[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]

Drowning your sorrows tastes so much better when you support your state’s economy
It’s Sunday. NFL games are on, Fall is upon us, and you are thirsty. No disputing. That’s just how it works. Sure, you probably had a little too much to drink yesterday while watching LSU stomp the Cats. And, yes, your wife said no more boozing after you punched a hole in the television. But oh well. No excuses today.
Today isn’t the most newsworthy day. If you want some sweet sports action, scroll down and watch John Wall throw it down. But for this post, we’re going to go off on a tangent about something I’m a big fan of: beer. Let’s take a look at the different breweries around the great Commonwealth of Kentucky…
- Lexington Brewing Company/Alltech/KY Ale - Lexington, KY – Let’s start with our KSR sponsor (I think?) and largest brewer in the city of Lexington. I don’t know much about it, but I’ve tried their three brews and won’t say I was disappointed. Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light, andKentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale will suit you for an evening of local support.
- Bluegrass Brewing Company (BBC) - Louisville, KY - Hailing from Louisville, my first experiences into the beer world saw me sample the tastes of BBC. I’m definitely a fan, and it can be found in taps across the city. Highlights are the American Pale Ale, Nut Brown Ale, and Four Roses Bourbon Barrel Stout (formerly Jefferson’s Reserve). A plethora of others brews can be found at one of their four locations in the city.
- New Albanian Brewing Company - New Albany, IN - Just kidding, I only partially hail from Louisville. Spent most of my days in New Albany. While I know this isn’t necessarily in Kentucky, it’s right on the border and is worth the drive. This place really opened up my eyes and tastes buds to the beer world. Forge past the Sherman Minton situation and try this place out. They have a huge selection outside of their own, but I highly suggest the Elector Ale and Hoptimus. And Community Dark for you non-hoppy folks. The owner Roger Baylor is a very interesting guy – if you ever get the chance to talk to him, do so.
- Falls City Beer - Louisville, KY – Falls City was a local staple for many years in Louisville, but left the state in 1978 with its sale. It was made for many years after, but finally went extinct. Until the new owner revived it. Rumor has it that the current owner found the original list of ingredients used in the KY version, but without the amounts. So he went to work and concocted his own take of the original Falls City Beer. I’ve heard it doesn’t taste the same was the pre-70s version, but I do enjoy the new take. It is actually almost indistinguishable from a Magic Hat #9. Fake Gimel and rcpeck02 and attest to this.
- Lore Brewing Company - Danville, KY – Haven’t tried this place, but recently heard about it opening up for business. Somebody who has tried it, post a review in the comments.
- Cumberland Brews - Louisville, KY – This little joint on Bardstown Rd. serves up delicious food with their great beer in a cozy atmosphere. Last time I went, I enjoyed a couple drinks and grub while sitting on a leather couch. I suggest the IPA, Nitro Porter, and Cream Ale.
- Browning’s Brewery - Louisville, KY – I haven’t had any of these concoctions, but I know the spot is in downtown Louisville and offers a deal similar to Cumberland – pretty good, locally infused food to pair with their beer.
- Christian Moerlein - Cincinnati, OH – Another out of stater, but surely familiar to those of us Cat fans living in the NKY, like myself at the moment. The OTR Ale is a winner for me, and probably the easiest one to find from this place. They are about to open a brand new place in downtown Cincy by the Bengals and Reds stadiums, so that should be fun.
- Hudepohl - Cincinnati, OH – Another Cincy staple…Hudepohl goes way back and offers a pretty short list of mass produced lagers. Still, if you aren’t feeling like low-balling with a (delicious) PBR or Natty (for your college kids), give a Hudy Delight a spin. Just as good and for a cheap price. TheAmber Lager is worth a try, too.
- Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout – The Founder’s brewery is located in Grand Rapids, MI…but this stout pays tribute to our great state. I’ve heard great things, but have yet to give it a spin. Let me know how it is.
- Horse Piss Beer - This is supposed to be a Kentucky inspired brew crafted by the BBC folks and used to raise money for disabled jockeys and horses. Haven’t heard the best things about the taste, but it’s a local concept and the aid is provides for those two things important to our state is commendable.
I know I’m missing some. Feel free to tell me anything Kentucky beer related in the comments. Tried anything new and delicious lately? Should I just shut up and talk about bourbon?
Go Cats.
*KSR does not condone public intoxication, drinking while driving, vomiting in the homes of friends, or hooking up with ugly people.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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October 2nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
holla.
October 2nd, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Wild Heaven Craft Beer: Belgian.
Hails from Decatur, Georgia.
Best beer I’ve ever had.
And I’m an huge fan of Stone, Terrapin, Sweetwater, and Dog Fish Head (90 min IPA ROX!).
Ax yo beeuh stow – to sell it.
October 2nd, 2011 at 5:41 pm
4got 2 mensh: All beers Redhook.
October 2nd, 2011 at 5:43 pm
Browning’s is no more. It’s a new brew pub called Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse now. I went a few weeks ago and they had some good beers for opening night.
October 2nd, 2011 at 5:48 pm
How much Advertising $$$ did you all bring in with this post?
October 2nd, 2011 at 6:05 pm
“these pretzels are makin me thirsty”.
October 2nd, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I was gonna mention the Browning’s / ATG thing but anyway…another fact a lot of people don’t know about is that the BBC’s in St. Matthew’s and on 3rd and 4th streets are a separate company from the one on Clay and Main…
October 2nd, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Since I live in the microbrew capital of the USA–Portland, OR. Here’s my take. Deschutes Brew are the best microbrews, Black Butte and Obsidian being the best of their regular offerings.
Ninkasi Brewing is the best masterbrews. Tricerahops (a double IPA) and Sleigher (seasonal/winter ale) being the sht.
October 2nd, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Founder’s has some of the best beer I’ve ever had.
October 2nd, 2011 at 6:53 pm
I love the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. It’s one of my favorites.
October 2nd, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Chris, I’m sure you’ve tried it but Mt. Carmel from across the river(Cincy) has excellent Barley Pop.
October 2nd, 2011 at 7:19 pm
No trip to NABC is complete without eating the bread sticks and beer cheese!!!
October 2nd, 2011 at 7:30 pm
You should stop referring to Louisville as “the city.”
October 2nd, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Blackhorse Pub and Brewery – Clarksville, Tenn.
October 2nd, 2011 at 7:46 pm
@13, you should stop referring to Kentucky as “the state.”
October 2nd, 2011 at 7:46 pm
Dunkel, from RBC. Sold mostly around Newport, KY. Amazing beer, if I do say so myself.
October 2nd, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Founders, Kentucky Breakfast stout is delicious. It’s $ 8-11 dollars a bottle and you can only get it once a year for about 2 weeks, but it is great.
October 2nd, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Moose Drool. Big Sky brewing co. Come out and get some
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:12 pm
There will be a new Brewery open in lexington close to campusit will be called Country Boy Brewing!!!
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Observation 1) Bourbon Barrel Stout rocks.
Observation 2)There was a reason we called it ‘Fall $hitty’ when I was growing up. I tried one of the new ones with the same results.
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Hey, if you are a bourbon drinker you have to try the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale from Lexington Brewing Company. It has to be one of the best that I have ever had. Drink it is a glass, it is much better this way, also it is good on tap.
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Bourbon Barrel Ale is very good, but way over priced.
Hudy Delite is FANTASTIC cheap beer. I am a PBR fan, but Hudy is
great up here in NKY.
Best micro brew I have ever had though, is Sweetwater IPA. Only down south.
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
I love Gumballhead. It’s brewed by Three Floyds. However, it’s an Indiana brew.
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Cannot wait for Founders!
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Hopslam!
October 3rd, 2011 at 1:37 am
Mt. Carmel is another one of the Cincinnati beers that is absolutely awesome. They have a very good IPA, as well the blonde ale and amber ale. If you are going to throw in Moerline this is a must have as well. Absolutely delicious.
October 3rd, 2011 at 1:56 am
Hudey makes Little Kings! They make beer in 7 oz bottles. When I was a teenager we would drink about a million bottles of that stuff on Friday night. It was a bitch getting rid of all those bottles without our parents finding out!
October 3rd, 2011 at 7:47 am
Hofbrauhaus in Newport. Delicious german ales.
October 3rd, 2011 at 9:09 am
Mt. Carmel’s Harvest Ale was quite good this weekend
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:11 am
Schlafly out of St. Louis. Coffee Stout, Irish Extra, and American Pale are all worthy efforts. But, if you can get your hands on a bottle of their Reserve Imperial Stout, you’re in for a treat.
October 4th, 2011 at 8:13 am
I must say that it is flattering to be mentioned in this space, and while not a dime of advertising revenue was expended to gain placement, retroactive remuneration (nudge, wink) is never entirely out of the question. Good survey of options!
October 4th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
You mention Danville but you didn’t even mention the best brewery in Danville, Beer Engine. Much, much better than Lore.