I found a hidden gem in the hills of Kentucky. Tucked away in Frankfort, KY is Sig Luscher Brewery. The only brewery in the capital of Kentucky and the oldest brewery in the state as well as the eighth oldest in the USA. You heard me. It is a unique place and a unique location. It is a small place across the street from the caves where the original Sig Luscher used to store his barrels of beer. Unfortunately, now there is the state transportation department building and they filled those caves with backfill during construction several years ago. No respect. The original brewery was founded in 1866 by Sig Luscher and has been resurrected by his great-great-great grandson. I was lucky to get to talk to the first employee and head brewer of this iteration, Dylan Greenwood. He talks about Sig Luscher and the origins of this beer oasis in the hills. Check out the interview below.
It was enjoyable hanging out and having a beer with Dylan at this overlooked beer oasis. Their goal is to have a handful of beer styles and have the healthiest and cleanest beer around. You will know that it is quality from the first sip. Sig, the brewery founder, was from Switzerland and by all accounts, quite a character. Sig wanted European style beers that are easy drinking. Sig Luscher, and his descendants, want to keep it simple. Their beer philosophy is to brew four or five beers and make them really good. Keep it simple.
I’m not usually a fan of dark beers but they had a black Schwarbier with a fast finish that was a fine beer. The real gem, in my opinion, was the Kentucky Common. That Kentucky Common tantalized the taste buds. It was clean but had a nice linger that left me wanting more. The Kentucky Common is worth the trip. If you are anywhere close to Frankfurt and you consider yourself into beer, you have to make time for a quick stop at Sig Luscher. Also, they had available an Amber Wheated that was outstanding. It was a little dry at the end which is a good thing.
A couple things that need to be mentioned. The original Sig Luscher was a character and there are plenty of stories that float around to support that. It is worth the trip to catch Dylan, or someone versed in the history of Sig Luscher, and listen to the stories of how Sig promoted his beer oasis in the hills of Kentucky. Of course, a beer or three will help in the enjoyment of the tales.
If you would like more information about Sig Luscher, please visit their website at:
https://www.sigluscherbrewery.com
The place is full of history and beer. What a great combination.
