Best 19 Breweries in Kentucky: Top Places to Enjoy Craft Beer
Kentucky is known for its bourbon, but it also has a growing craft beer scene. With a variety of breweries scattered throughout the state, there is no shortage of options for beer enthusiasts to explore. From Louisville to Paducah, Kentucky’s breweries offer unique flavors and atmospheres that are worth checking out.
Some of the best breweries in Kentucky include Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse in Louisville, Apocalypse Brew Works in Louisville, and Dry Ground Brewing Co in Paducah. Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse is known for its high-rated beers and extensive menu, while Apocalypse Brew Works offers a rotating selection of creative brews. Dry Ground Brewing Co. is a popular spot in western Kentucky, known for its laid-back atmosphere and live music events.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Kentucky’s breweries are worth a visit. With so many options to choose from, there is something for everyone. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, Kentucky’s breweries offer a unique taste of the state’s craft beer scene.
History of Kentucky Breweries
Kentucky has a rich history of brewing beer that dates back to the 18th century. The first brewery in Kentucky was established in 1792 by a German immigrant named Christopher Frank. By the mid-19th century, there were more than 50 breweries operating in the state. However, the prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, had a significant impact on the brewing industry in Kentucky.
During prohibition, the production and sale of alcohol were banned, leading to the closure of many local breweries. The few breweries that were able to survive during this period did so by producing non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda and root beer. After the repeal of prohibition in 1933, the brewing industry in Kentucky slowly began to recover.
However, the rise of macro-breweries in the mid-1900s led to the closure of many local breweries once again. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the craft brewing industry began to take off in Kentucky. In 1993, the first new brewery in over 15 years opened in the state.
Today, Kentucky is home to many craft breweries that produce a wide variety of beers, from traditional styles like lagers and ales to more experimental brews. Local breweries like Against the Grain in Louisville, Yancey’s Gastropub & Brewery in Glasgow, and Abettor Brewing Company in Winchester are just a few examples of the many great breweries in the state.
Top Breweries in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to some of the best breweries in the country, offering a wide variety of craft beers, porters, ales, lagers, hazy IPAs, and more. Here are some of the top breweries in Kentucky that every beer lover should visit:
West Sixth Brewing
West Sixth Brewing is a popular craft brewery located in Lexington, Kentucky. The brewery offers a wide variety of flagship beers, including its West Sixth IPA, Pay It Forward Cocoa Porter, and Pennyrile Pale Ale. They also have a taproom and beer garden where visitors can enjoy their delicious brews.
Website: http://www.westsixth.com/
Address: 501 W 6th St #100, Lexington, KY 40508, United States
Country Boy Brewing
Country Boy Brewing is another popular brewery located in Lexington, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of craft beers, including its Shotgun Wedding Vanilla Brown Ale, Cougar Bait Blonde Ale, and Halfway Home American Pale Ale. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can relax and enjoy their brews.
Website: http://countryboybrewing.com/
Address: 436 Chair Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, United States
Braxton Brewing Company
Braxton Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Covington, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including its popular Storm Golden Cream Ale, Revamp IPA, and Tropic Flare IPA. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://www.braxtonbrewing.com/
Address: 27 W 7th St, Covington, KY 41011, United States
Ethereal Brewing
Ethereal Brewing is a craft brewery located in Lexington, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including their popular White Ale, IPA, and Coffee Stout. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://etherealbrew.com/
Address: 1224 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40504, United States
Against the Grain Brewery
Against the Grain Brewery is a popular craft brewery located in Louisville, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including their popular Citra Ass Down Double IPA, London Balling English Barleywine, and 35K Milk Stout. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://www.atgbrewery.com/
Address: 401 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Falls City Brewing
Falls City Brewing is a craft brewery located in Louisville, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including its popular Hipster Repellant IPA, Kentucky Common Ale, and English Pale Ale. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://www.fallscitybeer.com/
Address: 901 E Liberty St, Louisville, KY 40204, USA
Mile Wide Beer Co
Mile Wide Beer Co. is a craft brewery located in Louisville, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including its popular Idlewild Pale Ale, Tessie Blonde Ale, and McPoyle Milk Stout. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://www.milewidebeer.com/
Address: 636 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204, USA
3rd Turn Brewing
3rd Turn Brewing is a craft brewery located in Louisville, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including their popular Juicy IPA, Scottish Ale, and Belgian Dubbel. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://www.3rdturnbrewing.com/
Address: 10408 Watterson Trail, Louisville, KY 40299, United States
Gravely Brewing Co
Gravely Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in Louisville, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including their popular Hazy Pale Ale, Brown Ale, and Belgian Dubbel. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://gravelybrewing.com/
Address: 514 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204, USA
Goodwood Brewing
Goodwood Brewing is a craft brewery located in Louisville, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including its popular Bourbon Barrel Stout, Walnut Brown Ale, and American Pale Ale. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://goodwood.beer/
Address: 636 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Mirror Twin Brewing
Mirror Twin Brewing is a craft brewery located in Lexington, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including their popular Hefeweizen, Double IPA, and Coffee Stout. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: https://www.mirrortwinbrewing.com/
Address: 725 National Ave, Lexington, KY 40502, USA
Blue Stallion Brewing Co
Blue Stallion Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in Lexington, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including its popular Helles Lager, Dunkel Lager, and Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: https://www.bluestallionbrewing.com/
Address: 610 W 3rd St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Maiden City Brewing Company
Maiden City Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Glasgow, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including their popular Hazy IPA, Belgian Dubbel, and Scottish Ale. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://www.maidencitybrewing.com/
Address: 123 E Pike St, Cynthiana, KY 41031, USA
Bluegrass Brewing Company
Bluegrass Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Louisville, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including its popular Bourbon Barrel Stout, American Pale Ale, and English Mild Ale. They also have a taproom and outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews.
Website: http://www.bbcbrew.com/
Address: 300 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Apocalypse Brew Works
Apocalypse Brew Works is a craft brewery located in Louisville, Kentucky. The brewery offers a range of beers, including their popular Hefeweizen, Belgian Dubbel, and Scottish Ale.
Website: http://apocalypsebrewworks.com/
Address: 1612 Mellwood Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
Brewery Tours in Kentucky
Kentucky is a state known for its bourbon, but it also has a thriving craft beer scene. Brewery tours are a great way to experience the best of what Kentucky has to offer. Here are some of the top brewery tours in Kentucky:
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
The Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. in Lexington offers tours of their brewery and distillery. Visitors can learn about the history of bourbon in Kentucky and see how their beers and bourbons are made. The tour includes a guided tasting of their products and a souvenir glass.
Website: https://www.lexingtonbrewingco.com/tour
Address: 401 Cross St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
For those who want to experience both bourbon and beer in Kentucky, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a great option. The trail includes tours of several distilleries and breweries throughout the state. Visitors can learn about the history of bourbon and beer in Kentucky and sample some of the best products the state has to offer.
Website: http://www.tourkentuckybourbon.com/
Address: 1325 S Hurstbourne Pkwy #105, Louisville, KY 40222, United States
The Craft Beer Market in Kentucky
Kentucky has a thriving craft beer market with a variety of breweries offering unique and flavorful beers. The state has over 100 breweries, and the number continues to grow.
Craft breweries in Kentucky offer a wide range of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and more. Many of these breweries also incorporate local ingredients, such as hops and grains, into their beers, making them truly unique to the region.
According to a report by the Brewers Association, Kentucky’s craft beer industry generated $1.3 billion in economic impact in 2022, providing jobs and revenue for the state. This shows the growing popularity of craft beer in Kentucky, as more and more people are interested in supporting local businesses and enjoying high-quality, artisanal beer.
Some of the most popular craft breweries in Kentucky include Against the Grain Brewery in Louisville, West Sixth Brewing in Lexington, and Country Boy Brewing in Georgetown. These breweries have won numerous awards for their beers and have gained a loyal following among beer enthusiasts.
Kentucky’s Signature Beers
Kentucky is known for its bourbon, but it also has a thriving craft beer scene. Here are some of the signature beers that represent the state’s rich brewing culture.
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is a popular beer from Lexington-based brewery Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. This English-style ale is aged for up to six weeks in freshly decanted bourbon barrels, giving it a unique flavor profile. It has a rich, caramel color and a smooth, velvety finish. The beer has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival.
West Sixth IPA
West Sixth IPA is a flagship beer from West Sixth Brewing, located in Lexington. This American-style IPA is brewed with four different types of hops, giving it a citrusy, floral aroma and a bold, hoppy flavor. It has a hazy, golden color and a crisp, refreshing finish. The beer has won several awards, including a gold medal at the 2016 World Beer Cup.
Shotgun Wedding
Shotgun Wedding is a brown ale from Country Boy Brewing, based in Georgetown. This beer is brewed with locally sourced vanilla beans, giving it a sweet, creamy flavor. It has a deep, mahogany color and a smooth, velvety finish. The beer has won several awards, including a gold medal at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival.
Stacker
Stacker is a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout from Gravely Brewing Co. in Louisville. This beer is aged for six months in freshly emptied bourbon barrels, giving it a rich, complex flavor profile. It has notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and vanilla, with a smooth, warming finish. The beer has won several awards, including a gold medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival.
Kentucky’s craft breweries offer a wide range of unique and flavorful beers that reflect the state’s rich brewing heritage. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, sweet brown ales, or rich stouts, there’s a Kentucky beer that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Breweries with Live Music
Kentucky is known for its lively music scene, and many breweries have taken advantage of this by offering live music to their patrons. Here are some of the top breweries in Kentucky that offer live music:
- Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse: Located in Louisville, Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse is a popular spot for beer lovers and music enthusiasts alike. They have a spacious outdoor patio where they frequently host live music events. The atmosphere is lively, and the beer selection is top-notch.
- West Sixth Brewing: With locations in Lexington and Louisville, West Sixth Brewing is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. They have a rotating lineup of live music acts, ranging from bluegrass to rock to indie. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, and the beer is always fresh and flavorful.
- Country Boy Brewing: Country Boy Brewing has locations in Lexington and Georgetown, and both offer live music on a regular basis. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the beer selection is extensive. They frequently host local musicians and bands, and the vibe is always fun and festive.
- Goodwood Brewing: Goodwood Brewing has locations in Louisville and Frankfort, and both offer live music events throughout the year. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a rustic feel that is perfect for enjoying a cold beer and some great tunes. They have a wide variety of beers on tap, including some unique and creative options.
- Rock House Brewing: Located in Lexington, Rock House Brewing is a small but mighty brewery that frequently hosts live music events. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, with a laid-back vibe that is perfect for enjoying some great beer and live music. They have a rotating lineup of local musicians and bands, and the beer selection is always top-notch.
Overall, Kentucky is home to a great selection of breweries that offer live music and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a music lover or a beer enthusiast (or both), there’s something for everyone at these top breweries.
Breweries with Good Food
Kentucky breweries are not only known for their excellent beer but also their delicious food. Many breweries in Kentucky offer a full menu of tasty dishes that pair perfectly with their brews. Here are some of the top breweries in Kentucky that are known for their good food:
Blue Stallion Brewing Company
Blue Stallion Brewing Company in Lexington offers a full menu of German-inspired cuisine that pairs perfectly with their traditional German-style beers. Their pretzels and beer cheese are a fan favorite and their bratwurst is a must-try.
Website: https://www.bluestallionbrewing.com/
Address: 610 W 3rd St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Goodwood Brewing Company
Goodwood Brewing Company in Louisville offers a full menu of pub fare that is sure to satisfy any appetite. Their loaded fries and fish and chips are customer favorites and pair perfectly with their brews. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Website: http://goodwood.beer/
Address: 636 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Overall, these breweries are known for their delicious food and excellent beer. Whether you’re looking for pub fare, Southern-inspired cuisine, or German-inspired cuisine, these breweries have something for everyone.