Taxman Brewing Co. has built a reputation for creating beers and other products that are out of this world.
During the April 8 total solar eclipse, brewery organizers have put together a special viewing event that truly lives up to that description.
Taxman has forged a partnership with NASA and Southern Illinois University’s eclipse team to create an immersive experience surrounding the solar eclipse. People will be able to access specially-adapted telescopes allowing them an up-close yet safe view of the cosmic ballet unfolding above them.
At the same time, they’ll be able to sip on two special brews created for this unique event — “Totality” and “In the Black.”
“We’re excited to partner with the esteemed team from NASA and Southern Illinois University to offer our guests a truly unique and memorable experience,” said Nathan Huelsebusch, CEO of Taxman. “With telescopes for close-up viewing, complimentary eclipse glasses and our specially crafted beers, we’re excited to provide an unforgettable day of celestial wonder and exceptional craft beer.”
Festival Country Indiana, the county’s tourism organization, has been working for months with communities and businesses to brainstorm ways to take advantage of being directly in the path of totality for the eclipse.
For example, 10 Pins in downtown Franklin will feature eclipse-themed drinks, including the moonmosa, tequila sunrise and blackberry blackout. Vino Villa in Greenwood will offer a themed menu on April 8, including blackout sangrias and a wine tasting from Midnight Cellars. Café Euclid, located next door, will be also have an eclipse-themed drink and guests can watch the eclipse from their property.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre in downtown Franklin is planning a space-themed film festival over eclipse weekend.
“We provided grants so that there could be some great community events on eclipse weekend,” said Kenneth Kosky, executive director of Festival Country Indiana. “We also worked with our restaurants and shops to encourage them to be open and have simple, eclipse-themed menus and to sell souvenirs.”
For Taxman, centrally located in downtown Bargersville, organizers decided to host an all-ages special viewing party on its expansive grounds. The brewery has experience hosting large-scale community events, with its Death & Taxes Day that brings hundreds of people to Bargersville in mid-April.
They reached out to NASA representatives, as well as the Eclipse Team at Southern Illinois University, to put together the event.
The Southern Illinois campus is also in the path of totality for the April 8 event, and researchers and scientists at the university have been using its resources to educate the public and fan out for community events.
Together, experts will be able to help attendees use telescopes to investigate the ongoing eclipse. Complimentary eclipse glasses will also be available for attendees, while supplies last.
But while the focus is on the celestial show unfolding in the sky, it wouldn’t be a Taxman event without special beer offerings.
Totality and In the Black were crafted to enhance patrons’ eclipse viewing experience and will be available in four-packs to carry out as a souvenir to remember the day.
Totality is a double India pale ale brewed with Galaxy and Comet hops, creating a hazy ale featuring juicy notes of grapefruit, tangerine and passion fruit. In the Black is a bourbon barrel Belgian-style dark ale infused with vanilla, promising a rich and indulgent taste experience.
In addition to the eclipse viewing and exclusive beer releases, Taxman will be opening its doors early, inviting guests to indulge in lunch options paired with their favorite Taxman brews.
IF YOU GO
Eclipse viewing party
What: A community event featuring experts from NASA and Southern Illinois University providing special telescopes for guests during the eclipse. Complimentary eclipse glasses will be available for attendees, while supplies last.
When: Noon-10 p.m. April 8
Where: Taxman Brewing Co., 13 S. Baldwin St., Bargersville
Information: TaxmanBrewing.com or facebook.com/taxmanbrewing
