Off The Trail: The Grales The beer scene in Louisville wouldn't be what it is today without the vision and hard work of Lori Beck and Tyler Trotter. Full stop. While their original endeavor, Louisville Beer Store, is no longer around, The Grales continues to breathe life into the soul of Louisville's beer community. Through the campus community that includes Holy Grale, Gralehaus, and Bar Grale, Lori and Tyler's pioneering efforts have set the stage for what has now become one of the most underrated beer communities in the country. The Grales is central to this legacy: an exceptional beer bar that stands as a testament to their dedication and passion. Photo credits: The Grales  The Atmosphere There's something truly special about Holy Grale. Housed in an old Unitarian chapel in the Highlands since 2011, it's become a sanctuary for great beer and good vibes. And I love a good theme. Holy Grale nails it with its church-inspired decor. But when the weather's nice, I head to the Gralegarten out back. A Bavarian biergarten in Louisville just two miles from my house. And on Thursdays, they do a traditional Kölsch service that can't be missed (and I believe Grale was the first in Louisville to offer it). From the historic chapel to the beer garden, Holy Grale manages to be both hallowed and laid-back - a unique blend of all things holy and hoppy.  The Beer Selection With an atmosphere that impressive, it's only fitting that the beer selection and menu live up to it. The Grales has curated a lineup that features a mix of both standard and rare international finds. Their industry connections mean they can bring in exclusive beers that you might not find anywhere else, ensuring that every visit offers something fresh and exciting. With 21 rotating taps of hand-selected beers from around the world, plus a specialty lambic collection, this is the kind of place you bring out-of-town guests to really blow their minds. Just do yourself a favor and be sure to get the table (or yourself) a cone of frijtes.  Events and More Through those industry connections, we're fortunate to have a local spot where Louisville beer enthusiasts can enjoy some uniquely international events. The Grales is one of only twelve official Orval Ambassadors in the United States. This means you can enjoy Orval Day - a day for nerds like me to gather and celebrate Orval Trappist Ale. The event typically includes special pours of Orval and rare vintage bottles. Another standout event is Cantillon's Zwanze Day, where more beer nerds worldwide simultaneously enjoy a special one-off beer brewed by the legendary Cantillon Brewery in Belgium. Zwanze Day at The Grales includes exclusive tastings, special kegs, and a festive atmosphere that brings the global beer community together through a toast enjoyed at the same moment around the globe. Only twenty-eight US beer bars and breweries were invited to participate in 2024’s toast. Both of these recurring events are not to be missed if you're serious about beer. And you can only enjoy both at The Grales. I should be talking more about rauchbier here and The Grales' recent Schlenkerla night, but readers might not be ready for that yet...but your kids are going to love it.  Beyond Beer And while you're visiting, you might as well just SLEEP THERE. Yes, you can do that. Gralehaus is the property's bed and breakfast. Choose between three different rooms. When you wake up, you can saunter down to Gralehaus and grab a morning cup of coffee (or beer) and one of the best brunches in Louisville. And if you're a natural wine lover, the newly-opened Bar GRALE is a must-visit. It's an extension of their dedication to quality and community...but in wine and bottle shop form! And yes, the Gralegarten is shared between all three properties.  Global Recognition The Grales has earned international acclaim and is frequently listed as one of the best beer bars in the world. This recognition attracts beer enthusiasts from around the globe, putting Louisville on the map as a must-visit destination. Tyler and Lori’s dedication to quality and community has paid off. The Grales isn't just a local favorite; it's a world-renowned beer haven that you cannot miss when visiting Louisville. Their efforts have made The Grales a cornerstone of the city’s beer culture, celebrated both near and far. In fact, their influence is so profound that when I travel to various beer destinations worldwide and mention I'm from Louisville, the most common response I get is, "Ah, Holy Grale!" This speaks volumes about the impact they've had on the global beer community and the high regard in which The Grales is held.  So, yeah, if I haven’t stressed this enough, The Grales is more than just a place to go - to me, it's played a crucial role in elevating Louisville's entire beer scene.
By introducing global beer culture to the city, they've also inspired local brewers to innovate and excel in your local neighborhood taproom, creating a thriving ecosystem of world-class beer right here in Louisville. So next time you're thirsty, stop by The Grales. You'll not only experience a top-tier beer destination, but you'll also be part of the story that's shaping Louisville's beer future. Obligatory cheers, - Michael Moeller Stay tuned for more Off The Trail highlights.
0 Comments
|
RSS Feed