SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) With more than 100 distilleries throughout the commonwealth and an entire trail dedicated to sharing the stories behind “America’s Native Spirit,” Kentucky is a bourbon lover’s paradise.
But where does that leave folks who want something other than bourbon? Fear not. There are many options for libations in every region of Kentucky, which is home to more than 90 craft breweries and an abundance of wineries and vineyards, with multiple ways to taste and experience them all. Several brewery trails also feature passports designed to help you organize and plan your “beercation.”
The Kentucky Brewgrass Trail features breweries in and around the greater Lexington area including regional powerhouses Country Boy Brewing, West Sixth Brewing Company and Ethereal Brewing. Don’t forget to check out establishments outside of Lexington, including Maiden City Brewing in Cynthiana, Sig Luscher Brewery in Frankfort and Abettor Brewing in Winchester.
The Louisville Ale Trail highlights nearly 30 breweries in the Derby City. Against the Grain, one of Kentucky’s original craft breweries, operates from Louisville Slugger Field in the heart of downtown, and Atrium Brewing, located in the Germantown neighborhood, has gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of beer with a rotating selection of experimental sours, IPAs, stouts and lagers.
The West Kentucky Brewery Hop is comprised of a group of 13 breweries in western Kentucky, many of which are located in historic and repurposed facilities. Paducah Beer Werks is housed in the former Paducah Greyhound bus terminal, and the Henderson Brewing Company in downtown Henderson, resides in a century-old bar formerly known as the Bright Spot Tavern.
In addition to beer, Kentucky has been producing and selling wine since the 18th century. First Vineyard Winery in Nicholasville, founded in 1799, was the first commercial winery in the United States.
What’s better than an excellent glass of wine? An excellent glass of wine with a gorgeous view of the Kentucky countryside. Since 2000, more than 70 wineries and vineyards have sprung up across the Bluegrass State, offering not only a wide variety of wine styles, but unforgettable experiences in the way of tours and tastings. Many Kentucky wine producers, such as Talon Winery in Lexington, Equus Winery in Midway, and Naimoli Estate in Hopkinsville, are located in some of the most gorgeous parts of the commonwealth. And don’t forget to grab a passport while visiting the Western Kentucky Wine Trail.
For those traveling through eastern Kentucky, be sure to explore the Moonshine Trail, which features 10 moonshine distilleries and historical sites that celebrate Kentucky’s “untamed spirit.” Learn about moonshine history at the Backwoods Moonshine Museum in Beattyville and enjoy the breathtaking Appalachian scenery as you travel from distillery to distillery, immersing yourself in one of eastern Kentucky’s oldest traditions.
To plan your trip, visit www.kentuckytourism.com for more information.
Regardless of what you like to drink and where you happen to be, Kentucky has something that will perfectly suit you.