Keeneland and Country Boy Brewing will unveil the new Keeneland Sale Ale, a small-batch beer produced by the local brewery designed to promote and celebrate Keeneland’s world-renowned September Yearling Sale in the Central Kentucky community.
The Keeneland Sale Ale is a unique pale ale featuring aramis, a high-quality single malt hops grown in France specifically imported for this brew. The beer will be available on tap at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion and in 40 local restaurants beginning Friday, Sept. 5 and throughout the September Sale, which runs Sept. 8-21. Special taps featuring the Keeneland Sale Ale logo have been designed by Frankfort, Ky., craftsman Derek Rayborn.
“For us to partner with Keeneland is a dream come true,” said Country Boy Brewing Co-Owner and General Manager Daniel Harrison. “Keeneland is an institution, not only in Lexington but in the world. Two years ago if you had asked us if we’d be a part of something like this I would have said you were crazy. We’re really excited. We think this will build a lot of momentum and is something special for us and for Lexington.”
Keeneland’s September Sale is the world’s most prestigious Thoroughbred auction and attracts buyers and sellers from all corners of the globe.
“Keeneland’s September Sale brings clients from across the United States and some 50 countries to Lexington and Central Kentucky,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “The sale provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the specialness of our local community to a worldwide audience.”
Country Boy Brewing opened in February 2012 in Lexington and has grown from a small taproom into a popular regional brewery. Country Boy is known for brewing fresh, minimally processed beers and a willingness to think outside the box by using high-end ingredients to make uniquely flavored beers.
“Everyone has a local beer so when people come to Lexington from out of town they want to experience local food and drinks,” Harrison said. “To have them see what our brand has to offer, we can’t put a value on that and how cool it is. We were all for this tie-in to Keeneland. To make just a straightforward, good beer that represents Keeneland and the sale was really fun.”
A list of participating local restaurants can be found here.
