Richmond-based brewery opening taproom in Zionsville

Boone County won't be a micro-brew beer desert much longer. At least, not exactly. Richmond-based Noble Order Brewing Company announced plans on Monday to open a taproom in downtown Zionsville, although the beer will still be made in Wayne County—at least for now.

According to the Boone County Economic Development Corp., the county hasn’t been home to a brewery since 1874 and local officials have been trying to change that. This is a first step. 

Noble Order's nearly 3,000-square-foot tasting room will be located at 98 S. Main St. and is expected to open in late January or early February.

“We chose Zionsville for its aesthetics and overall vibe and feel,” Noble Order co-owner Mike Miller said in a written statement. “The town has an Americana-European village atmosphere that fits our vision and direction.”

Local officials have been trying to attract a brewery to the area for months. In September, Whitestown partnered with IndianaOnTap.com to host the area’s first brewfest. Noble Order was one of 30 participating breweries.

“We recognize how important microbreweries have become to the quality of life initiatives for growing communities,” Molly Whitehead, executive director of the Boone County EDC, said in a written statement. “We’re excited to add this unique amenity to the Boone County community.”

There has also been chatter about a brewpub locating across the street from Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream on Main Street in Zionsville, but no plans have been filed yet.

The craft beer industry has been rapidly expanding across the country. In neighboring Hamilton County, the craft beer market has doubled and the growth is expected to continue as more tasting rooms and breweries are on tap for the next few years.

The overall beer market is worth $101.5 billion, according to the Brewers Association, and the craft beer industry accounts for $19.6 billion of that. In Indiana, craft beer sales generate more than $1 million in economic impact.

Noble Order, which started as Big Dawg Brewhaus in 2011, offers European-style beers including a blood-orange style wheat, Kolsch-style ale, scotch ale, bourbon barrel oatmeal stout and an apricot flavored IPA.

Thirsty for a beer now? Check out our map of breweries in the northern suburbs.