(Photo by compujeramey)
The popularity of craft beer is unquestionably on the rise and Kentucky is no exception. As Kentucky’s taste for beer is getting more refined, several microbreweries, taprooms, and pubs have opened across the state, especially in Lexington. For decades Kentucky has been known for its fine collection of Bourbon, but the growing popularity of craft brews can no longer be ignored.
Lexington City Brewery as many of you may remember closed its doors in 1999. In 2000 experienced brewer Dr. Pearse Lyons reopened the Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company (Kentucky Ale TM). Alltech and Lyons goal was simple: make the very best beers. They have successfully fulfilled their goal and created their “Triple Crown of Beers” which includes Kentucky Ale TM, Kentucky Light TM, and after strategically capitalizing on Kentucky’s love affair with bourbon, the medal winning Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale TM. Dr. Pearse Lyons and Alltech paved the way for the local craft beer movement in Kentucky.
For more information and to view a full list of products offered by Alltech please visit their website, Kentucky Ale.
Lexington Beer Works opened its doors January 13 in an old building at 213 North Limestone. Its three partner’s original purpose of opening was to indulge their own home-brewing hobby while introducing others to the art of craft beer. So far Lexington Beer Works has exceeded Mike Vincent, Greg Leimer and Jason Wolf expectations.
Lexington Beer works currently has 12 rotating taps of craft beer, more than 100 different bottles of craft beers and a selection of kits, grains, hops, yeast and everything you need to make your own brews.
Lexington Beer works also offers “pairing nights”. This is a great opportunity for you to learn how to pair your favorite foods with your favorite craft beers. Pairing nights feature samples of some of the best foods and craft beers Lexington has to offer.
For more information about Lexington Beer Works please visit their website, Lexington Beer Works
West Sixth Brewing Company opened April 1st in The Bread Box, a recent re-development of the century-old Rainbo Bread Factory located at the corner of West Sixth and Jefferson. The Bread Box will host not only the brewery but also other companies and community organizations that share their values, beliefs, and commitment to the community.
Its founders Ben, Brady, Joe, and Robin based their business concept on the fact that Lexington needs more high quality local craft beer. They have created a unique, entertainment experience that prides itself in helping out the local community and protecting the environment. Visit their taproom and beer garden where the beer list is never the same but always local.
After a couple of local brews you’ll want to try some of the snack foods they have to offer including: soft pretzels made daily from our friends at Sunrise Bakery, beer cheese made with our IPA by Olivia’s Beer Cheese, hard pretzels from Yankee Doodle Deli in Northern Kentucky, and Kettle Corn available for purchase. You can also bring in your own food to pair with your favorite local craft beer.
For more information about West Sixth Brewing Company please visit their website, West Sixth Brewing Company.
If you are ready for a taste of country, head on down to Country Boy Brewing, pull up a stool and have an ice cold beer.
The owners Evan Coppage, Jeff Beagle, and Daniel Harrison have decorated the bar perfectly to fit the name. Their passion for beer and heritage is obvious when you first walk through the door. A low-lit, completely wooden brewery bar, two chalk boards and some bourbon barrels tie everything together.
Located on 436 Chair Avenue, they currently serve 12 of their own beers produced on site as well as other local beers around Kentucky.
To learn more about their passion for Kentucky and beer visit their website, Country Boy Brewing.
The Beer Trappe may not brew its own beer, but it definitely has its fair share of the craft brew market. Last year it was listed as one of the top two beer bars in Kentucky by Christian DeBenedetti in the Great American Ale Trail, as well as on of the top 100 beer bars in America by Draft Magazine.
Located in the Chevy Chase area near downtown, this quite English style pub not only offers eight craft beers on tap with specialty glassware, but also offers a great selection of beers to take home.
If you want to learn even more about the beer you are enjoying, the Beer Trappe offers “Beer School”. Beer School is a relaxed weekly tasting of beers within a particular style or theme. Moderated by National Beer Judge and Cicerone Certified Beer Server, Kevin Patterson, we walk you through the “behind-the-scene” of beers and talk about their flavor, culture, and whatever makes the beers tick.
For more information about The Beer Trappe please visit their website, The Beer Trappe.