Gov. Beshear Unveils Official Kentucky State Parks 100th Anniversary Craft Beer
A portion of sales will go toward future state park improvements
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 27, 2024) – Following the launch of the New Kentucky Home marketing initiative, Gov. Andy Beshear joined Against the Grain Brewery and tourism and state parks leaders at Natural Bridge State Resort Park to announce the official Kentucky State Parks 100th Anniversary craft beer. Five percent of sales will go toward future improvements to the Kentucky State Parks system.
“Cheers to 100 years of Kentucky State Parks,” said Gov. Beshear. “As we celebrate this incredible milestone, it’s vital to remember that a portion of every sale of our special anniversary craft beer will directly support the future improvement of our beloved state parks.”
In celebration of 100 years, Kentucky State Parks partnered with Louisville-based Against the Grain brewery to produce a craft beer for state park enthusiasts to enjoy. The light lager beer will be available for purchase in four packs of 16-ounce cans. Prices may vary based on the retailer.
“At Against the Grain, we are deeply honored to be part of this significant milestone. Brewing beer for our community is at the heart of what we do, and celebrating the 100th anniversary of Kentucky State Parks with our 100th anniversary lager is a true full-circle moment,” said Sam Cruz, co-owner of Against the Grain Brewery. “Our commitment to crafting exceptional Kentucky-made beer while supporting one of our state’s most cherished and beautiful assets is woven into the fabric of who we are – and we’re excited to share a pint with you all!”
Customers can purchase the official anniversary beer at participating state parks and retailers starting in mid-December. The following state parks will carry the beer through their restaurants and shops:
- Barren River State Resort Park, Barren County.
- Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Robertson County.
- Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Perry County.
- Carter Caves State Resort Park, Carter County. (Four-packs available for purchase.)
- Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Clinton County. (Four-packs available for purchase.)
- Ft. Boonesborough State Park, Madison County. (Four-packs available for purchase.)
- General Burnside State Park, Pulaski County.
- General Butler State Resort Park, Carroll County.
- Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Floyd County. (Four-packs available for purchase.)
- John James Audubon State Park, Henderson County.
- Kenlake State Resort Park, Calloway County.
- Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall County.
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Trigg County. (Four-packs available for purchase.)
- Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Russell County. (Four-packs available for purchase.)
- Mineral Mound State Park, Lyon County.
- My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Nelson County. (Four-packs available for purchase.)
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Powell County.
- Old Fort Harrod State Park, Mercer County.
- Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Bell County.
- Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Grayson County. (Four-packs available for purchase.)
Against the Grain Brewery in Louisville and the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington will also sell the anniversary lager.
“What a tremendous way to toast Kentucky State Parks and the important role they play in Kentucky tourism,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “Kentuckians and visitors alike can enjoy a specially made Against the Grain lager in commemoration of the parks system’s centennial. This innovative partnership will allow folks from near and far to join in the celebration.”
“We are incredibly excited to unveil the official Kentucky State Parks 100th anniversary beer,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “This is a wonderful way to celebrate our parks while supporting Kentucky craft beer. Thanks to Against the Grain for working with us on this fantastic collaboration.”
Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses, with breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls and wildlife, scenic hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing, boating, kayaking, nationally recognized golf courses, camping, lodges, historic sites, museums and more offering opportunities for exploration, entertainment and education to Kentuckians and visitors from across the world. Along with their natural, historic and economic significance, Gov. Beshear has used Kentucky State Parks and their dedicated teams to respond to tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters by opening their doors to Kentuckians during difficult times.
During the legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 56, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects, including building system upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed House Bill 6, allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various state parks.
Gov. Beshear recently announced that Leitchfield in Grayson County has officially been certified as the commonwealth’s 30th Kentucky Trail Town. The Kentucky Trail Town program, managed by Kentucky State Parks, is a tourism and economic development program designed to provide a strategic plan for communities to capitalize on recreation opportunities within their communities.
Leitchfield’s Kentucky Trail Town certification follows the Governor’s announcement in August that $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote recreational projects.
Earlier this year, the Governor announced that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022 when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and secured 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last four years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration's continued investments in the tourism industry.
In November 2023, Gov. Beshear announced that the commonwealth broke an all-time record with nine new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $292.1 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 550 jobs once operational. Through October 2024, nine tourism development projects have an estimated investment of $251.5 million. The projects will provide 352 full-time jobs and 1,326 part-time jobs once operational.
The state’s bourbon and spirits industry recorded its best year for growth in 2022, with over $2.1 billion in new investments and approximately 700 new jobs for Kentucky residents. The sector followed with a strong 2023, including $713.8 million in new investments and 229 full-time jobs. Since the start of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced roughly 100 new location and expansion projects within the bourbon and spirits sector, contributing to over $4.2 billion in new investments and more than 1,800 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.
In 2022, Gov. Beshear announced $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated $5.3 million in federal funding to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling nearly $34 billion in announced investments, creating roughly 57,500 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
About Against the Grain (ATG) Brewery
Against the Grain Brewery, established in 2011, revolutionized Louisville’s craft beer scene by introducing a vibrant array of innovative brews that broke away from the traditional norms of the 90s. Founded by a passionate team of Jerry Gnagy, Sam Cruz, Adam Watson and Andrew Ott, the brewery emerged as Louisville’s first brewer-owned and operated facility. Situated at Louisville Slugger Field Stadium, ATG features a one-of-a-kind Victorian-inspired brewhouse paired with a thoughtfully crafted, inventive pub menu. The restaurant blends rich history with modern flair, creating a distinctive dining experience that’s both immersive and memorable. Against the Grain has redefined local beer culture by offering diverse selections across six main styles: Session, Hop, Whim, Malt, Dark and Smoke. Their commitment to creativity and quality has transformed the local landscape, making beer both exciting and enjoyable for all.
Kentucky State Parks is planning a series of events and programming throughout 2024 to celebrate its 100th anniversary. For the latest updates and information, visit Celebrating 100 Years (ky.gov). For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
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