As the craft beer industry experiences unprecedented growth, Alltech is hosting the region’s largest craft beer and food festival Saturday, May 17 in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. The inaugural Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fest will take place at the Lexington Convention Center from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will give attendees the opportunity to sample more than 120 beers brewed by 40 breweries from across the nation, alongside artisan food samples from local and international food vendors. The event will build on the success of Alltech’s recent International Craft Brews and Food Fair in Ireland and its Savor Kentucky event at the Alltech Arena last October.
The festival will also feature the first professional craft beer competition in Kentucky, the Alltech Commonwealth Craft Beer Cup, and local entertainment. The Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fest will serve as one of the culminating events for the 2nd Annual Lexington Craft Beer Week, an annual celebration of Lexington’s craft beer culture and best brews, running from May 10 to 18.
Early bird tickets are available for the festival until Tuesday, April 22, for $25, which offers participants 15 3-ounce pours. Ticket prices increase to $30 after Tuesday. A list of confirmed breweries is available at www.AlltechBrewsandFood.com, and includes such well-respected craft breweries as Three Floyds Brewing, Left Hand Brewing, Founders Brewing Co., as well as local favorites like Blue Stallion Brewing Co., Country Boy Brewing and the Kentucky Ale® family of beers from Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co.
“For years Kentucky has been synonymous with bourbon, and rightly so,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech. “However, there is a craft beer revolution going on right here in Kentucky and what better way to highlight that than by showcasing some of Kentucky’s finest local beers side by side with some of our country’s finest? In fact, while the rest of the beer industry is flat, craft beer sales rose 18 percent in 2013. While they are 9 percent of total volume sales, they make up 15 percent in total revenues.”
With many events throughout the week, Lexington will be centerstage for Kentucky breweries and a highlight for craft beer lovers in the area. With 40 breweries each serving three different beers – including ever-popular rare special tappings – Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fest organizers expect 5,000 people from Kentucky, surrounding states, and abroad. It’s anticipated that up to 20 percent of attendees will be from outside the United States, demonstrating the popularity of American craft beers.
In addition to craft brewers, local restaurants and food makers will also be in attendance to offer free samples, as well as food items for purchase. Food offerings will include small plates from Enoteca, bourbon-infused delicacies from Bourbon Barrel Foods, international biscuits from Seymour’s of Cork, artisanal cheeses from Boone Creek Creamery, to-go orders from Dupree Catering, desserts by The Sweet Spot and more.
Several local bands will be on hand to entertain the crowd, including honky-tonk soul favorites Coralee and the Townies, acoustic singer Jordan English, guitar virtuoso Ben Lacy, and rock and soul by the DeBraun Thomas Trio.
The winners of the first annual Alltech Commonwealth Craft Beer Cup will be announced on Saturday evening after two days of blind tasting according to standard beer judging procedures by a panel of independent industry veterans. Gold, silver, and bronze medals will also be awarded to top brews. The Alltech Dublin Craft Beer Cup in February boasted more than 300 entries, and it is expected that 1,000 beers from around the world will enter the Lexington-based competition.
Tickets range from $25 early bird tickets bought prior to April 22 to $30 advance tickets and $35 for tickets purchased at the door. All tickets will include 15 3-ounce samples, a commemorative glass, food samples, and free entertainment. Designated driver tickets are available online for $10.
The Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fest will serve as a kickoff event to the 30th Annual Alltech International Symposium in downtown Lexington, Ky., USA, from May 18-21, that boasts the curiosity-invoking theme this year of “What If?” With a new format in 2014, the popular yearly event will explore the question of “What If?” in sessions focusing on Crop Science, Life Sciences, Africa, Business and Technology, Modern Farming, and The Algae Opportunity.
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