Louisville, KY, and Mammoth Caves National Park
Kentucky breweries themselves may not be on the proverbial beer map, but many breweries that are on the map earned their reputation thanks in no small part to Kentucky. Kentucky Bourbon, that is. And ever since the empty spirit barrels from the Bluegrass State have become a scorching hot commodity in the brewing world, not to mention the Southern Boho lifestyle that engulfs one of its fine college towns, “treasures abound for craft beer hunters in Louisville,” claims Blake Layne. “Recent renewal to the old city has fashioned it in the style of San Francisco and Austin as evidenced by the ubiquitously displayed quote, “Keep Louisville Weird.” To which beer towns amend, “Keep Louisville Beered.”
Layne doesn’t keep L’ville in good beer; he keeps the Southern Kentucky town of Bowling Green in great beer at Chuck’s Wine and Spirits (chucksliquoroutlets.com; 386 Three Springs Road, Bowling Green). Beyond stocking the shelves with a bottle selection one would expect to see in larger craft-happy metropolises, I once arrived at Chuck’s just in time for Layne’s pouring of samples including the coveted Founder’s Canadian Breakfast Stout.
Not a fast-paced city, part of Louisville’s charm is in simply enjoying a drink at the Seelbach Hotel (500 S. 4th St.), where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby. Not surprisingly, it boasts one of the world’s top bourbon bars. Afterward, stroll along The Riverwalk by the Ohio River, with beautiful gardens and fountains. Or head east to Bardstown Road, where visitors will find all manner of cafes and bars. Beer lovers tend to be whiskey lovers as well, so enjoy the local creation cocktail, an Old Fashioned, or a Mint Julep, de rigueur during Derby season in May.
