Now that everyone has survived the craziness that is Derby, May brings a new trend to the Bluegrass state. The focus now shifts from a town of bourbon to a town of beer! If you’ve been living in this city and have not taken advantage of the local beer scene, then you’ve been missing out! Here are 5 local breweries you should visit:
1. Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse:
Located on East Main Street, Against the Grain is housed in a rehabbed Victorian-styled train station. The four men who launched this brewery created a fun, relaxing atmosphere for guests. To help select a beer from their endless list, they split it up into 7 types, and I personally recommend the hop selection of beer for a fruitier blend. If you are out at the Louisville Bats game, this is a great place to stop by for a drink!
2. Bluegrass Brewing Company
BBC was originally opened in St. Matthews, but since then it has grown to 4 locations across the Louisville area since 1993. Their mission is “To create bold, unique, hand-crafted beers, quality affordable food, and serve them both in a warm and comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere.” BBC has a variety of award-winning beers, and I recommend the Great American Beer Festival Medal winner Bearded Pat’s Barleywine.
3. Apocalypse Brew Works
Apocalypse is one of Louisville’s newest microbreweries, opened in May of 2012. Many of their beers are rotated through a variety of drinking establishments in Louisville, from Zanzabar to Chili’s. Stop by Mellwood Avenue to check out Apocalypse!
4. Cumberland Brewery
Cumberland Brews is a locally-owned brewery and pub in the highlands. On Wednesdays you can get their delicious bison burger, fries, and a beer for $10! Check out their facebook page for more of their specials, and stop by Cumberland Brews on Bardstown Road.
5. Great Flood Brewing Company
Inspired by the Great Flood of 1937, Great Flood Brewing Company opened in April of this year and has already become a favorite in the Highlands. The three owners are 20-something University of Louisville graduates, but don’t let their youth fool you. These guys know their beer.
Bonus: New Albanian Brewing Company
While New Albanian Brewing Company is not actually located in the city of Louisville, it’s a great reason to cross the bridge. Located in the heart of downtown New Albany, the Bank Street Brewhouse features the NABC house beers in a warm, casual atmosphere. You can also get the NABC’s awesome house brews at their Pizzeria on Plaza Drive!
Did we forget your favorite? Leave it in the comments!
Images courtesy of Against the Grain’s Facebook page, Bluegrass Brewery Company’s Facebook page, Apocalypse Brew Works’ Facebook page, Cumberland Brewery’s Facebook page, Great Flood Brewing Company’s Facebook page, and New Albanian Brewing Company’s Facebook page.
