In 2015, Matt and Jaime Lamping turned a simple conversation into 8th Day Distillery. Their philosophy is clear. Live without regrets and create something meaningful.
What started as an idea is now one of the most authentic distilleries in Indianapolis. Visitors know 8th Day for handcrafted spirits and a cozy tasting room. This guide covers what to expect on your visit. You will find details on their spirits, location, and hours.
I have visited many distilleries across Indianapolis. 8th Day stands apart. The quality of the drinks is matched by the community they foster. It is a place where people connect over craft and conversation.
Location and Setting
8th Day Distillery sits in a perfect spot that feels both connected and separate from the city center. You get downtown energy without the downtown crowds.
Strategic Downtown Indianapolis Position
The distillery is located at 1125 East Brookside Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202. This location offers the best of both worlds – close enough to downtown for easy access, yet far enough out to maintain a neighborhood feel.
Parking is actually manageable here. Unlike many downtown spots where you circle for 20 minutes looking for a space, this area offers several nearby lots and street parking options that won’t break your budget.
The Neighborhood Context
The east side has real character that you can feel the moment you arrive. This isn’t a manufactured entertainment district – it’s a genuine neighborhood where people actually live and work.
You’ll find schools, residential areas, and local businesses that have been part of the community for years. The distillery fits naturally into this mix, creating connections with neighbors rather than competing with them for tourist dollars.
Product Portfolio and Craftsmanship
Quality over quantity drives everything at 8th Day Distillery. Each bottle represents careful attention to ingredients, process, and time.
Signature Spirit Categories
Gin takes center stage with clean, botanical flavors that work perfectly in cocktails or served neat. Their rum offers rich, complex notes that show real craftsmanship in the distillation process.
The bourbon story started in 2015 when Matt and Jaime first filled their barrels. Those early batches are now reaching perfect maturity, creating whiskey with deep character and local personality.
Every ingredient comes from nearby sources when possible, supporting other Indiana producers.
Quality and Craftsmanship Standards
Small batches mean personal attention to every step of production. You won’t find mass-production shortcuts or artificial flavoring here – just spirits made the right way.
Seasonal ingredients shape the menu throughout the year. Spring brings fresh botanicals, summer adds fruit-forward elements, and fall introduces warming spices that reflect Indiana’s changing seasons.
The Bottle Shop & Cocktail Bar Experience
2018 changed everything when the Lampings opened their tasting room. Suddenly, customers could experience the spirits in person rather than just buying bottles.
2018 Expansion – Opening the Tasting Room
The shift from production-only to hospitality required new skills and equipment, but it created something special. Now you can taste before you buy, learn about the production process, and meet the people behind the bottles.
Retail and bar service work together seamlessly. Try a cocktail, buy the bottle that made it, and take home the recipe card. This integration makes every visit both educational and enjoyable.
Menu and Beverage Options
House-made spirits star in every cocktail on the menu. The bartenders know exactly how each spirit behaves because they work directly with the distillers who made them.
Don’t drink alcohol? No problem. Their mocktails use the same fresh ingredients and careful preparation as the alcoholic versions. Bottles and cans are ready to go if you want to continue the experience at home.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
Think living room, not nightclub. Comfortable seating, warm lighting, and conversational volume levels create a space where you actually want to spend time.
Community matters more than profit here. The layout encourages interaction between strangers, and the staff treats everyone like regulars from day one.
Visitor Information and Practical Details
Planning makes your visit better, but spontaneous stops work too. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Planning Your Visit
Getting there is straightforward – the address puts you exactly where you need to be, and GPS works perfectly in this area. Multiple parking options mean you won’t waste time circling blocks.
Hours change seasonally, so checking their website or calling ahead prevents disappointment. Most visits work as walk-ins, but special events may require planning.
What to Expect?
Tasting room experiences vary based on when you visit and what’s happening that day. Product sampling happens naturally as part of conversations about what you might enjoy.
Retail shopping and event schedules change regularly, keeping each visit fresh and interesting. Popup events add surprise elements that make return visits worthwhile.
Conclusion
8th Day Distillery proves that authentic passion creates better spirits than big budgets. Matt and Jaime Lamping built something special at 1125 East Brookside Avenue – quality craft spirits with a genuine community connection.
You now know everything for planning your visit. From handcrafted gin to their welcoming tasting room, 8th Day Distillery offers experiences that corporate places can’t match.
Ready to taste the difference? Check their website for hours and follow their social media for special pop-up events.
Visited before? Share your experience below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 8th Day Distillery known for?
8th Day Distillery specializes in handcrafted gin, rum, and bourbon made with locally-sourced ingredients. Founded by Matt and Jaime Lamping in 2015, they’re known for their authentic community atmosphere and “living without regrets” philosophy.
Where is 8th Day Distillery located?
8th Day Distillery is located at 1125 East Brookside Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202, on the near east side of downtown Indianapolis. The location offers easy access with available parking options.
Can I visit 8th Day Distillery for tastings?
Yes, they opened their Bottle Shop & Cocktail Bar in 2018. You can enjoy craft cocktails, mocktails, and purchase bottles to take home. They also host regular pop-up events and feature local artists quarterly.
What spirits does 8th Day Distillery produce?
8th Day Distillery produces premium gin, craft rum varieties, and bourbon/whiskey. They started aging bourbon in 2015 and focus on small-batch, hand-crafted production using local ingredients when possible.
Does 8th Day Distillery host special events?
Yes, they regularly host pop-up events partnering with local Indianapolis businesses and feature new artists’ work every quarter. Their space serves as a community hub with a welcoming, hip living room atmosphere.
