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Lexington Distilling

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. 25th Anniversary Celebration to Begin October 1st A Week-Month of Festivities to Celebrate 25 Years!

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LEXINGTON, Ky., September 12, 2024— Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, announces early preparations for its upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration in October 2024. As Bourbon Heritage Month winds down at the end of September, we’re excited to keep the festivities going and extend the celebration into October for our anniversary. Join us for a month filled with special events and activities designed to continue the excitement and honor our rich history.

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

October marks the anniversary month for the modern-day Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., which has been proudly and independently owned and operated by the Lyons family since 1999, when the operation was acquired.

The first era of Lexington Brewing Co. began in the 1890s and ended during Prohibition, with the brewery changing ownership several times in the decades that followed. When Pearse Lyons and his son, Mark, explored the brewery in 1999, it was still in operation but required significant improvement and modernization. Pearse, a visionary and entrepreneur, recognized its potential due to its iconic past. Fueled by a passion for brewing and distilling that runs through the Lyons family’s lineage of Irish coopers, Pearse revived Lexington Brewing Co. and restored a craft beer tradition dating back to the 1700s. Brewing resumed immediately, and by 2006, the first freshly decanted bourbon barrels were filled with Kentucky Ale®, paving the way for what is now one of the largest barrel-aged beer facilities in the world and the creators of the renowned Kentucky® Bourbon Barrel Ale. Upcycling fresh bourbon barrels to produce barrel-aged beer quickly became a hallmark of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Pearse’s vision naturally extended to distilling, given his background in fermentation, his family’s heritage, and Kentucky’s bourbon tradition. In the spring of 2008, two copper pot stills commissioned from Scotland arrived in Lexington, and distillation began that autumn. Four years later, in autumn 2012, the ribbon was cut on Town Branch Distillery, located across from the brewery. This marked the opening of the first new distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, in over 100 years and officially made it the 7th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Those gleaming copper pot stills now stand as a testament to timeless traditions and the bold imagination of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. as it prepares to celebrate a milestone of 25 years.

A Week-Month of Festivities to Celebrate 25 Years

Join us in October for a weeklong celebration of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.’s 25th anniversary, where we’re pulling out all the stops to mark this milestone in style! From October 1st to October 5th, the Visitor Center will be the epicenter of festivities, featuring exclusive tastings, unique releases, and vibrant events that highlight our rich tradition and innovation.

Kick off the week with a series of exciting whiskey and beer releases, featuring a 5-year aged and barrel-proof beer, the oldest Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey ever bottled-in-bond, and two new whiskey releases showcasing our freshly matured wheated bourbon mash bill. Enjoy music, delicious food, and craft cocktails designed to complement these special releases throughout the week. We’ll also host lively parties, including a finish line bash for the Ragnar Bourbon Chase, complete with a DJ, food trucks, and a Kentucky Bourbon Trail tasting area. Stay tuned for additional festivities throughout October as we continue to celebrate our 25th Anniversary.

This is more than just a celebration—it’s a tribute to the passion and dedication that have defined our 25 years. We invite you to raise a glass with us, explore our special releases, and experience the spirit of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. during this unforgettable week of festivities.

25th Anniversary Week-Month Celebration Highlights:

Annual Cocktail Book + Whiskey Release Tasting – Tuesday October 1st @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)

25th Anniversary Cocktail Book w/ recipes from bars/bartenders around the world and for sale onsite only
Town Branch Overproof Kentucky Straight Whiskey – New Release & Complimentary Token Tasting
Town Branch 7yr Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey – Allocated Release & Complimentary Token Tasting
Happy Hour Menu + Outside Music and Mingling (Weather Permitting)

Kentucky® Pumpkin Barrel Ale Fest – Wednesday October 2nd @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)

Vintage 2023 Kentucky® Pumpkin Barrel Ale Release + Charity Pumpkin Fest Fundraiser
Kentucky® Pumpkin Barrel Ale Complimentary Token Tasting
Happy Hour Drinks w/ Pumpkin Inspired Hand-Crafted Cocktails

25th Anniversary Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon Release – Thursday October 3rd @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)

Town Branch 25th Anniversary Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon Release + Complimentary Token Tasting
Happy Hour Menu w/ Overproof Inspired Cocktails
After Party at Bluegrass Tavern – 8pm to Late (115 Cheapside, Lexington, KY 40507)

25th Anniversary Liars & Lambs Beer Release (Kentucky Only) – Friday October 4th @ Visitor Center (4pm-7pm)

Liars & Lambs Raspberry Brown Ale – Kentucky Only Release + Complimentary Token Tasting
Happy Hour Menu w/ Beer & Spirits Specials
After Party at The Jockey Bar + Tap Takeover – 8pm to Late (131 Cheapside, Lexington, KY 40507)

Ragnar Bourbon Chase Finish Line Party – Saturday October 5th @ Visitor Center (10am-8pm)

Finish Line Party w/ DJ, Food Trucks, Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tasting Area
Special Releases available within the Visitor Center – Merch, Bottles, Drinks, etc.

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Committed to sustainability, every emptied barrel is upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to create exceptional beer and spirits.

About Town Branch Distillery:

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®?. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel’s legacy continues within our diverse product line.

About Kentucky®? Barrel-Aged Beers:

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®?, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Announced Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale

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LEXINGTON, Kentucky— Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, announces its newest seasonal release beer this week with nationwide availability for its Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale (SRP $14.99 / 4pk Bottles). This is a seasonal beer release.

Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale – 10% ABV

Inspired by the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, this is truly a Beer Born In Bourbon. This seasonal beer release is brewed with cherries and orange peel, but most importantly it is aged in freshly decanted Bourbon barrels to achieve a barrel-aged beer full of timeless flavor and with bold ambition. Even though February is the shortest month of the year, just like this beer, February is packed full of “flavor”. According to the internet, the month of February is host to over 500 holidays. Certainly, there are several occasions perfect to celebrate alongside a Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale, whether it be for something recognizable such as Valentines Day, President’s Day or Mardi Gras, or maybe something a bit more unusual like Bubble Gum Day or International Tug of War Day. No matter the occasion, this 10% ABV, 100% bourbon barrel-aged beer is perfect for celebrating your successful (or slightly unsuccessful) Dry January endeavors.

The New Way To Old Fashioned

Coming in at an uncharacteristically high 10% abv versus 8.0% abv as per other previous seasonal releases – simply put by the innovation team at Lexington, “…this one just needed more booze to live up to its namesake.” Coaxing the flavors of an iconic cocktail out of a beer can be tricky, but given Lexington is home to the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, they are aptly suited to the task. Access to some of the freshest ex-bourbon barrels in Kentucky including their own from Town Branch Bourbon barrels, nearly 20-years’ experience barrel-aging beers and an expertise in distillation provides the perfect catalyst when blurring the lines between cocktail and beer – all in one bottle. This first seasonal release beer for 2024 also kickstarts a new campaign towards The New Way To Old Fashioned at Lexington which encompasses several lean-ins inspired by the classic cocktail which will include Overproof Cocktails, a sustainability platform of Wood, Water & What Lies Ahead and some savvy social media engagement geared towards slowing things down and taking things #OldFashioned

Brand Highlights:

Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale (SRP $14.99 / 4pk Bottles)

Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale is brewed with cherries and orange delivering hints of vanilla, dried fruit, spices and bitter orange. 100% barrel-aged in freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon Barrels. Malt Types: Crystal Dark Malt, 2-Row Malt, Aromatic Munich Malt, Caramel Malt Hop Types: Willamette, Nugget, Lemondrop, Orange Peel ABV: 10% abv/ 20 Proof Estimated Availability: February 2024 [Estimated ~6,000 cases available to the US mkt]Cellar Regiment: Cellar Temperature: 42-degrees Fahrenheit Barrel Type: Freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon Barrels Tasting Notes: Appearance: Dark Copper Aroma: Cocktail, cherry and orange citrus Palate: Oak, vanilla, zesty orange, spice Finish: Sticky, boozy and warming

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Located in Lexington, Ky., Lexington Brewing Co. began in 1890 and was revitalized in 1999 by the late Dr. Pearse Lyons and his son Dr. Mark Lyons as Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Dr. Pearse Lyons was a visionary Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. Lyons also founded Alltech, a global animal health and nutrition company. Today, both businesses are led by his son, Dr. Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family to be in the brewing, distilling and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is home to the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Town Branch Distillery, a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Every emptied barrel is sustainably upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to produce world-class beer and spirits.

About Town Branch Distillery

Located in Lexington, Ky., Town Branch Distillery is the first new distillery to open in Lexington, Ky. since Prohibition and part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It crafts the award-winning Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch Bourbon plays an integral role in production, where the used barrels are upcycled to craft a range of whiskey and barrel-aged beers internally over the lifetime of each barrel, including the flagship brew, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.

About Kentucky Barrel-Aged Beers

The Kentucky range of beers by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail focuses on the art of barrel-aging beer as one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands in the world. With its easy access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels and its inclusion as 1 of 18 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distilleries (Town Branch Distillery), Lexington capitalizes on the freshness of the barrel to create a style of barrel-aged beer unlike any other brewery in America. It crafts the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale and an assortment of Kentucky Barrel-Aged Seasonal/Specialty releases.

About Alltech

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. We are a global leader in the agriculture industry. Our team produces specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family-owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation. We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. Together, we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech serves customers in more than 120 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 80 manufacturing facilities across the globe.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

The Tale of Two Maples From Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

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LEXINGTON, Kentucky— Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, announces a second-time limited release Bourbon expression in conjunction with a third-time limited release Kentucky Bourbon Barrel-Aged Beer just in time for the holidays. Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon (SRP $69.99 / 750ml) and Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout (SRP $19.99 / 4pk Cans) are now available nationwide in limited quantities.

In late 2021, Lexington made its first release of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout after 18-months of aging in barrels that had previously held Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then maple syrup as a second fill. This first release of the award-winning beer inspired a multi-year commission of several releases to come between beer and spirits in pursuance of the Life of the Barrel.

After decanting the inaugural batch of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels, they were quickly allocated to the distillery production team and re-filled with Town Branch Bourbon to let those barrels finish, achieving flavors of the beer alongside traditional flavors of bourbon. The blending team at Town Branch Distillery acknowledges that “Not all ex-beer barrels work for finishing bourbon, but something like a big 12% abv Imperial Maple Stout was too good to pass up the opportunity to try, especially from our own brewing team.”

Over a year later in September 2022, the first release of Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon saw about half the barrels blended and released in tandem with the second release of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month. The result, a distinctly finished Bourbon where flavors of beer-meets-bourbon collide, all the while building upon the DNA of all the products to rest within the Life of the Barrel. The remaining bourbon barrels not emptied would continue their finishing journey for an extended period.

Skip forward to 2023 – after the Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout took home a Gold Medal “Style Winner” for Worlds Best Flavoured Stout in the 2022 World Beer Awards, the dynamic duo again would be commissioned for release. Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon will release this year, older, wiser and this time around with double the finishing time as was the previous release.

What’s next? – with a handful of bourbon barrels still resting in the projects original ex- Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels and scheduled to be released in 2024 with over 3-years finishing time, the brewery has also already laid down another brew to align for release.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon (SRP $69.99/750ml)

A unique expression of Town Branch Bourbon finished in freshly decanted Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels to add flavors of the beer alongside traditional flavors of bourbon.

2022 Release – 1-year finishing time in barrel

2023 Release – 2-years finishing time in barrel

Mash Bill: Town Branch Bourbon, finished (72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley)

ABV: 47% / 94 Proof

Estimated Availability: 2022 = 1,100 cases / 2023 = 750 cases

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Dark hue from double finishing

Aroma: Hints of roasted malt, cocoa, oak, and maple syrup

Palate: Roasted malt, cocoa, brown sugar, cherry, and vanilla

Finish: Oak, caramel, and rich maple syrup

Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout (SRP $19.99 / 4pk Cans)

A bold imperial stout brewed with brown sugar, evoking flavors of roasted malt and cocoa. This brew was aged for 18-months in freshly decanted maple syrup bourbon barrels.

Malt Types: Carapils, Chocolate, Crystal 80 and 2-Row Pale Ale

ABV: 12% / 24 Proof

Estimated Availability: November YR1 = 2,200 cs / YR2 = 2,300 cs / YR3 (current release) = 1,950 cs

Cellar Regiment:

Temperature Cellared: 42-degrees Fahrenheit

Barrel Type: Freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon Barrels

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Dark and toffee

Aroma:Caramel and sweet roasty notes

Palate: Rich and full

Finish: Sweet molasses and full

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Located in Lexington, Ky., Lexington Brewing Co. began in 1890 and was revitalized in 1999 by the late Dr. Pearse Lyons and his son Dr. Mark Lyons as Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Dr. Pearse Lyons was a visionary Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. Lyons also founded Alltech, a global animal health and nutrition company. Today, both businesses are led by his son, Dr. Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family to be in the brewing, distilling and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is home to the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Town Branch Distillery, a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Every emptied barrel is sustainably upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to produce world-class beer and spirits.

About Town Branch Distillery

Located in Lexington, Ky., Town Branch Distillery is the first new distillery to open in Lexington, Ky. since Prohibition and part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It crafts the award-winning Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch Bourbon plays an integral role in production, where the used barrels are upcycled to craft a range of whiskey and barrel-aged beers internally over the lifetime of each barrel, including the flagship brew, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.

About Kentucky Barrel-Aged Beers

The Kentucky range of beers by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail focuses on the art of barrel-aging beer as one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands in the world. With its easy access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels and its inclusion as 1 of 18 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distilleries (Town Branch Distillery), Lexington capitalizes on the freshness of the barrel to create a style of barrel-aged beer unlike any other brewery in America. It crafts the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale and an assortment of Kentucky Barrel-Aged Seasonal/Specialty releases.

About Alltech

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. We are a global leader in the agriculture industry. Our team produces specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family-owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation. We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. Together, we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech serves customers in more than 120 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 80 manufacturing facilities across the globe.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.