Derby day is a big deal if you’ve got Kentucky running through your blood.  I think it should be pretty obvious that Covington’s Braxton Brewing Company certainly has a lot of the bluegrass state running through theirs.  In honor of the yearly running of the Kentucky Derby they throw a massive party to celebrate.  It’s a party that’s capped off with the release of their Mint Julep inspired beer called ‘Kentucky Home’.

2017 is the third release for the beer, and the second that we’ll be seeing it in its 22oz bomber bottles – but this year it’s getting a little bit of a refresh, with a new base beer.

About Kentucky Home

This years release starts off with a base of a Golden Strong Ale, instead of the previous Cream Ale base.  This stronger style results in a beer that’s around 9.5% ABV and according to the brewery it stands up to the time it has spent in Bourbon barrels much better.

Speaking of barrels, this one spent a several week aging period in freshly dumped Woodford Reserve barrels.  It’s then topped off with fresh mint to kick it into the cocktail flavor category that it’s designed to mimic.

The bottle label tells a little bit of the story of Kentucky Home:

There’s magic in that moment.  As the thoroughbreds stride from the paddock to the Post Parade the crowd rises, the familiar music begins, and together everyone sings “My Old Kentucky Home.”  Yet that tradition, growing ever more beautiful by the year, isn’t the only one on that first Saturday in May.  There are roses, Mint Juleps (oh, the Mint Juleps), and of course, the most exciting two minutes in sports.  So let’s lift one to the traditions that make this Commonwealth uncommon.  Enjoy this Kentucky Home, a smooth blend of our beer with hints of Julep Bourbon and oak.  They’re at the post…

The Release

You can get your bottles at Braxton for $10.99 – though I’m assuming that like last year, they made enough that it will see some distribution around town as well. If you really want to do this right, though, you need to get to one fo the release events around town, where they serve the beer in this years Derby glass.

If you want to do it the best way, there’s only one choice, though.  You’ve got to get to the taproom on May 6th, 2017 for their Derby Party.  They’ll be pouring Kentucky Home alongside their other taps, and of course have the race on tv.  It’s your chance to make their tradition a little part of yours, I think.