Top 5: Craft Breweries to Visit in Kentucky

While some may only associate Kentucky with bourbon, the state also has some pretty great craft brews. Here are the five craft breweries to add to your itinerary when you visit the Bluegrass State.

West Sixth Brewing, Lexington

Easily one of the most popular craft brewers in Kentucky, West Sixth Brewing offers several year-round beers easily obtained at retail shops and bars throughout the state, as well as at the Lexington brewery location. Stop by for special events — like yoga and beer nights — or just a tour of the facilities.

Braxton Brewing Company, Covington

Closer to Cincinnati and the Ohio state line, Braxton Brewing Company faces some Buckeye competition, but it claims its fair share of the craft brew aficionados in the region. The resident brewer got his start in his garage as a teen and the results are admirable.

Country Boy Brewing, Lexington

Back in Lexington, Country Boy Brewing has a brand many Kentuckians will find charming. The brewery’s been at it for around seven years now, and serves up comedically named brews, like Cougar Bait and Shotgun Wedding.

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., Lexington

When you see this brand on the shelf, it’s not hard to recognize it’s from Kentucky. The longneck packaging sports a bourbon barrel and thoroughbred. While it got its start as a craft brewery, it’s more mid-sized now, but you can still take a tour of the modern and futuristic distillery and brewery when you visit Lexington.

Against the Grain, Louisville

While, again, Louisville’s bourbon roots run deep, it, too, offers more beer options these days. Against the Grain is one such brewery to visit, with a brewpub right in downtown Louisville. There are rotating brews to choose from, some come around more often than others, like the favorite Citra Ass Down IPA.