Lexington Brewing Releases Kentucky Race Day Session IPA

Lexington Brewing Releases Kentucky Race Day Session IPA

This brew packs all the flavor of a traditional IPA, but with less alcohol at 4.5 percent ABV. Aromatic, light-bodied and refreshing, the brew is dry hopped with Hallertau hops from a traditional German hop-growing region sacred to many brewers, as well as Cascade and Calypso hops from America’s Yakima Valley. It’s a delightfully fruity, spicy and citrusy brew that can stand the test of a long day at the races.

“We were in the midst of finalizing our planning for the spring package release of Race Day when we heard about the fire at Old Friends thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky.”
– Jonathan Lang, marketing manager for ALBDC

Founded in 2003 by Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen, Old Friends is a non-profit organization that now cares for more than 150 former racehorses, including Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm and War Emblem and Breeder’s Cup Champions Alphabet Soup and Amazombie. In late January, a devastating fire destroyed one of the farm’s barns. The near-tragedy (no horses or humans were hurt) sparked an outpouring of support.

“We immediately began to think of ways we could help support the rebuilding of the barn and, more importantly, raise awareness about Old Friends’ mission,” said Lang. “With a very successful Breeders Cup in 2015 and the first Triple Crown winner in American Pharoah since 1978, interest in the thoroughbred racing industry is at an all-time high, but we should also remember the past champions that still deserve our admiration and care.”

“We’ve worked with Michael for several years now through various fundraising events and limited edition bottle releases to benefit Old Friends. With our Race Day launch, we’ve decided to continue this tradition by donating a portion of proceeds from April 1 through May 8 to Old Friends to help with the rebuilding process. We’re also very fortunate that our friends at Kentucky Eagle, who distribute our portfolio of beers and spirits throughout central Kentucky, agreed to partner with us on this effort.”
– Matt Cordle, territory sales manager for ALBDC

“When Jonathan and Matt approached me with this idea, I was just overwhelmed,” said Old Friends’ Blowen. “How could I resist a campaign that combined my two favorite things, horses and beer? In all seriousness, we are incredibly grateful for the amazing community support we have received since the fire. We’ve had a long and wonderful relationship with Alltech and we are happy to be continuing that tradition with Kentucky Race Day.”

Blowen noted that all of the donations received will go to rebuilding a new, fire-safe barn to replace the one destroyed and also to updating and fire-proofing an existing second barn on the property.

Kentucky Race Day Session IPA

Kentucky Race Day Session IPA is available now on draft, and look for six-pack bottles beginning March 28 in retail outlets. From April 1 through May 8, a portion of the proceeds from Kentucky Race Day Session IPA will help benefit Old Friends.

Follow the Kentucky Ale Facebook page or the @KentuckyAle on Twitter for updates as well as special events surrounding the release.

For more information about Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, visit KentuckyAle.com.

For more information about Old Friends, visit OldFriendsEquine.org.