LOUISVILLE'S FOUR FAVORITE BEERS (ACCORDING TO YOU!)Have you noticed that we have been posting more on Instagram than usual over the last week? We’re right in the middle of the inaugural Top of the Trail Bracket Challenge. Based on your input, we compiled a bracket featuring 64 of Louisville’s most beloved beers, all vying for the Louisville’s Favorite Beer title. After many rounds and many days of voting, we're now down to The Final Four. Learn about these top-tier beers and be ready to cast your vote for Louisville’s Favorite Beer by heading to our Instagram page to vote. Final Four: April 6 Championship: April 8 KEY LIME PIE SOUR - GALLANT FOX BREWINGSeasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 543 About the Beer: Although seasonal, Gallant Fox has been making this sour beer since they came on the scene back in 2020. This beer is hailed as a great representation of the pie flavor that breweries attempt by carefully melding the graham cracker and vanilla notes along with the key lime flavor to give both a fruit-forward flavor with some additional flavors of the pie crust. MONNIK IPA - MONNIK BEER CO.Seasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 7,509 About the Beer: A classic 7% American IPA featuring two malts and hopped with Centennial, Cascade, and Mosaic. Very traditional and very good. BEER ME! - AWRY BREWINGSeasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 91 About the Beer: Beer Me! Is more a call-and-response than an actual beer itself. Transcending the typical customer to bartender-to-customer interaction Beer Me! gets the point across quickly and efficiently. Beer Me!: soon to a glass near you. TESSIE - MILE WIDE BEER CO.Seasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 4,537 About the Beer: Tessie is the father of NEIPAs in Louisville. One of the first made and enjoyed locally, this beer pours a hazy orange-ish hue. The flavor is incredibly juicy, with even more of the same fruit characters that showed themselves in the aroma. Be sure to follow us on our Instagram so you can vote for your favorite.
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Louisville's 16 Favorite Beers (According to YOU)Have you noticed that we have been posting more on Instagram than usual over the last week? We’re right in the middle of the inaugural Top of the Trail Bracket Challenge. Based on your input, we compiled a bracket featuring 64 of Louisville’s most beloved beers, all vying for the Louisville’s Favorite Beer title. After two rounds and four days of voting, we’ve got the Sweet 16. Learn about these top-tier beers and be ready to cast your vote for Louisville’s Favorite Beer by heading to our Instagram page to vote. Sweet 16: March 28-29 Elite Eight: March 30-31 Final Four: April 6 Championship: April 8 Haucks Pilsner - Monnik Beer Co.Seasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 2,954 About the Beer: A beer for the neighborhood, this classic American Pilsner is named after the late local legend George Haucks. The 5% crusher is a powerhouse staple of the Monnik Beer Co. flagship lineup. Clean and immensely drinkable this was no surprise to enter the Sweet 16 ranks. Key Lime Pie Sour - Gallant Fox BrewinGSeasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 543 About the Beer: Although seasonal, Gallant Fox has been making this sour beer since they came on the scene back in 2020. This beer is hailed as a great representation of the pie flavor that breweries attempt by carefully melding the graham cracker and vanilla notes along with the key lime flavor to give both a fruit-forward flavor with some additional flavors of the pie crust. Beans - Atrium BrewingSeasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 850 About the Beer: Originally created in 2019 for Louisville Beer Week, Beans features a massive coffee charge from locally roasted Bean coffee in Germantown. The Big Dog blend used has nothing to do with the fact that this beer is 12%. A yearly favorite and often put into different flavor conditionings, Beans is gonna go far. His Dark Materials - Monnik Beer Co.Seasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 4,350 About the Beer: Named after the fantasy trilogy written by Phillip Pullman, His Dark Materials is a lactose-sweetened stout with aromas of roast and tobacco and rich flavors of dark fruits, and bittersweet chocolate; finishing with a rich and silky body. A 5.6% easy-drinking stout. Be on the lookout for the annual “His Dork Materials” variant releases. Eddy - ShippingporTSeasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 519 About the Beer: An eddy is a circular current of water, but an Eddy is a 5% Kolsch created by the same brewery whose name is in tribute to Shippingport Island off the shores of the Ohio River. Uncle Disheveled - Mile Wide Beer Co. Seasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 3,267 About the Beer: Released every December for their anniversary, Uncle Disheveled is a Southern Pecan coffee stout. Originally brewed using Highland Coffee Company’s Southern Pecan coffee blend, the cold brew is blended in with the base stout, resulting in a black-as-night pour with a chocolate, coffee, and pecan nuttiness aroma. 6.5% – could probably also be used as a substitute for your daily caffeine intake. Monnik IPA - Monnik Beer Co.Seasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 7,509 About the Beer: A classic 7% American IPA featuring two malts and hopped with Centennial, Cascade, and Mosaic. Very traditional and very good. West Sixth IPA - West Sixth BrewingSeasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 81,895 About the Beer: Consistently rated as one of the best IPAs in the Commonwealth and perhaps the whole country! And somehow still only available within Kentucky borders. Resinous and piney. Beer Me! - Awry BrewingSeasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 91 About the Beer: Beer Me! Is more a call and response than an actual beer itself. Transcending the typical customer to bartender-to-customer interaction Beer Me! gets the point across quickly and efficiently. Beer Me! soon to a glass near you Channel Orange - Gravely BrewinGSeasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 3,006 About the Beer: We don’t have to remind you that Louisville’s self-proclaimed music brewery names every beer after a music reference. Fans of Frank Ocean will recognize this one immediately, and fans of IPAs will, too. It's ruby red and bittersweet, tart with barry-like overtones. Path of Totality - Monnik Beer Co.Seasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 1,690 About the Beer: Monnik’s classic IPA blended with cold brew from Sunergos. This one was made in honor of the 2017 solar eclipse and is now released a couple of times a year - and, hey, we’re about due for another solar eclipse right now! If enough of us bug their brewer to make it more often, he just might. Pineapple Debaser - Gravely BrewingSeasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 771 About the Beer: A tropical variant of Gravely’s original Hazy IPA Debaser. One of the juciest beers in this list. We recommend drinking it in Norton Commons. Marge - Shippingport BrewingSeasonal or Flagship: Flagship # of Untappd Check-Ins: 578 About the Beer: Marge is in charge and you wish you could order it in a large but this resinous harkening-back-to-an-early-2010s IPA will suffice in a pint. Don’t worry, you can have more than a few - and as a flagship at 6.8%, this was an easy frontrunner from the beginning of the bracket. Tessie - Mile Wide Beer Co.Seasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 4,537 About the Beer: Tessie is the father of NEIPAs in Louisville. One of the first made and enjoyed locally, this beer pours a hazy orange-ish hue. The flavor is incredibly juicy, with even more of the same fruit characters that showed themselves in the aroma. Shitter’s Full - Gallant Fox BrewingSeasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 325 About the Beer: Merry Christmas! This Christmas Ale is brewed with ginger, cinnamon, honey, and sweet orange. It's not quite the eggnog that Uncle Eddie enjoys, but trust us when we say that this is an annual favorite for Louisville beer lovers. Watermelon Crack - Apocalypse Brew WorksSeasonal or Flagship: Seasonal # of Untappd Check-Ins: 2,111 About the Beer: Things are heating up in this tournament. When things heat up in Louisville, we know beer drinkers love to crush some pours of Watermelon Crack on the Apocalypse patio. Pro-tip: regulars know to blend Watermelon Crack with Apocalypse’s Fallout Dust (just order a Dusty Crack). Be sure to follow us on our Instagram so you can vote for your favorite. Tailspin Ale Fest, set for March 2nd, 2024, at Bowman Field, is once again shaping up to be an unmissable event for beer lovers and those curious about craft beer culture. With VIP tickets already sold out, the focus now shifts to the Coach (General Admission) tickets, which promise an afternoon filled with exceptional beer-tasting experiences.
For $55 plus tax and fees, attendees gain entry at 3 PM, equipped with a Souvenir Taster Cup, and the opportunity to explore over 250 beers. This selection includes offerings from beloved local breweries such as Gravely Brewing and regional favorites housed in the Kentucky Tent, like Country Boy Brewing and Scout & Scholar, alongside national and international breweries. Beyond the extensive beer list, Tailspin Ale Fest is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a Featured Cider & Sour Bar, LIVE music to keep the energy high, Drake's Silent Disco for a unique dance experience, and Cox's Cigar Lounge for a relaxed break. This year, our friends from Ohio Valley Wrestling are getting in on the action with Brews & Brawn. We’re also excited to share that Louisville Ale Trail will be present with a table in the Kentucky Beer Tent for the first time! We’ll have some new experiences to share for the first time so be sure to say hi. As a reminder, Tailspin Ale Fest is a 21-and-over event, emphasizing safety and a mature environment for all participants. Also, no pets! Only marked service animals. Parking is convenient, with a public lot available and the option to leave vehicles until 1 PM the following day (but we encourage using designated drivers or ride-sharing services to ensure everyone's safety). For those eager to immerse themselves in the Louisville beer scene, ensure a spot by grabbing your ticket in advance (no gate sales will be available). Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or new to the craft beer world, the Tailspin Ale Fest offers a welcoming and enriching experience for all. Now that we’ve had two weeks to recover from the previous month of comatose-inducing food and your aunt Sally asking you inappropriate questions about when you plan to bear children, we can take a moment and reflect on the year that has come and gone. 2023 continued the trend of pushing brewers to their absolute limits in an increasingly demanding customer feedback loop requiring more fizz, less alcohol, and more price-conscious beverages. You see, the customer is rarely right and not always happy when it comes to what a brewer should be brewing. After all, it is their job; they just make the beer. Here are five trends I saw in 2023 that I’d be happy to see stay around in 2024.
I’ve tried to keep open ears on feedback from breweries and consumers over the last year, but it’s more than likely I’ve missed a few of your favorite beer trends of 2023. Shout out below what you’d like to see continue into 2024. - David Satterly Five Ways To Support Louisville Breweries During Dry JanuarY Need a break? Participating in Dry January? There's nothing wrong with that! Here are five simple ways you can still support breweries during this time.
Louisville Brewery Holiday Hours Guide 2023: Christmas & New Year's ScheduleTo help you plan your festive brewery visits over the holiday week, here's a list of hours in alphabetical order for each special day. Whether you're looking to gather with friends, enjoy a quiet moment, or simply grab a stamp for your passport, here’s how you can plan. Christmas EVE (SUNDAY) HOURS:Open:
Closed:
Christmas DAY (MONDAY) HOURSAll taprooms are closed. NEW YEAR’S EVE (SUNDAY) HOURS:
New Year’s Day (Monday) HoursOpen:
Closed:
This guide will help you navigate the holiday brewery scene in Louisville. Happy holidays, enjoy responsibly, and don't forget your passport!
Butchertown Brewing Unveils 2024 Beer Collaboration Line-UpLouisville Brewery Celebrates Kentucky’s Barrel Heritage With National PartnersDecember 18, 2023 (Louisville, KY) -- Louisville-based Butchertown Brewing, founded in 2020, is thrilled to announce a series of upcoming national beer collaborations for 2024. These collaborations highlight Butchertown Brewing’s commitment to expanding the barrel culture in Kentucky’s craft beer scene and beyond. Previous collaborations have featured well-known breweries nationwide, such as Horus Aged Ales (Oceanside, CA), Revolution Brewing (Chicago, IL), and Corporate Ladder Brewing (Bradenton, FL).
“These collaborations represent more than just the fusion of different brewing techniques; they’re a symbol of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of craft brewing,” said Andy Cobb, Butchertown Brewing Founder and Head Brewer. “We are excited to introduce Louisville’s Most Interesting Beer to beer lovers, both local and nationwide, highlighting Kentucky’s dynamic beer scene, which is as rich and diverse as our state’s bourbon heritage.” Butchertown Brewing, known for their barrel-aged stouts and barleywines, is proud to announce a new slate of collaborations planned for 2024:
Through these collaborations, Butchertown Brewing will share its passion for high-quality, innovative beers and showcase Kentucky's craft beer potential. Butchertown Brewing beers are available in their taproom (1860 Mellwood Ave, #187, Louisville, KY) and at select bars and restaurants in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Highlighting the brewery’s expanding reach, Butchertown Brewing was featured for its nationally recognized barrel program at Other Half Brewing’s Stout Season Festival in Brooklyn, NY, on December 2nd, 2023, showcasing their expertise on a prominent national stage. About Butchertown Brewing Nestled in the Courtyard at the eclectic Mellwood Art Center, Butchertown Brewing focuses on one-of-a-kind barrel-aged beers while also honoring traditional styles. To learn more, follow @butchertownbrewing on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.butchertownbrewingco.com. Mile Wide Beer Company's 7th anniversary is this weekend! To help celebrate, here are seven fun facts about the Phoenix Hill brewery:
In these seven years, Mile Wide has not only served great beer but also created a space where stories are shared, history is celebrated, and community is strengthened. Here's to Mile Wide Beer Company, a beacon of craft brewing and community spirit. Cheers to many more years of success, innovation, and delightful brews! Mike Abel (Fork + Ale House)
What do one of Louisville’s oldest breweries, Great Flood Brewing, and one of Carmel Indiana’s finest breweries have in common?
They both have had the pleasure of this week's guest, Mike Abel, (Head Brewer, Fork + Ale House, Cellarman, Ash & Elm) gracing their taprooms. Known for his quick wit and unquenchable thirst for beer knowledge Mike has built a thriving career across multiple cities. In this conversation we discuss current trends in beer and cider, how to plan a day trip in #Indy, and some interesting topics in health and music! It was an absolute pleasure having Mike on the show and we hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Make sure to go and try all of Mike's great beers next time you are up Carmel way. (https://forkalehouse.com/) Featured Beers: Hefeweizen (Fork + Ale House) El Camino, Habanero, Mango Cider (Ash & Elm Cidery) Winter Wee Heavy (Fork + Ale House) Hopping Hound IPA (Fork + Ale House) Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one, or visitwww.underbergamerica.com _____________________________________ Don't forget to support the podcast by giving us a rating and a review, and please subscribe wherever you watch or listen: https://linktr.ee/KentuckyCommons. Corey & Danielle Wood (Elixir Kombucha)
After drinking all the Louisville Beer during Louisville Beer Week, the guys were incredibly excited to take a “booch’ break” this episode with the incredible duo that is Corey and Danielle Wood, owners and founders of Elixir Kombucha.
We got the rundown on their recent growth into their new production home, the story of how Corey’s kombucha-loving aunt launched them on their journey, and got very up close and personal with a big chunk of actual SCOBY skin (stay tuned to the end for tasting notes…yeah), and even helped Elixir up its brand game with the selection of the new OFFICIAL Elixir mascot. Featured Beverages:
Curious about Underberg? Ask your bartender for one, or visit www.underbergamerica.com. _____________________________________ 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. |