Around Louisville, bourbon may be king, but a challenge to the throne is brewing.
Bourbon has reigned in Louisville since 1783 — it’s the birthplace of Bourbonism, after all — but the craft beer scene isn’t far behind. Derby City’s beer history spans over 175 years and it was once recognized as one of the top brewing cities in America.
Louisville created the Kentucky Common beer style in the 1850s, and with access to the almighty bourbon barrel, brewers are able to experiment to create some of the most beloved barrel-aged beers in the world.
Today, 20+ breweries are mashing and fermenting every day in the city. Here’s our guide to what’s on tap in Derby City.
Local LOU brews
3rd Turn Brewing, Two locations
Located in Jeffersontown, this brewery serves 20 taps in a restored church that was built in 1878 (10408 Watterson Trail) + slings brews in Oldham County at its three-acre outdoor beer garden (6300 Old Lagrange Rd., Crestwood).
Against the Grain Public House, Two locations
This award-winning brewery is Louisville’s first brewer-owned brewery with two locations in the city. ATG sells beers around the world, but you can grab one in the original location on Main Street (located in Louisville Slugger Field) where they use a 15-barrel tower brewhouse.
Akasha Brewing Company, 909 E. Market St.
This taproom in NuLu was started by two homebrewers with 25+ years of brewing experienceto. Stop by to sip suds, play board games, and enjoy outdoor seating. It’s home to Fehr’s XL, a brew with plenty of local history.
Apocalypse Brew Works, 1612 Mellwood Ave.
This brewery opened in 2012 to “brew beer for the masses and your survival” + support sustainability by employing solar-heated water, grain reuse, and material recycling.
Atrium Brewing, Two locations
Opened in 2020, this Shelby Park brewery is known for milkshake IPAs + pastry beers. It’s the full-time home to the Red Top Dogs — a food truck serving gourmet hot dogs.
Awry Brewing, 1025 Barret Ave.
There’s nothing awry about this place. Located in the former location of the Monkey Wrench + Chimera Brewing, you can get a bird’s eye view of the Highlands from the rooftop of this corner brewery, which opened in 2023.
Bluegrass Brewing Company, 300 W. Main St.
Open since 1993, BBC is an OG Louisville brewery. The original location in St. Matthews closed in 2017, but the downtown location at 300 W. Main St. (across from the KFC Yum! Center) still slings brews in a ~140-year-old building that’s listed on the National Historic Register.
Butchertown Brewing, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
This small batch brewery is located in the Mellwood Art Center, and specializes in beer-aged in spirit barrels.
Falls City Beer, 901 E. Liberty St.
With ties dating back to 1905, Falls City is one of Louisville’s oldest beer makers. The taproom in Phoenix Hill features a beer hall + outdoor beer garden.
Great Flood Brewing Co., 2120 Bardstown Rd.
Named after the Great Flood of 1937, this brewery opened in the Highlands in 2014.
Gallant Fox Brewing Company, 2132 Frankfort Ave.
Located in the Clifton neighborhood, Gallant Fox packages several of their beers in 16 oz cans. Savor a sip on one of the two outdoor patios.
Goodwood Brewing and Spirits, 636 E. Main St.
This downtown brewery embraces bourbon culture with their beer — try the Bourbon Barrel Stout — and believes that what’s good for bourbon is good for beer.
Gravely Brewing Co., 514 Baxter Ave.
Gravely is where beer enthusiasts, music lovers + foodies unite in this brewery and music venue.
Holsopple Brewing, 8023 Catherine Ln.
Enjoy neighborhood vibes in this family-friendly taproom that also dabbles in hard seltzer.
Milewide Beer Co., 636 Barret Ave.
Named after the width of the Ohio River, this brewery is known for beers named after pop culture icons + their taproom has pinball and outdoor beer garden.
Monnik Beer Company, 1036 E. Burnett Ave.
Located in the heart of Schnitzelburg, this brewery and restaurant is known for saison beers + use of local ingredients in its restaurant.
Old Louisville Brewery, 625 W. Magnolia Ave.
This microbrewery situated in Old Louisville is considered the smartest brewery in Louisville — the staff is made up of mostly teachers slinging beers in their off-hours.
Shippingport Brewing Co., 1221 W Main St.
Owned and operated by Portland neighborhood resident Amelia Pillow — formerly the head brewer at Against the Grain’s brewpub — opened her brewery in 2021, naming it after Shippingport Island on the Ohio River. The taproom serves hot-pressed deli sandwiches and soups daily.
Ten20 Craft Brewery, 1020 E. Washington St.
Located a few blocks from Lynn Family Stadium in Butchertown, this brewery is a perfect stop to kick it before a soccer match with its spacious taproom.
Wild Hops Brewery, 1001 Logan St.
Logan Street Market has a lot to offer including its own brewery from Safai coffee company. The bar also includes seasonal cocktails + guest drafts.
Beer sold — but not brewed — here
Sergio’s World Beers, 1605 Story Ave.
This staple beer bar is recognized by RateBeer as a top destination in the world to have beer. With 1,000+ beers from around the world packed into this dive bar, there’s something for everyone including cuisines of the world like Brazil’s national dish, Feijoada.
Highlands Tap Room, 1056 Bardstown Rd.
This local watering hole is home to two full bars housed side by side, with over 25 beers on tap, an ever-growing whiskey collection, and a full kitchen. It’s never a bad spot for some casual drinks + appetizers.
West Sixth NuLu, 817 E Market St. Suite 101
This Lexington-based brewery set up shop in NuLu Marketplace in May 2021. The brewery cans upward of 30 different beers throughout the year since its first West Sixth IPA + was the first major tenant announced for NuLu Marketplace development.
Hi-Wire Brewing, 642 Baxter Ave.
This Asheville, NC-based company came to Baxter Avenue in 2021, with a spacious indoor taproom. Pro tip: Bring your kicking shoes, there’s soccer pool at this brewery — it’s exactly what it sounds like.
