Director's Take

Steins on Main

10-06-2023

Louisville and Kentucky are the epicenter of the international bourbon world. This is an important accolade as it has completely transformed our tourism, cuisine, and downtown experiences in the past decade. But there are people who may have different drinking preferences and this bragging point may fall flat if you don’t know how to decipher the caramel or nutty or spice flavor profiles of a fine bourbon.
 
I love the idea of bourbon, but I’m here to take a stand for beer. We currently have about 27 breweries in Louisville… up from only six breweries ten years ago. Before Prohibition, Louisville had 58 breweries! With strong German and Irish roots, it’s no surprise Louisville had a significant showing for beer. Beer, like spirits in general, is a great social common denominator… people like to come together to watch sporting events, share a table with friends, or just belly up to a bar to unwind. Beer is affordable, it’s drinkable, and there are enough kinds of it to appeal to all.
 
Maybe it’s because I love beer, or because I am 50% German, or because I just love a good event… no matter the reason, LDP just co-hosted our first inaugural Steins on Main with Louisville Ale Trail and Against the Grain. We dreamed up a new Oktoberfest for our city, and y’all showed up! It was a beautiful day in Downtown last Saturday and locals and tourists alike got a great taste of quality local craft beer. And not to be mistaken for just a beer fest, Steins on Main also was chock full of events, including a yodeling contest, a best-dressed contest, a stein hoisting contest, and German inspired music, dancing, and food. Extra thanks to our sponsor MAPS Security and German American Club, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Frazier History Museum, and Coalition for the Homeless for representing.
 
Stay tuned for Steins on Main 2024… and in the meanwhile, I hope to grab a beer with you soon!