Kentucky Beers: Exploring the Best Brews of the Bluegrass State

Kentucky is renowned for its rich brewing heritage, with a variety of breweries crafting exceptional beers that reflect the state’s unique flavor profile.

From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing lagers, Kentucky’s breweries offer a diverse range of high-quality brews.

Here are ten of the best Kentucky beers you absolutely must try.

1. Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.’s “Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale”

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is known for its Bourbon Barrel Ale, a standout beer that’s aged in bourbon barrels for a unique flavor profile.

• Style: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Ale
• ABV: 8.2%
• Description: Rich and smooth with notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel from the bourbon barrel aging process.

2. Against the Grain Brewery’s “Kentucky Ryed Chiquen”

Against the Grain Brewery’s Kentucky Ryed Chiquen is a rye whiskey barrel-aged ale that showcases a complex flavor profile.

• Style: Rye Barrel-Aged Ale
• ABV: 9.0%
• Description: Bold and spicy with flavors of rye whiskey, caramel, and a touch of vanilla.

3. West Sixth Brewing Co.’s “West Sixth IPA”

West Sixth Brewing Co.’s West Sixth IPA is a popular choice for IPA lovers, known for its balanced and hoppy flavor profile.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.0%
• Description: Hoppy and aromatic with notes of citrus, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

4. Braxton Brewing Co.’s “Garage Beer”

Braxton Brewing Co.’s Garage Beer is a refreshing and easy-drinking lager that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Style: Lager
• ABV: 4.2%
• Description: Crisp and clean with flavors of toasted bread and a smooth, dry finish.

5. Alltech’s “Lexington Brewing Co.’s Kentucky Pale Ale”

Alltech’s Kentucky Pale Ale is a well-crafted pale ale with a balanced hop character and a refreshing taste.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.5%
• Description: Balanced with flavors of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt backbone.

6. Country Boy Brewing’s “Shotgun Wedding”

Country Boy Brewing’s Shotgun Wedding is a bourbon barrel-aged brown ale that features a rich and flavorful profile.

• Style: Brown Ale
• ABV: 6.5%
• Description: Rich and malty with notes of bourbon, caramel, and a touch of oak.

7. TrimTab Brewing Co.’s “Crispy Boy”

TrimTab Brewing Co.’s Crispy Boy is a refreshing and easy-drinking pilsner that’s perfect for hot days.

• Style: Pilsner
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Crisp and clean with flavors of floral hops, toasted bread, and a smooth finish.

8. Cumberland Brewing Co.’s “Hemp Ale”

Cumberland Brewing Co.’s Hemp Ale is a unique beer brewed with hemp seeds, adding a distinctive flavor profile.

• Style: Hemp Ale
• ABV: 5.4%
• Description: Earthy and herbal with notes of toasted malt and a hint of hemp.

9. Mile Wide Beer Co.’s “Sweet N’ Juicy IPA”

Mile Wide Beer Co.’s Sweet N’ Juicy IPA is known for its juicy and aromatic hop character, making it a favorite among IPA fans.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.5%
• Description: Juicy and hoppy with flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and a balanced malt finish.

10. Dead Low Brewing’s “Big Fish”

Dead Low Brewing’s Big Fish is a flavorful and robust stout that’s perfect for those who enjoy a rich and hearty beer.

• Style: Stout
• ABV: 7.0%
• Description: Rich and bold with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.?
Answer: Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.’s Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is known for its rich and smooth flavors from bourbon barrel aging.

What makes Against the Grain Brewery’s Kentucky Ryed Chiquen unique?
Answer: Kentucky Ryed Chiquen is a rye whiskey barrel-aged ale with bold and spicy flavors of rye whiskey, caramel, and vanilla.

What are the key characteristics of West Sixth Brewing Co.’s West Sixth IPA?
Answer: West Sixth IPA is hoppy and aromatic with notes of citrus, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

What distinguishes Braxton Brewing Co.’s Garage Beer?
Answer: Garage Beer is a crisp and clean lager with flavors of toasted bread and a smooth, dry finish.

What is special about Country Boy Brewing’s Shotgun Wedding?
Answer: Shotgun Wedding is a bourbon barrel-aged brown ale with rich flavors of bourbon, caramel, and oak.

Summary

Kentucky’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of exceptional brews that reflect the state’s rich brewing heritage.

These top picks highlight some of the best beers Kentucky has to offer, showcasing the creativity and quality of its breweries.

Enjoy discovering the flavorful world of Kentucky’s craft beer!