Campaign Pushes For Kentucky To Name State Beer

Kentucky is known for bourbon, but one local beer lover is hoping the state will take a look at another alcoholic beverage too.

Michael Moeller is the co-founder of the Louisville Ale Trail and is the man behind the campaign to get Kentucky Common named the official state beer.

Kentucky Common is a dark cream ale that was developed by German and Irish immigrants in Louisville. It was popular from the mid-1800s until Prohibition started in 1920.

In July, Moeller contacted Gov. Andy Beshear's office about naming Kentucky Common the official state beer through executive order because of its local history.

“I’ve always been drawn to the Kentucky Common story and Louisville’s beverage history. The fact that this style was once enjoyed by 75% of the drinking population in Louisville, pre-prohibition, is incredible. What’s more amazing to me, however, is that this is really only one of a few beer styles with origins in the United States," Moeller told Porch Drinking.

"Over the years, I’ve realized that story isn’t really talked about enough.”

Moeller's goal isn't too boot bourbon from the state's top spot, but to shine a light on the growing brewing industry in the state. In the past 5 years, the number of breweries in operation has grown from 34 to more than 90, according to Kentucky Tourism.

“My personal priority (and Louisville Ale’s Trail’s mission) is elevating Kentucky’s beer scene, to both residents and tourists. This is one step towards that goal," he told LEO Weekly.

Since the Kentucky General Assembly, not Beshear, is responsible for picking state symbols, Moeller launched a Change.org petition to get the state legislature's attention. So far 150 have signed it.