When you are in Kentucky, beer is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. After all, we are talking about a state where Bourbon is the most popular, and cocktails like the Mint Julep.
But what if you like something softer than a bourbon, and you don’t fancy cocktails? Well, the good thing is that despite the bourbon popularity, there are a lot of beer breweries in Kentucky.
Yes, Kentucky’s craft beer scene is creative, flavorful, and downright delicious. The best thing about the breweries here is that they offer a unique taste, whether you like light, dark, or IPL beer, there is a good chance that you’ll try something out of the ordinary.
So, which are the best breweries that you should visit in Kentucky?
Kentucky’s History With Beer
Let’s first highlight the history of beer in Kentucky since it is really important in order to understand the beer culture here.
Unlike bourbon or the Kentucky Derby, the beer culture here came in late – back in the 19th century. This is when German immigrants rolled into towns like Covington, Louisville, and Newport, and they brought their lager-making passion with them.
By the 1890s, beer took off, and the state had its own beer called Kentucky Common, which is basically a dark, creamy ale, and it was the drink of choice for about 80% of Louisville’s population.
Later, we can see a rise of micro-breweries, especially in the 1990s, where we can spot pioneers like Bluegrass Brewing Company that changed the beer scene in Kentucky. Nowadays, there are more than 60 breweries in Kentucky and the beer culture is crazy!
With beer culture skyrocketing, we can see that even on big events like the Kentucky Derby there is now an official beer sponsor (Blue Moon Craft Beer). So, if you are planning to go to the Kentucky Derby, you can skip the Mint Julep and get yourself a beer.
But there are still a few months until the Kentucky Derby, and we still have to wait for the Kentucky Derby Prep races. If you want more info on the Road to Kentucky Derby races, click here.
Louisville
Yes, Louisville might be most popular for its bourbon, but many people don’t know that it is also a craft beer powerhouse. There are around 16 breweries here, and the flavors are out of this world.
First, there is the most popular Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse, which has been a local legend since 2011. They have popular beers like Citra Ass Down, which is a double IPA that makes your taste buds dance.
So, if you have a knack for barrel-aging, this is the brewery to go to.
There is also Falls City Brewing Co., which is actually a name that has been around since 1905. However, after it went missing for decades, the name was reborn back in 2010, with a pre-prohibition-style English Pale Ale.
Lastly, you can go to Apocalypse Brew Works, which is a microbrewery that uses solar-heated water and recycled gear to craft a small batch of incredibly tasty beer like Hefeweizen or Irish Red Rapture.
Lexington
If you are thinking about going to Lexington, you’ll find a beer scene that is quite chill and innovative. The most popular brewer here is West Sixth Brewing, which is a 100-year-old (former bread factory called Bread Box).
They have been brewing beer since 2012, and some of the most popular options are the West Sixth IPA, and the Pay It Forward Cocoa Porter (if you are in for some flavored beer).
There is also Country Boy Brewing, which is actually a small brewery founded by three buddies in 2012, and let me tell you, they feature some bold flavors. Their most popular choices are the Cougar Bait Blonde Ale, which is actually a smooth and easy drinker, while for the brave ones you have Shotgun Wedding, which is a brown ale aged in bourbon barrels.
If you are looking for something newer and more modern, check out Mirror Twin Brewing, which is a company started by identical twin brothers, and they often experiment with brews like hazy IPA or a tart saison.
Don’t Overlook The Small-Town Breweries
Kentucky’s brewery magic doesn’t stop at the urban edges. Venture out, and you’ll stumble across gems tucked into small towns and scenic corners. In Paducah, Dry Ground Brewing Co. holds court as the city’s first craft brewery, set in a historic Coca-Cola plant.
Their lineup leans into farmhouse ales and American crafts, with a laid-back patio that’s perfect for sipping under the stars. It’s a western Kentucky treasure that proves big flavor doesn’t need a big zip code. Up in Covington, Braxton Brewing Company adds a family-run twist to the scene.
Born in a garage and now a regional favorite, Braxton’s got something for everyone—think Storm Golden Cream Ale for a light sip or Barrel-Aged Dead Blow for a tropical stout with a bourbon kick. Their taproom’s modern vibe and rooftop views of the Cincinnati skyline make it a destination worth crossing state lines for.
And don’t sleep on Rooster Brewing in Paris, Kentucky. This microbrewery, the first in Bourbon County, serves up wild ales and saisons with names like Quiche My Ass—because why not? Surrounded by horse farms and bluegrass hills, it’s a quirky stop on any beer road trip.
Final Words
You are probably surprised by the beer scene in Kentucky, right? There are tons of breweries that you can try, and most of them are delicious. Who’d know that Kentucky is actually a beer state?
So, the next time you are heading to Kentucky and you love beer, make sure to visit some of the breweries we mentioned. The beer tastes great, and the atmosphere is perfect.
