Lexington, Kentucky, known as the Horse Capital of the World, has also emerged as a vibrant destination for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s thriving local brewing scene offers a diverse array of flavors and styles to satisfy even the most discerning beer connoisseurs.
Visitors to Lexington can explore over a dozen craft breweries, each with its own unique character and specialty brews. From West Sixth Brewing’s popular IPA to Ethereal Brewing’s experimental sours, there’s something for every palate. Many of these establishments not only serve exceptional beers but also provide inviting taprooms and beer gardens where patrons can relax and socialize.
The Brewgrass Trail, a self-guided tour of Central Kentucky’s craft breweries, provides an excellent framework for beer lovers to discover Lexington’s sudsy offerings. This trail showcases the region’s rich brewing heritage and innovative spirit, making it an essential part of any craft beer enthusiast’s visit to the Bluegrass State.
History of Craft Beer in Lexington
Lexington’s craft beer scene has deep roots and a dynamic evolution. The city’s brewing heritage spans centuries, with recent decades seeing explosive growth in local craft breweries.
Lexington Brewing and Its Legacy
Lexington’s brewing history dates back to 1794. Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, established in 1999, stands as the city’s oldest operating craft brewery. It revived Lexington’s dormant brewing tradition after a long hiatus.
The company’s Kentucky Ale and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale quickly gained popularity. These flagship brews helped put Lexington on the craft beer map. Alltech’s success paved the way for future craft breweries in the area.
The Rise of Craft Breweries
In the 2010s, Lexington experienced a craft beer boom. New breweries opened their doors, each offering unique flavors and styles. West Sixth Brewing, founded in 2012, became a local favorite with its IPA and amber ale.
Country Boy Brewing followed suit, gaining recognition for its innovative brews. The Beer Trappe, Lexington’s first craft beer store, opened during this period. It earned national acclaim, ranking among the top 100 beer bars in the country.
By 2024, Lexington boasts over 20 craft breweries. These establishments form the backbone of the Brewgrass Trail, a popular attraction for beer enthusiasts. Annual events like Lexington Craft Beer Week showcase the city’s thriving craft beer culture.
The Brewgrass Trail
The Brewgrass Trail showcases Lexington’s thriving craft beer scene, featuring around 25 of the city’s finest breweries. Beer enthusiasts can explore a diverse range of locally crafted brews while experiencing the unique atmosphere of each establishment.
Navigating the Brewgrass Trail
The Brewgrass Trail includes notable breweries such as Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, Country Boy Brewing, and West Sixth Brewing Company. Visitors can start their journey at any participating brewery or the Lexington Visitors Center.
Some breweries offer tours, allowing guests to learn about the brewing process firsthand. The trail extends into Lexington’s Distillery District, where craft beer meets bourbon heritage.
Beer Engine and Blue Stallion Brewing are also popular stops, each offering distinctive styles and flavors. To make the most of the experience, visitors should plan their route in advance and consider designating a driver.
Getting Your Brewgrass Trail Passport
Obtaining a Brewgrass Trail Passport is essential for fully enjoying the experience. Passports are available at participating breweries and the Lexington Visitors Center.
As beer enthusiasts visit different breweries, they collect stamps in their passports. After visiting six locations, participants can redeem their completed passport for a special Brewgrass Trail reward.
For those bringing their canine companions, a unique “Brewgrass Trail bandana” is available. Dog owners can claim this reward through the pass’s Rewards Center after visiting six trail stops with their pets.
The passport system encourages exploration of multiple breweries, allowing visitors to compare and contrast various craft beers across Lexington’s vibrant brewing landscape.
Top Breweries and Their Offerings
Lexington’s craft beer scene boasts diverse breweries with unique offerings. From German-inspired lagers to innovative ciders, each establishment brings its own flair to the local beer landscape.
Ethereal Brewing Public House
Ethereal Brewing Public House stands out for its creative beer lineup. Their taproom features rotating taps with experimental brews alongside tried-and-true favorites.
Popular choices include the “Anomaly” American pale ale and the “Wanderlust” IPA. The brewery also offers seasonal releases that showcase local ingredients.
Ethereal’s spacious venue provides a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. They host regular events, including tap takeovers and beer pairing dinners.
West Sixth Brewing’s Unique Flavors
West Sixth Brewing has made a name for itself with its distinctive flavor profiles. Their flagship IPA is a local favorite, known for its balanced hop character.
The brewery excels in seasonal offerings. The “Pay it Forward Cocoa Porter” combines rich chocolate notes with a smooth finish. West Sixth’s “Snake Eyes” Imperial Stout is highly sought after during its limited release.
West Sixth’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their brewing practices. They use solar power and donate a portion of profits to local charities.
The German Touch of Blue Stallion Brewing Company
Blue Stallion Brewing Company specializes in authentic German-style lagers. Their traditional brewing methods result in crisp, clean beers true to their European roots.
The “Hefeweizen” is a standout, offering classic banana and clove notes. Blue Stallion’s “Munich Dunkel” showcases rich malt flavors with a smooth finish.
The brewery’s taproom features a warm, pub-like atmosphere. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy flights to sample multiple German styles in one visit.
Innovation at Mirror Twin Brewing
Mirror Twin Brewing pushes boundaries with its innovative approach to beer-making. They’re known for creating “twin” beers – two versions of the same recipe with one key difference.
Their “Citranomaly” series showcases different hop varieties in otherwise identical IPAs. Mirror Twin also experiments with unique ingredients, like their “Breakfast Stout” brewed with locally roasted coffee.
The brewery’s taproom offers a modern, industrial feel. Visitors can enjoy pizzas from their in-house kitchen while sampling the latest experimental brews.
Rock House Brewing’s Artisan Beers
Rock House Brewing focuses on small-batch, artisanal beers. Their attention to detail results in meticulously crafted brews across various styles.
The “Kentucky Common” pays homage to the state’s brewing history. Rock House’s “Reverb Red” ale offers a perfect balance of malt and hop flavors.
Their taproom, housed in a historic building, provides a cozy setting. Rock House often collaborates with local artists and musicians, creating a vibrant community space.
Pivot Brewing’s Cider Specialties
Pivot Brewing stands out by specializing in craft ciders alongside traditional beers. Their cider lineup showcases the versatility of apples in brewing.
The “Dry-Hopped Cider” combines crisp apple flavors with aromatic hops. Pivot’s “Berry Cider” offers a fruity twist on the classic apple base.
Pivot’s taproom features a bright, modern design. They often host cider-making workshops and tasting events for those interested in exploring beyond beer.
Craft Beer Experiences
Lexington’s craft beer scene offers diverse ways to explore local brews. From guided tours to food pairings and unique transportation options, beer enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the city’s thriving beer culture.
Guided Tours at Craft Breweries
Several Lexington breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours of their facilities. Visitors can learn about brewing processes, ingredients, and equipment used to create local favorites.
West Sixth Brewing and Country Boy Brewing are popular stops on craft brewery tours. Knowledgeable guides explain the brewing stages and share the history behind each brewery’s signature beers.
Tour participants often get to sample fresh brews straight from the source. Some tours include beer flights, allowing guests to compare different styles side-by-side.
Culinary Pairings with Lexington Craft Beers
Lexington’s craft beers pair exceptionally well with local cuisine. Many breweries and restaurants showcase beer and food pairings to enhance flavors.
Beer cheese, a Kentucky specialty, is a popular appetizer served alongside craft brews. The tangy spread complements hoppy IPAs and crisp lagers.
Pizza and craft beer make another classic combination. Goodfellas Pizzeria partners with local breweries to offer specialty pies that highlight beer flavors.
Some breweries host pairing events featuring multi-course meals designed to complement specific beers. These events give diners a chance to explore flavor profiles in depth.
Pedal and Sip with Big Blue Pedaler
Big Blue Pedaler offers a unique way to tour Lexington’s craft breweries. This pedal-powered vehicle carries groups to multiple beer destinations.
Riders work together to pedal the vehicle between stops. A designated driver steers and manages the tour, ensuring safety.
The tour typically includes visits to 3-4 breweries in the downtown area. Participants can sample beers at each location while enjoying the sights of Lexington.
This social experience combines exercise, sightseeing, and craft beer tasting. It’s a popular choice for bachelor parties, birthdays, and team-building events.
Bars and Taprooms
Lexington boasts an impressive array of craft beer destinations, from iconic establishments to local favorites. These venues offer extensive selections of regional and national brews in welcoming atmospheres.
The Iconic Beer Trappe
The Beer Trappe stands out as Lexington’s premier craft beer bar. Recognized by Draft Magazine as one of the top 100 beer bars in the country, it offers an unparalleled selection of craft beers. The knowledgeable staff guides patrons through an ever-changing lineup of brews.
With over 500 bottled beers and 8 rotating taps, The Beer Trappe caters to both novices and aficionados. Its cozy atmosphere encourages beer exploration and conversation. The bar frequently hosts tasting events and meet-the-brewer sessions.
Local Favorites for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Several other bars in Lexington have earned reputations as craft beer havens. West Sixth Brewing’s taproom showcases their own creations alongside guest taps. The spacious venue often features live music and food trucks.
Blue Stallion Brewing Co. specializes in German and British style beers. Their taproom offers a relaxed setting to enjoy house-brewed lagers and ales. Mr. Brews Taphouse provides a wide selection of regional and national craft beers, paired with gourmet burgers.
Ethereal Brewing’s taproom in the Distillery District serves innovative beers in a historic setting. Country Boy Brewing’s taproom highlights their bold, flavorful brews in a casual environment.
Cultural Impact of Craft Beer
Craft beer has woven itself into the fabric of Lexington’s culture, fostering creativity and bringing people together. Its influence extends beyond beverages to shape the city’s artistic expression and community bonds.
Craft Beer and Local Arts
Lexington’s craft beer scene has become intertwined with the local arts community. Breweries often showcase local artists’ work, displaying murals and paintings that reflect the city’s character. The Greenroom, a popular craft beer bar, features rotating art exhibitions, supporting emerging talents.
Many breweries collaborate with artists to create unique label designs, turning cans and bottles into miniature canvases. This synergy between brewers and artists has led to eye-catching packaging that stands out on shelves and in social media posts.
Some Lexington breweries host art workshops and paint-and-sip events, encouraging patrons to explore their creativity while enjoying craft beers. These activities have helped cultivate a vibrant atmosphere where art and beer appreciation go hand in hand.
Beer Events and Community
Craft beer events in Lexington serve as gathering points for the community. Annual festivals like Lexington Craft Beer Week bring together locals and visitors to celebrate the city’s brewing culture. These events often feature live music, food trucks, and special beer releases.
Breweries regularly host trivia nights, board game evenings, and charity fundraisers. These activities create spaces for people to connect, fostering a sense of community around shared interests. Many local breweries also support community initiatives, donating proceeds from special brews to local causes.
Beer tourism has grown in Lexington, with craft beer enthusiasts visiting from out of town to explore the local scene. This influx of visitors benefits local businesses and helps spread awareness of Lexington’s craft beer culture beyond the city limits.
Responsible Drinking and Community
Lexington’s craft beer scene promotes responsible consumption and community engagement. Local breweries prioritize sustainability and fostering connections among beer enthusiasts.
Supporting Local with Every Sip
Lexington’s craft breweries emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses. Many source ingredients from nearby farms and suppliers, creating a ripple effect in the local economy. Events like tap takeovers and beer festivals showcase the city’s diverse beer offerings while bringing people together. Breweries often collaborate on special releases, strengthening industry ties.
Wise Bird Cider Co., though focused on cider, participates in these community-building efforts. Their taproom hosts regular events that attract both cider and beer drinkers, fostering a sense of camaraderie among local beverage enthusiasts.
Sustainability Initiatives
Lexington’s craft breweries are committed to environmental stewardship. Many implement water conservation measures and energy-efficient brewing processes. Some breweries donate spent grain to local farms for animal feed or compost, reducing waste.
Several taprooms use biodegradable or reusable materials for serving, minimizing their environmental impact. Some breweries have installed solar panels or use renewable energy sources. Community clean-up events organized by local breweries help maintain Lexington’s natural beauty.
These initiatives reflect the industry’s dedication to preserving resources and ensuring a sustainable future for craft beer production in Lexington.
