's nothing for you at 450 North. That’s actually a huge misconception.
Because of their background in farming and wine, they actually have a really solid handle on traditional styles. Their Hazy IPAs (like the Rainbows series) are legit. They also do clean lagers and crisp ciders that actually taste like apples rather than candy.
The Pizza Factor
Don't skip the food. The Brix Haus Restaurant inside the brewery is worth the drive on its own. They use a wood-fired oven and the crust is that perfect mix of chewy and charred.
- The Honey Sriracha Chicken Pizza: It’s a local legend. Warning: it’s actually spicy.
- The Meat Mammoth: Exactly what it sounds like. It’s heavy enough to require a nap.
- Garlic Knots: They’re hand-tied and basically mandatory.
The Corn Maze Beer Fest
Once a year, the farm transforms into what I’d call a "Disney World for Beer Nerds." The Corn Maze Beer Fest is exactly what it sounds like—a massive corn maze where you wander through the stalks to find hidden booths from over 100 different breweries and distilleries.
It’s easily one of the most unique festivals in the country. You get a map, you get a glass, and you get lost. Usually, there’s live music and a fleet of food trucks. In 2025, they even leaned into a "spooky" theme with ghouls and goblins hidden in the maze.
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Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head out to 450 North Brewing Company east 450 north columbus in, here’s the lowdown on how to actually enjoy it:
- Check the Release Calendar: If you go on a Friday when a new Slushy drop is happening, expect lines. Lots of them. If you just want a peaceful pizza and a pint, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Bring a Cooler: If you buy the Slushys, you must keep them cold. Because there is so much unfermented fruit and sugar in those cans, they can—and sometimes do—explode if they get warm. It’s basically a science experiment in a 16oz can.
- Explore the Whole Property: Walk over to the winery side. Grab a flight of cider. The property is beautiful, especially in the fall.
- Expect a Wait: Even on "off" days, this place gets slammed. The service is usually friendly, but when there are 200 people trying to get pizza at once, things slow down. Grab a beer and relax.
450 North is a weird, wonderful, and sometimes controversial slice of Indiana culture. It’s a testament to what happens when a traditional farm family decides to stop playing by the rules and starts making "beer" that looks like a melted popsicle. Whether you love the Slushy hype or prefer a classic lager, it’s one of those places every craft beer fan should visit at least once just to see the madness for themselves.
How to get there
If you're coming from I-65, take the Taylorsville exit and head south on US-31. You'll turn onto 550 N and eventually wind your way to the farm. It feels like you're going the wrong way until you see the flags and the crowd.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your trip to 450 North, you should first check their official Instagram or Facebook page for the most current tap list and "Can Release" schedule. Since many of their most popular beers sell out within hours of release, knowing exactly what is available before you make the drive is crucial. If you are planning to attend the Corn Maze Beer Fest, mark your calendar for ticket sales in early summer, as they typically sell out months in advance.