Pride Y'all -- All Year, Every Year

Happy Pride, Y’all! 

I write this blog post with the clear, and upfront intention of promoting the Gay Agenda. I am the Marketing and Branding Assistant at West Sixth Brewing, and I am a bisexual woman. 

Over the last year, queer Kentuckians have been under direct attack. As a brewery that started in the heart of downtown Lexington, it is important to acknowledge our current political climate. “Don’t Say Gay” bills & anti-trans legislation have been at the heart of the local conversation of late. Local LGBTQ businesses were graffitied with hate speech earlier this year. 

Pride is not unaccustomed to happening in the midst of struggle. As you may well know, the first Pride was a Riot.  On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club, in New York City’s Greenwich village. In response, the patrons and the surrounding neighborhood rioted & protested for six days, resisting the brutality the police displayed towards the employees & guests of the Stonewall Inn during their initial raid. Six days of protest, and violent clashes with the police, that sparked a gay rights movement, and yes, the declaration of June as “Pride Month.” 

You can read more about the Stonewall Riots here. 

Somewhere along the way, this riot became overrun by rainbow washing. People were given an excuse to wear rainbows, and get drunk in public spaces. Companies took this opportunity to make more money, without supporting the cause in any meaningful way. But, for the gay community, the struggle never ended. The rainbows became annoying – especially because they disappeared on July 1 as quickly as they came out on June 1. 

West Sixth is not this company. While, we acknowledge, there is always room for conversation & improvement, we have been community focused & strived to be LGBTQ friendly since we opened our doors. For us, Pride never ends. 

Five years ago, we brewed our first batch of Pride, Y’all at West Sixth. Through this can, and before it even existed, we have donated proceeds to local pride festivals – big and small. We are proud to be a sponsor of Lexington Pride since 2014, and a yearly vendor at both the Louisville and Kentuckiana Pride Festivals. West Sixth donates year round, and often focuses these efforts towards the LGBTQ+ movement. You can read more about our give back programs here. 

We also cosigned this petition from Lex Have Pride, which was created in response to the aforementioned “Don’t Say Gay” bills, and outlines current legislative and community demands from the LGBTQ+ community. 

Beer is for Everyone. That’s what all of us at West Sixth believe. I hope that when you walk into our taprooms, whether it’s our flagship location in Lexington, West Sixth NuLu, the West Sixth Farm, or our little box on the Newport Levee – you feel that. All year long. 

I encourage you to continue your Pride past June, and while we’re in June, to support Pride in ways that include, but aren’t limited to, purchasing cans of Pride, Y’all. Though, for a beer lover like me, that’s always a good place to start.

Below is a list of festivals, organizations, and learning resources to support throughout the year.

Share these resources, use them, save them for later, and please, comment to let us know how we can continue to improve our support of Pride at West Sixth, all year, every year.

Happy Pride, friends! May we continue to openly love who we want, and take pride in who we are. 

If you or someone you know needs support, LGBTQ+ youth can get support from the Trevor Project by calling 866-488-7386 or visiting thetrevorproject.org. You can call Trans Kentucky at 859-448-5428 or visit transkentucky.com. Nationally, you can call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 or visit translifeline.org. And more generally, anyone can now call 988 for mental health crises.

Upcoming Festivals

(list from Fairness Campaign)

Cincinnati Black Pride
June 15-June 19

Kentuckiana Pride Parade & Festival
Saturday, June 17, Noon-10:00 p.m. ET
Big Four Lawn, 1101 E. River Rd., Louisville, KY 40206

Harlan County Pride March
Saturday, June 24, 9:00 a.m. ET
Location: TBA

Lexington Pride Festival
Saturday, June 24, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET
Central Bank Center, 340 W. Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507

Cincinnati Pride Festival
Saturday, June 24, Noon-9:00 p.m. ET
Sawyer Point, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Owensboro Pride Picnic
Sunday, June 25, Noon – 6:00 p.m. CT
Unity Fellowship, 625 Allen St., Owensboro, KY 42303

Ashland Pride Picnic
Saturday, July 8, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
Ashland Riverfront Park, 50 15th St., Ashland, KY 41101

Louisville Pride Festival
Saturday, September 9, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. ET
Bardstown Road & Grinstead Dr., Louisville, KY 40205

KY Black Pride Festival
September 15-17, Lexington
Pride in the Park Saturday, September 16, Noon-7:00 p.m. ET
Woodland Park, 601 E. High St., Lexington, KY 40502

Murray Pride Parade & Picnic
Saturday, September 16
Chestnut Park, 900 Payne Street, Murray, KY 42071

Pride Run
Saturday, September 23
Coldstream Park, Lexington, KY 40511

Berea Pride
Saturday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Memorial Park, W Jefferson St., Berea, KY 40403

Pikeville Pride
Saturday, September 30, Noon-6:00 p.m. ET
Appalachian Wireless, 143 Main St., Pikeville, KY 41501

Bowling Green Pride Festival
Saturday, October 21, Noon-5:00 p.m. CT
Circus Square Park, 601 State St., Bowling Green, KY 42101

Chill Out and Proud Somerset
Saturday, October 21
Somerset College Festival Field, 808 Monticello St., Somerset, KY 42501

Capital Pride Festival
October 14, 2023

Shelby County Pride Parade & Festival
TBA

Non - Profits

LEXINGTON PRIDE CENTER

LEXINGTON PRIDE FESTIVAL

Just Fund

FrontRunners Lexington

AVOL KY

Louisville Youth Group
LYG empowers QTBIPoC/LGBTQIA+ youth to grow into healthy and resilient leaders through community connection, life skills education, and social advocacy.

Fairness Campaign
The Fairness Campaign is Kentucky’s LGBTQ advocacy organization founded in 1991 by 10 Louisvillians. Its primary goal is comprehensive civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and to dismantle systemic racism. With the help of the Fairness Campaign, 24 Kentucky communities and counting have enacted Fairness Ordinances outlawing LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Today, the Fairness Campaign works in cities all across Kentucky to advance LGBTQ rights and acceptance through legislative advocacy and public education.

ACLU Kentucky
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky (ACLU) is freedom’s watchdog, working daily in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people by the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Sweet Evening Breeze
Sweet Evening Breeze was founded to address the over-representation of LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness in Louisville which mirrors national data and the lack of affirming services to address the additional risk they face while on the streets compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

Queer Kentucky
Queer Kentucky is a diverse LGBTQ+ run non-profit based in Louisville, Kentucky working to bolster and enhance Queer culture and health though storytelling, education, and action. Through our storytelling approach, we give visibility and celebrate the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the great Bluegrass State. Visibility alone is life-saving. Queer Kentucky actively works with organizations and businesses on their inclusivity efforts that enhance the well-being of their employees.

Kentucky Health Justice Network
Our Trans Health Advocacy program works to help Trans Kentuckians access the healthcare they need, as well as reaffirm our autonomy and community. Our program aims to put a focus on the intersectional barriers Trans Kentuckians face when accessing healthcare such as structural and interpersonal racism, classism, ableism, and sizeism

Free Mom Hugs
Today, Free Mom Hugs has chapters in all 50 states and other initiatives forming globally. The group’s growing force of more than 14,000 volunteers is a national groundswell dedicated to empowering the world to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community through visibility, conversation and education.It’s been a long year of attacks on LGBTQ rights in the U.S. State Legislatures. 491 to be exact. A record number of bills go especially after transgender youth. Kentucky is one of the worst states. Attached below are websites to learn about everything that is happening. Knowledge is power.

Further Education/Reading

https://www.fairness.org/legislativeaction/
https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights?state=KY

https://www.lexhavepride.com/

Follow on Social

@beerisforeveryone
@beer_diversity

Summertime Beers Guide

Summer is upon us, Kentucky, and Summertime = Beer time. Whether you’re bringing the brews to your neighborhood cookout, hanging with friends at the pool, or spending time on your favorite brewery’s patio (wink wink nudge nudge), there’s nothing better than an ice cold beer on a hot summer day.

While there’s never a bad time for any beer, some beers simply pair better with hot weather. We’ve curated a list of some of our fav seasonal, flagship, and taproom exclusive beers that we think are perfect for those summertime sips! Check it out below, and let us know — which West Sixth beer are you drinking this summer?

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STRAWBERRY KÖLSCH

GERMAN STYLE ALE • 5.5% ABV

Starting the list off strong with, arguably, the most recognizable West Sixth summer brew — Strawberry Kolsch is a light, German style ale with strawberries added. Easy drinking and, of course, refreshing with a prominent flavor of strawberries — this is a guaranteed summer experience in a can. Kolsch might make you feel like singing “Strawberry Wine”. Or maybe that’s just us.

Get Strawberry Kolsch in cans and on tap in all taprooms this summer, until it runs out!

PENNYRILE

PALE ALE • 6.5% ABV

Surprised to find a Pale Ale on our summer beers list? Don’t be — summer isn’t just for lagers & wheat, y’all! Our Pennyrile Pale Ale has a big fruity hop aroma with a taste that follows suit. A subtle and balanced malt character creates a canvas for the hops to shine — super drinkable & flavorful. If you’re looking for a hoppy beer that goes great with eighty degree weather, Pennyrile Pale Ale hits the top of our list.

Pennyrile is available in six packs, on draft, and as part of our variety Hop Pack year round! Find it in taprooms, and in stores & restaurants around the state!

NUZU

PALE WHEAT • 5.2% ABV

Heading to West Sixth NuLu soon? You have to try the Nuzu beer (preferably, on the patio). This NuLu Brewed beer is a pale wheat ale brewed with yuzu juice and fresh ginger. Tons of citrusy flavor with aromas of lemon, orange and lime lent from the yuzu juice & complimented by the ginger throughout. It’s a fun & unusual beer that pairs perfectly with good friends, sunshine, and patios.

You can try Nuzu on tap at West Sixth NuLu until it runs out! So, like, go!

FUZZY FIELDS

HAZY IPA • 6.2% ABV

Fuzzy Fields….I mean…you can literally feel summer on the can. The vibrant greens of the Kentucky horse farms evoke the feeling of rolling in the grass as a kid, or laying out a blanket at the Arboretum and enjoying a picnic… and of course, a Fuzzy Fields (or two). Our year-round hazy brings the flavors — aromatically hop forward, with strong notes of citrus & stone fruit — you get a solid balance from the bitterness of the hops, but it also has a juicy quality that makes it amazingly drinkable, and perfect for summer.

Fuzzy Fields is available year round in six packs and on tap in all West Sixth taprooms, and at retailers across the state!

CERVEZA

MEXICAN STYLE LAGER • 4.6% ABV

The first day it hits ninety in KY, we know what beer we’re reaching for — our flagship Mexican Lager, Cerveza. It’s the staple of a West Sixth Summer. Crisp with a pleasant cracker like malt character, notes of corn and a low amount of hops. This quenching and sessionable lager is the best choice to bring to any summer events. No one hates Cerveza, he’s just a cool guy. As Clarke once put it, “sometimes you just want a lagery-ass lager.” Cerveza fills that void every. time.

Cerveza is available year round in six packs and on tap in all West Sixth taprooms, and at your favorite place to buy West Sixth beers.

SUN SHADE WHEAT

AMERICAN WHEAT BEER • 5% ABV

The newest addition to our seasonal line up quite literally screams summer with the first crack of the can. Another one with a can design that evokes all the sunny feels — Sun Shade is a light, easy to drink beer. Full of wheat malt flavor, and balanced with citrus & fruity esters — if this can was an emoji, he’d be the surfer 🏄‍♀️. Just a super chill beer that’s not too complex, but is so much fun to be around.

You can grab a six pack or draft of Sun Shade wheat from now through July in all West Sixth taprooms and around the state.

1906 LAGER

AMERICAN STYLE LAGER • 4% ABV

Swing that towel, Hilltoppers — our collab with Western Kentucky University made the summer beers list! How could it not, really? Light lagers are a classic summer staple. 1906 is crisp, clean, and extremely crushable, with just the tiniest bit of bitterness. Pack up your coolers with 1906 all summer long — whether you’re a WKU stan or not, we promise it’ll be a crowd pleaser.

1906 Lager is available in six packs at all West Sixth taprooms, and at IGAs/Houchens & other favorite restaurants and retailers across the Bowling Green region!

BERLINER WEISSE SOUR

SOUR ALE • 4.25% ABV

It feels almost mandatory to put a sour on the Summertime Beers Guide. And we know our flagship sour is an excellent choice. If you’re a sour beer fan, this guy is a classic — crisp and refreshing, light in body and very tart. Berliner’s flavors are reminiscent of sourdough bread. We would call this a super sippable summer beer — meaning, while you could crush it, you probably won’t want to. Savor the sour, and enjoy a Berliner on the lake, the porch, or, ya know, as a treat after you take your daily walk in this nearly 90 degree weather. 😮‍💨

Berliner Weisse Sour is available year round on tap, and in six packs at all West Sixth taprooms and on shelves across KY.

Pssst.. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled later this summer for Berliner’s citrusy sister — Valencia Berliner Weisse

Meet The Galley at West Sixth NuLu

Did you hear? Food is at West Sixth NuLu! We officially opened to hungry customers last weekend, after a word-of-mouth-only soft launch the weekend before. And, Louisville — we are stoked to be here.

The Galley at West Sixth NuLu was created to give our Louisville community a curated and casual food offering to go alongside your beer experience. Our menu features tasty shareables that pair well with our diverse range of beers — including braised brisket nachos, lentil sliders, and wings.

The Galley is our second venture into food. A year ago last Saturday, we opened our food truck, the West Sixth Cantina, to patrons at our 2022 Woodland Pop-Up Beer Garden. Over the last year, Cantina has rotated between the West Sixth Farm, and events throughout the state. We are so proud of the Cantina food & team, and it gave us the learning experience we needed to feel confident bringing food to our NuLu taproom.

“From the very beginning, we said that we should focus on three things: making great beer, creating an exceptional customer experience, and being a great place to work. After eleven years, I’m proud to say that we have stayed true to those focuses and have decided to go all-in on another piece: food,” said one of our West Sixth’s co-founders, Joe Kuosman.

“From the very beginning, we said that we should focus on three things: making great beer, creating an exceptional customer experience, and being a great place to work. After eleven years, I’m proud to say that we have stayed true to those focuses and have decided to go all-in on another piece: food!”

Couldn’t agree more, Joe! We’ve got a great team of people at The Galley, and we can’t wait to further expand & refine our menu, create fun specials & beer pairings, and become a staple piece of the West Sixth NuLu experience. We are stoked to add “food” to that list of things we do, and do well.

From the day we knocked out our take-out window in the NuLu taproom, we knew people would jump at a new food option; however, we could not have anticipated the reception we’ve received. We have already served hundreds of hungry folks. To everyone who turned up for our first two weekends — THANK YOU!! Seriously. It warms our heart to be able to feed each and every one of you — and from what we heard, we’re glad you enjoyed the wings ;)

If you haven’t visited The Galley yet — come eat! Galley Hours are :

• Thursday : 3pm -10pm

• Friday : 3pm - 11pm

• Saturday : 2pm - 11m

• Sunday : 2pm - 9pm

Order using the QR code on your table, or by clicking our toast link at westsixth.com/galley

And if you aren’t in Louisville, come visit! We’ll pour you some good beer, and whip up some good food. Scout’s honor!

Parks & Beers & Food & Tunes & Summer ☀️

Sun’s out, and our annual Pop-Up Beer Gardens are back! To us here at West Sixth, this has become the signal that summer is here (or really, really close).

Last week, we released our dates for Woodland Park! Check out those dates below, and make your plans to enjoy some sun, beer, food, & tunes!

All Beer Garden Pop-Ups will run from 4pm - 8pm

Thursday May 18 Woodland Park
Thursday June 15 Woodland Park
Thursday July 13 Woodland Park - CANCELLED due to weather, come see us at Bell Court 7/20

We started these pop-ups back in 2020. Back when we couldn’t congregate indoors, we couldn’t share time up close with our friends, or even truly enjoy our community. To us, bringing out or KY Events team to an open air space was the safest, best solution to this problem.

Now? We just love ‘em. With most people moving on from the collective panic of the pandemic, we can absolutely congregate in the taproom (and we do!), but there’s something about these pop-ups that is just so special.

For one, we get to invite other local vendors to join us. We love that you can come by our trailer, grab a draft, and then mozy over to grab some food from Nourished Folks, West Sixth Cantina, or a number of other food trucks that we’ve got on our radar this year.

For another — what has more summer vibes than enjoying a beer outdoors? Tossing out a blanket, bringing the kiddos, listening to some tunes, and hanging out with folks from your neighborhood? These are all reasons we love creating this communal space.

Grab your blankets, your sunscreen, your friends, and your fam — and join us!

Want to know where you can find our KY Events team through out the state? Click below to stay up to date — sign up for our bi-weekly-ish Happenings Newsletter, and check out the full events calendar!

Introducing Sun Shade Wheat

We are so excited to announce that the newest member of our seasonal lineup is here. Sun Shade Wheat is the springiest of springtime beers. If you’ve been around the taproom much, you may remember this wheat beer from last year. We tested it out on tap, and we just knew we had to can this one for y’all.

The weather is starting to look a lot like spring here in Kentucky (sun, check, rain, check) — making it the perfect time to release an American Wheat beer.

Full of wheat malt flavor and balanced with fruity esters and notes of orange citrus — this guy is the perfect addition to any porch hang, or Keeneland tailgate. Sun Shade Wheat clocks in at a crushable 5% ABV.

We <3 this can design, and we think you will too. Inspired by laying on the forest floor, and looking up at the sky — you may notice that the colors take on an almost sun-bleached hue. The camera-lens-esque sunburst on the upper left side of our West Sixth logo is an added detail meant to further remind you to enjoy this guy in the sunshine. As always, this can design was created in collaboration with our good friends over at Cricket Press.

You can find Sun Shade Wheat in six-packs and on tap in all West Sixth taprooms beginning Monday, April 10th, and rolling out throughout the week in stores across Kentucky.

Where will you crack open a cold Sun Shade Wheat? Tag us in your Sun Shade pics on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter & let us know!