Bourbon and Brass in the Bluegrass! Haley Perros (National Brand Manager, Wilderness Trail Distillery) and Michaelle Perros (Singer and Saxophonist, Vinyl Richie, and Executive Director at Great American Brass Band Festival) join the show to discuss the evolution of Kentucky from a bourbon and music perspective and the buzz around the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville.
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Mark your calendars for the Great American Brass Band Festival happening from June 1-4, 2023, in Danville, KY. Learn more at www.gabbf.org. Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If YouTube's more your speed, subscribe to our channel: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons.
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 A recent comprehensive study titled "The Best Beer Cities in the U.S. (2023 Data)" by Real Estate Witch has pushed Louisville into the spotlight as the sixth-best beer city in the United States, marking a significant rise from its 37th position in 2021’s report.
Highlighting the Key Factors Real Estate Witch’s study analyzed the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. based on several key factors:
Louisville's performance in these criteria has elevated its standing among American beer cities. Understanding Louisville's Rise Louisville has managed to stand out due to a combination of quality, variety, affordability, and popular interest in beer. The city boasts 2.8 breweries per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average of 1.3 breweries per 100,000. These breweries have achieved an average Yelp rating of 4.36, higher than the national average of 4.24. Furthermore, Louisville has shown strength in the number of bars per capita, reporting 24 bars per 100,000 residents. This is 26% more than the average city included in Real Estate Witch's study. Louisville's bars also receive high ratings, with an average Yelp rating of 4.27, which ranks third among all 50 cities in the study. Final Thoughts The rise of Louisville in the U.S. Best Beer Cities rankings underscores the city's thriving beer scene. This recognition invites both residents and visitors to explore the Louisville Ale Trail and experience first-hand what makes Louisville's beer scene one of the best in the nation. 
There's a new brewery in Louisville! This week the podcast is joined by Awry Brewing co-founders Alex Vogt, Tyler Martin, and Tom Bartle. We discuss their origin story, how the founders met and became partners, how they chanced upon the perfect location, and what they hope their brewery can become.
We also uncover all of our formative experiences with beer and introduce a few fun games. Featured Beverages: • ASTRA Hard Seltzer (March First Brewing) • Zwack Unicum Liqueur • T-Mart’s Vintage, Silver Medal Winning, Semi-Dry Riesling • 70K Amburana (Against the Grain) • Pálinka: Hungarian Fruit Brandy _____________________________________ Find our podcast wherever you listen: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons Support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. If you like what you hear, you can tip us a few bucks over on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/kycommons  Louisville Ale Trail Wins “Best Beer Trail” During Craft Brewers Conference May 10, 2023 (Louisville, KY) - Louisville Ale Trail received a Global Crushie award at this year's Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CBMAs) in the Best Beer Trail category, held during the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville earlier this week. This highly coveted award recognizes the exceptional achievements of breweries, agencies, artists, and marketing partners in the craft beer industry.
The Global Crushie is considered the most elusive of all the CBMA awards, symbolizing the best in the world. Only one Global Crushie is awarded in each global category, and Louisville Ale Trail earned this extraordinary distinction during the 2023 awards program. The CBMAs, also known as "The Crushies," was launched in 2020 and have since attracted craft beer industry entries from across the globe. "We are truly honored and humbled to receive the prestigious Global Crushie award. This accolade is a testament to both Louisville’s beer scene and our team's hard work, dedication, and passion,” said Michael Moeller, Louisville Ale Trail co-founder. “We share this achievement with our incredible brewery partners and the ever-growing community of craft beer lovers, both tourists and Louisville residents, who have supported us throughout our journey.” The 2023 CBMAs saw the highest number of entries and winners from around the world, highlighting the immense growth and success of the craft beer industry. Louisville Ale Trail's Global Crushie win reflects the company's commitment to innovation and creativity while showcasing Louisville as a beer destination. About Louisville Ale Trail Louisville Ale Trail serves to engage with Louisville tourists and residents about our local beer scene by encouraging city-wide tourism through the promotion of participating member brewery taprooms. 
The garage is always open! Zane Smith (National Sales Director, Garage Beer) joins the show to chat about Garage Beer’s new direction and tennis.
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Support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. Prefer YouTube? Subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.com/@louisvillealetrail If you like what you hear, you can tip us a few bucks over on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/kycommons 
Scott Shreffler, co-owner at Mile Wide Beer Co., joins the show in this week’s episode. We talk about Mile Wide’s growth, NEIPAs, Brewers Association Top 50 Breweries, and learn about Scott’s taste in movies.
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Support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. Prefer YouTube? Subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.com/@louisvillealetrail. If you like what you hear, you can tip us a few bucks over on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/kycommons. 
In this episode, we're joined by Jackie Zykan, Master Blender and co-owner of Hidden Barn Whiskey. Our conversation explores craft distilling, the techniques of barrel blending, and Jackie's unique ODUOAK perfume line. All of us also put our senses to the test in a sensory evaluation game. PS: hope you like Cold IPAs!
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Support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. Prefer YouTube? Subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.com/@louisvillealetrail. If you like what you hear, you can tip us a few bucks over on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/kycommons.  There’s a new brewery opening in Louisville soon. We sat down with Awry Brewing co-founders Tyler Martin, Alex Vogt, and Tom Bartle to learn more about their inspirations, what sets their brewery apart, and what customers can expect when they visit their taproom. Read on to discover the passion and vision behind this up-and-coming Highlands neighborhood brewery. Q: What inspired you to open Awry Brewing, and how did the three of you come together to make this dream a reality?
Tom Bartle: I've always wanted to open a business and I've always had a passion for good beers. Then I got involved with the Kentucky Guild of Brewers and met Alex and Tyler. We all started hanging out, and things began to come together as a team. From there, we pursued our shared dream of opening a brewery. Q: Why “Awry?” Alex Vogt: We chose "Awry" because it seemed like every time we took one step forward, it was two steps back. Something always seemed to go awry. Awry is a testament to us embracing every curveball and misstep we take, and taking it in stride, always remembering that something is bound to go awry. Q: What will set Awry Brewing apart from other breweries in the Louisville area, and what can customers expect from your beers in terms of styles? Tyler Martin: We love telling stories, and we want to tell those stories through our space and our beer. Style-wise, I don’t think anything is off the table. We have all traveled a bit, and all get excited about different beers. Customers can expect a diverse beer menu featuring various styles. Q: Which of your beer styles are you most excited about featuring? Alex: I have always loved the idea of “Brewer’s Beer”. The beer that the brewery workers drink at the end of a shift. I’m excited to see what that beer is going to be for us, and how it's going to change. Q: Are there any seasonal or limited-release beers that customers should keep an eye out for throughout the year? Tom: I'm sure we will have some things up our sleeves for the public to get excited about. Collaborations should be highlights of some of our taps. Q: You’re keeping the old Chimera brewing system. What size system is that? What are your thoughts on brewing on that system versus the large systems you have used in production brewing? TMart: It's a 5bbl system. We are excited about the size because smaller systems allow us to be more nimble and can source hyper-local and/or unique ingredients and practices. Q: Can you give us a sense of the atmosphere and overall experience we can expect when visiting Awry Brewing? Alex: We want an eclectic atmosphere. We plan to lean hard into art in all forms, creating a relaxed and fun vibe that encourages people to be who they are. We like telling stories, but we also really like hearing stories too. Q: You have a functioning kitchen! What does that culinary experience look like? Tom: We plan to keep it as simple as we can. Chicken fingers, fries, and a few sides. The focus is on the beers. Q: Are there any plans for hosting events, live music, or community gatherings at Awry Brewing? If so, what types of events can patrons expect? TMart: For sure! We definitely have some stuff planned, like trivia nights and beer/brewers Olympics. Live music is a possibility on occasion, but we don't plan for that on the regular. Q: What are your long-term goals for Awry Brewing, and how do you hope to contribute to the growing craft beer scene in Louisville and beyond? Alex: Long-term, we would love to open an additional space in Southern Indiana, where we're all from. My passion project is to retire to my in-laws' farm and make Kentuckiana farmhouse ales. We want to contribute to the growing craft beer scene in Louisville by offering unique, high-quality beers and fostering an atmosphere that encourages community and creativity. Q: Which non-Kentucky breweries inspire you in terms of both beer and business? Tom: My first introduction to "craft beers" was in the early '90s with Sierra Nevada and Anchor Steam. We could get those on the East Coast, and I loved them, so both of those inspired me to learn more about beers from around the world. Q: When can we expect to see Awry open? TMart: We're working hard to get everything in order, and we would like to get open in June. Keep an eye on our social media for updates on our progress and official opening date.  Louisville, KY: A Rising Star Among America's Best Beer Cities As a vibrant and bustling city, Louisville has long been famous for its bourbon and horse racing. But in recent years, the city has been making a name for itself in the craft beer scene, joining the ranks of America's best beer cities. In this blog post, we'll explore the factors contributing to Louisville's rise as a top beer destination, including its unique contribution to American brewing history with the Kentucky Common beer style, and how the Louisville Ale Trail can help you uncover the city's thriving craft beer community. A Diverse and Growing Craft Beer SceneOne of the key factors behind Louisville's ascent as a premier beer city is the sheer diversity and growth of its craft breweries. With nearly thirty local brewery taprooms and counting, there's something for every beer lover's taste. From traditional ales to experimental brews, the city's breweries are constantly pushing the boundaries of craft beer, making Louisville a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. Home of the Kentucky Common Beer StyleLouisville holds a special place in American brewing history as the birthplace of the Kentucky Common, a distinctive beer style with origins dating back to the late 19th century. This regional specialty, known for its dark color, malt-forward flavor, and slight tartness, was once a popular choice among beer drinkers in the area. Today, many Louisville breweries are reviving this historic style, showcasing the city's rich brewing heritage and adding to the diversity of its craft beer scene. Strong Community Support The success of Louisville's craft beer scene can also be attributed to strong community support. Locals and visitors alike are passionate about supporting their local breweries, which in turn fuels innovation and growth. Events like Louisville Beer Week, Tailspin Ale Fest, and the Kentucky Craft Bash and a world-class beer bars such as Holy Grale and Sergio's further demonstrate the city's commitment to promoting and celebrating its thriving beer culture. The Louisville Ale Trail: Your Passport to the Best OF LOUISVILLE BEERIf you're eager to experience Louisville's incredible craft beer scene, look no further than the Louisville Ale Trail. Our brewery passport program not only connects you with the city's top breweries but also supports local businesses and communities. As you collect stamps from participating brewery taprooms, you'll uncover valuable insights about each taproom's history and recommended beer styles. Experience Louisville's Craft Beer RenaissanceWith its diverse and growing craft beer scene, strong community support, and the immersive Louisville Ale Trail passport program, it's no wonder that Louisville, home of the Kentucky Common, is quickly becoming one of America's best beer cities. So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, grab your brewery passport and embark on a memorable journey through Louisville's thriving craft beer landscape. Cheers!
The guys return to cheese - but this time with a guide. Louisville's own cheesemonger, Adam Steckler, joins the show to teach Michael, John, and David the ins and outs of the cheese biz, beer and cheese pairings, and da cheez tax.
Live in or close to Kentucky? Mark your calendars for these two Kentucky festivals:
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Support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review. Prefer YouTube? Subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.com/@louisvillealetrail. If you like what you hear, you can tip us a few bucks over on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/kycommons. |
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