Best 6 Breweries in Louisville KY: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Spots in the City

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Louisville, Kentucky, is known for many things, including its famous Kentucky Fried Chicken and the Kentucky Derby. However, the city is also home to some of the best breweries in the country, making it a must-visit destination for beer lovers. With a wide variety of breweries to choose from, visitors are sure to find a beer that suits their taste buds.

Craft beer enthusiasts will delight in the many options available in Louisville. From bourbon-barrel-aged stouts to refreshing wheat ales, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can explore the city’s many top-rated breweries, each with their own unique atmosphere and selection of beers. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Louisville brewery scene is not to be missed.

With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the best breweries in Louisville, KY. We’ve scoured the city to find the most popular and highly-rated breweries, so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying delicious craft beer. So grab a pint and let’s explore the best breweries Louisville has to offer.

History of Breweries in Louisville KY

Louisville, KY has a rich history of beer brewing dating back to the mid-1800s when German immigrants brought their brewing skills to the city. With the abundance of high-quality grains grown in Kentucky, it was only natural that the city would become a hub for beer production.

In the late 1800s, Louisville had over 40 breweries, making it one of the largest beer-producing cities in the country. However, Prohibition in the 1920s put an end to most of the breweries, and the industry struggled for decades.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that the craft beer movement began to take hold in Louisville. The first modern brewery to open in the city was Bluegrass Brewing Company in 1993. Since then, the craft beer scene in Louisville has exploded, with new breweries opening up every year.

Today, Louisville is home to over 30 breweries, each with its own unique style and flavor. From traditional German-style beers to experimental brews using local ingredients, there’s something for every beer lover in Louisville.

One of the most popular styles of beer in Louisville is bourbon barrel-aged beer. Many local breweries age their beer in barrels that were previously used to age bourbon, giving the beer a unique flavor profile.

Top Rated Breweries

Louisville, KY is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries offering unique and delicious beers. Here are some of the top-rated breweries in the city:

Against the Grain Brewery

Against the Grain Brewery is a well-known brewery in Louisville, KY, that has four locations throughout the city. Their primary brewery and smokehouse are located next to the Louisville Slugger baseball stadium. The other three locations include the Highlands Public House, the Butchertown Whirling Tiger, and the downtown Louisville location with both a Sandwich Emporium and their Smokehouse.

Specialty Beers

Against the Grain, Brewery is known for its unique and flavorful beers. They offer a wide selection of beers, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and more. Some of their specialty beers include:

  • Citra Ass Down IPA
  • Bo & Luke Imperial Stout
  • Bloody Show Belgian-Style Ale
  • Kentucky Ryed Chicken Rye IPA

Website: https://atgbrewery.com/

Address: 401 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Great Flood Brewing Company

Great Flood Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in Louisville, KY. The brewery is named after the Great Flood of 1937, the worst flood in Louisville’s history. It was started by three college friends in 2014 and quickly became a bustling hotspot in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville.

Specialty Beers

Great Flood Brewing Company offers a wide range of specialty beers. Some of their most popular beers include:

  • Toasted Brown Ale
  • Irish Red Ale
  • Belgian Dubbel
  • American Pale Ale
  • Double IPA

In addition to its regular lineup, Great Flood also offers seasonal and limited-edition beers throughout the year.

Website: http://www.greatfloodbrewing.com/

Address: 2120 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, United States

Monnik Beer Co.

Monnik Beer Co. is a popular brewery and restaurant located in the Schnitzelburg neighborhood of Louisville, KY. The establishment is known for its commitment to excellence and for taking the time and effort to produce high-quality beers and food creations.

Website: https://www.monnikbeer.com/

Address: 1036 E Burnett Ave, Louisville, KY 40217, USA

Specialty Beers

Monnik Beer Co. offers a variety of specialty beers that are worth trying. One of their most popular beers is the English Best Bitter, which has an ABV of 4.5%. This beer is known for its balance of malt and hop flavors, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a classic English-style ale.

Another popular beer offered by Monnik is the Belgian Dubbel, which has an ABV of 7.5%. This beer is brewed with Belgian yeast and has notes of dark fruit and caramel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a rich and complex beer.

3rd Turn Brewing

3rd Turn Brewing is a popular brewery in Louisville, Kentucky, located on the historic Gaslight Square in a newly restored 1878 church. The four partners in this unique brewery wanted to bring something old back again, the neighborhood bar. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it is a great place to hang out with friends and family while enjoying some delicious craft beer.

Website: https://www.monnikbeer.com/

Address: 10408 Watterson Trail, Louisville, KY 40299, USA

Specialty Beers

3rd Turn Brewing offers a wide variety of specialty beers that are brewed in-house. Some of their popular beers include the Honey Tripper, a Belgian Tripel with honey, and the Juicy Lucy, a New England-style IPA. They also have seasonal beers that are available for a limited time, such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte Ale and the Winter Warmer.

Unique Brews in Louisville

Louisville, KY is home to a vibrant craft beer scene with a variety of breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Here are some of the most unique brews in Louisville:

1. Goodwood Brewing Company

Goodwood Brewing Company is known for its barrel-aged beers that are infused with unique flavors. One of their most popular brews is the “Bourbon Barrel Stout” which is a rich and complex stout that is aged in bourbon barrels. They also offer a “Louisville Lager” that is brewed with limestone water from the nearby Kentucky River.

Website: http://goodwood.beer/

Address: 636 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

2. Apocalypse Brew Works

Apocalypse Brew Works is a small brewery that offers a variety of unique and creative brews. One of their most popular beers is the “Watermelon Crack” which is a wheat beer brewed with fresh watermelon and jalapenos. They also offer a “Milkshake IPA” that is brewed with lactose and vanilla beans for a creamy and sweet flavor.

Website: http://apocalypsebrewworks.com/

Address: 1612 Mellwood Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

Overall, Louisville’s craft beer scene offers a variety of unique and delicious brews that are sure to satisfy any beer lover’s taste buds.