Beer Explorer

What are the best breweries in Kentucky? Whether you’re traveling or this is your home, how do you find the breweries that offer top craft beer in Kentucky so you can know which ones are the most worthwhile to check out? We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in Kentucky, based upon the ratings of actual fellow beer-lovers on Untapped. We hope this brewery guide will aid you in your brewery exploration of The Bluegrass State so that you can maximize your beer and brewery enjoyment. Happy beer exploring!

#5 Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. – 3.76 average Untapped rating

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is a prominent brewery and distillery located in Lexington, Kentucky. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is situated at 401 Cross St, Lexington, KY 40508, in the historic Distillery District of Lexington.

2. **Founding:** Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. has a rich history dating back to 1794 when it was originally established. The current iteration of the brewery and distillery was founded in 2000 by Pearse Lyons, an Irish entrepreneur with a passion for brewing and distilling.

3. **Brewing and Distilling Philosophy:** Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is renowned for its brewing and distilling expertise, producing a wide range of beers and spirits that reflect the rich heritage and traditions of Kentucky. They are known for their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation in both brewing and distilling.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of ales, lagers, stouts, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their iconic Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, a unique beer aged in freshly decanted bourbon barrels from nearby distilleries. In addition to their flagship beers, they also produce a range of other craft beers that showcase the flavors and ingredients of Kentucky.

5. **Distillery Products:** In addition to brewing beer, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. also produces a variety of spirits, including bourbon, whiskey, and vodka. Their spirits are crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality as their beers, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distilling techniques.

6. **Visitor Experience:** The brewery and distillery offer guided tours and tastings for visitors, providing an opportunity to learn about the brewing and distilling process firsthand. Guests can explore the facilities, see how their favorite beers and spirits are made, and sample a selection of products in the on-site tasting rooms.

7. **Distribution:** Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Kentucky and select locations outside the state. Their beers and spirits are also available for purchase online, allowing fans to enjoy them from the comfort of their own homes.

Overall, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is a beloved fixture in the Kentucky craft beer and spirits scene, known for its iconic beers, award-winning spirits, and commitment to quality and tradition. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Kentucky, a visit to their brewery and distillery is a must for anyone looking to experience the rich flavors and heritage of the Bluegrass State.

#4 Dreaming Creek Brewery – 3.84 average Untapped rating

Dreaming Creek Brewery is a craft brewery located in Richmond, Kentucky. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Dreaming Creek Brewery is situated at 109 E Irvine St, Richmond, KY 40475, in the heart of downtown Richmond.

2. **Founding:** Dreaming Creek Brewery was founded by Tom Brown in 2017. The brewery’s name pays homage to the nearby Dreaming Creek, which flows through Madison County. 

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Dreaming Creek Brewery is committed to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers that reflect the spirit and character of Kentucky. They aim to create beers that are approachable and enjoyable for a wide range of palates, while also incorporating unique flavors and ingredients inspired by the local landscape.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of ales, lagers, stouts, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their commitment to quality and consistency, with each beer showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the brewers. With a rotating tap list and occasional special releases, there’s always something new and exciting to try at Dreaming Creek Brewery.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Dreaming Creek Brewery provides a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a cozy and rustic ambiance, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source and often have the opportunity to chat with the brewers and learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Food:** While Dreaming Creek Brewery doesn’t have a kitchen, they often partner with local food trucks and vendors to offer a variety of delicious food options to complement their beers. Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of snacks, sandwiches, and other treats while sipping on their favorite brews.

7. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Dreaming Creek Brewery distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout the Richmond area. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it at their favorite local establishments and helps to spread the brewery’s reputation within the community.

Overall, Dreaming Creek Brewery offers a relaxed and community-oriented brewing experience in Richmond, with a focus on quality, creativity, and supporting local businesses. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to experience the vibrant craft beer scene in Kentucky.

#3 Rock House Brewing – 3.84 average Untapped rating

Rock House Brewing is a craft brewery nestled in Lexington, Kentucky. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Rock House Brewing is located at 119 Luigart Court, Lexington, KY 40508, in the historic Northside neighborhood of Lexington.

2. **Founding:** Rock House Brewing was founded by four friends – Derek DeFranco, Tim and Lacy Bryant, and Kenny Lovern. They shared a passion for homebrewing and a vision of creating a community-focused brewery in Lexington. The brewery officially opened its doors in 2015.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Rock House Brewing is committed to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers that celebrate the local culture and flavors of Kentucky. They emphasize using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting local farmers and businesses, and promoting sustainability in their brewing practices.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, ales, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their approachable and flavorful beers, which often feature innovative twists on classic styles. With a rotating tap list and occasional special releases, there’s always something new and exciting to try at Rock House Brewing.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Rock House Brewing provides a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a rustic and cozy ambiance, it’s the perfect place to unwind with friends or family. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source, enjoy live music or events, and relax in the outdoor beer garden during warmer months.

6. **Food:** While Rock House Brewing doesn’t have a kitchen, they often host food trucks and pop-up vendors, offering a variety of delicious food options to complement their beers. Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of local food offerings, ranging from BBQ and tacos to pizza and burgers.

7. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Rock House Brewing distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout the Lexington area. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it at their favorite local establishments and helps to spread the brewery’s reputation within the community.

Overall, Rock House Brewing offers a laid-back and community-oriented brewing experience in Lexington, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and supporting local businesses. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to experience the vibrant craft beer scene in Kentucky.

#2 Ethereal Brewing – 3.85 average Untapped rating

Ethereal Brewing is a well-regarded craft brewery located in Lexington, Kentucky. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Ethereal Brewing is situated at 1224 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40504, in the burgeoning Distillery District of Lexington.

2. **Founding:** Ethereal Brewing was founded by Brandon Floan and Andrew Bishop in 2014. The brewery’s mission is to create innovative and exceptional beers while fostering a sense of community and creativity in the Lexington area.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Ethereal Brewing is dedicated to producing high-quality, handcrafted beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are known for their commitment to experimentation and creativity in brewing.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their bold and flavorful beers, which often feature unique ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. With a rotating tap list and frequent new releases, there’s always something new and exciting to try at Ethereal Brewing.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Ethereal Brewing provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a modern and stylish design, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source and often have the opportunity to chat with the brewers and learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Food:** In addition to their exceptional beer offerings, Ethereal Brewing also features a food menu with a variety of delicious options designed to complement their beers. From small plates and shareable snacks to hearty entrees, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

7. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Ethereal Brewing distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout the Lexington area. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it at their favorite local establishments and helps to spread the brewery’s reputation within the community.

Overall, Ethereal Brewing offers a unique and enjoyable brewing experience in Lexington, with a focus on quality, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and styles.

#1 Mirror Twin Brewing – 3.93 average Untapped rating

Mirror Twin Brewing is a dynamic craft brewery located in Lexington, Kentucky. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Mirror Twin Brewing is situated at 725 National Ave, Lexington, KY 40502, in the thriving brewery district of Lexington.

2. **Founding:** Mirror Twin Brewing was founded by Derek and Evan Baer in 2017. The brewery’s name reflects the twin brothers’ shared passion for craft beer and their commitment to creating a unique and innovative brewing experience.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Mirror Twin Brewing is dedicated to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers that showcase a variety of styles and flavor profiles. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are known for their creativity and experimentation in brewing.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their commitment to quality and consistency, with each beer showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the brewers. With a rotating tap list and frequent new releases, there’s always something new and exciting to try at Mirror Twin Brewing.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Mirror Twin Brewing provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a modern and stylish design, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source and often have the opportunity to chat with the brewers and learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Food:** In addition to their exceptional beer offerings, Mirror Twin Brewing also features a food menu with a variety of delicious options designed to complement their beers. From small plates and shareable snacks to hearty entrees, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

7. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Mirror Twin Brewing distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout the Lexington area. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it at their favorite local establishments and helps to spread the brewery’s reputation within the community.

Overall, Mirror Twin Brewing offers a unique and enjoyable brewing experience in Lexington, with a focus on quality, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and styles.