I've found the perfect beer for wine lovers. Not too hoppy. Not too sweet. Multi layered, elegant with notes that pair well with food. That's the good news. The bad news is you can't always get it in Indy. Yet. Daredevil Brewing Company mainly distributes in southern Indiana but this culinary-compatible craft brewery is making more of its beer available in the Indianapolis area. (Check out the "Aggressively Fun Appreciation Tour" dates below.)

Owners Michael Pearson and Bill Ballinger have the credentials and the passion to make this operation work.

Both are engineers with Eli Lilly which gives them the "science" part of the equation. Both are self-proclaimed "foodies" which means they approach their craft as if they were preparing a meal or baking a cake. As I have said before, making beer is VERY much like baking. You DO have to have a recipe. Measurements matter.

Pearson spent time in Colorado where craft beer has been king for decades. He moved to Indiana and met Ballinger in a homebrew club. The two competed for years entering award-winning beers in the Indiana Home Brewing Contest. One year Pearson would win. The next Ballinger would take the title. Finally they decided to pool their talents and give it a try for real. I am so glad they did.

Their setup is in a garage in rural Shelby County. It's spotless as a microbrewery facility should be. BIG shiny stainless steel tanks. They had a solid financial plan in place before they even put the first recipe together. Smart. They researched and found the best branding for the product. Smart. They are more focused on quality than quantity. Smart.

And they decided to focus on production creating kegs for restaurants and growlers for the home. Instead of wasting time, energy and money on multiple styles, they chose one as their flagship. Liftoff IPA. They use West Coast hops which add a citrusy accent to the golden-hued ale. Aromas of orange peel, tangerine and a subtle but spunky hint of pink grapefruit make this beer work well as a refreshing drink or partner for food. Think of Sauvignon Blanc. That white wine has similar characteristics, so any food you would enjoy with that wine could work with "Liftoff IPA". Shrimp, fish, chicken. Vegetarian dishes would rock with the citrusy notes and clean finish of the IPA. Lift Off is now available in four packs of 16 ounce cans.

Daredevil is making some small batch brews on the side. Including its anniversary ale which was just released last week. And once again, THIS is a beer for wine lovers. The "J.W.P. American Stout" got its name from Ballinger's time in the army. He said they had to eat MRE's (those military pouches of meals ready to eat). He said as a foodie it was horrible. But with the instant packet of food was an instant packet of coffee, sugar and hot cocoa mix. He used to blend the three together with some water and create a "Pudding". They called it John Wayne Pudding in a note of respect to the American actor who made many a war film.

That same flavor profile can be found in J.W.P. It's deep dark brown in color, rich creamy mouthfeel and aromas and flavors of mocha, milk chocolate, caramel. Rich elegant flavors BUT not heavy or filling. Just pure pleasure. In the wine world I liken this one to an intense Petite Syrah.

J.W.P would be a delight with prime rib or a hearty meat and potatoes crock pot stew or chipotle-sauced BBQ ribs. Better yet, poured into a tall glass over a generous scoop of Edy's S'Mores or French Silk ice cream. Oh my.

Daredevil Brewing makes what it calls "aggressively fun craft beers" and thus the upcoming tour. Grab a glass and go! www.daredevilbeer.com

- Twenty Tap, Indianapolis, Wednesday, January 8th, 2014

- Buckhead Mountain Grill, Jeffersonville, Thursday, January 9th, 2014

- Tomlinson Tap Room, Indianapolis, Friday, January 17th, 2014

- The Tap, Bloomington, Saturday, January 18th, 2014

- Black Market, Indianapolis, Monday, January 20th, 2014

- Pizzology, Carmel, Tuesday, January 21st, 2014