While every year Abettor has been open has come with more output and exciting changes, 2024 will come with a lot of consistency and celebration. 

As we close out 2023 I can’t help but be excited for the year to come. For a journey that truly began almost a decade ago, this year we get to celebrate our first major milestone. 

Our birthday is April 12, but this year you’re going to need to put the whole week on your calendar — just block off all commitments for that week. 

Abettor. Turns. Five!

I know, I can’t believe it either. It’s wild how a brewery can age five years and you don’t age a single day. 

All jokes aside, it has been a wild five years for all of us. There have been a lot of changes locally and nationally and a lot for us to reflect on and be proud of. 

As a community our downtown and city has grown in such a positive way. I’m constantly bumping into people that want to move to our “quaint” little town because of all the opportunity here. Additionally, Abettor seems to always be welcoming new faces to the town that have moved from all over the country. 

Did anyone else get the memo concerning Winchester as a lifestyle destination? 

Since launching Abettor on Lexington Avenue with a brewhouse that would — with a lot of wishful thinking — produce close to 7 barrels every other week, now we encroach on 25-50 barrels every two weeks. 

We went from a business plan that was strictly focused on in-house sales, to one that distributes all over Central Kentucky and provides you with your favorite craft beer wherever you may roam. 

In the short five years we went from a footprint of roughly 1,400 square feet without parking to a warehouse more than 8,500 square feet with enough parking to supply a Christmas parade. 

And just at the final hour, when most companies were already on autopilot we went and kicked down another milestone by packaging our beers in cans. 

If you had asked me even three years ago if I thought we’d be here I would have probably said something along the lines of “maybe one day” to “it’s not in our immediate goals.” 

It’s funny how quickly changes can occur when you have the right people behind you. 

Abettor doesn’t just supply one of the greatest cities in Kentucky with amazing craft beer, but it also employs some of the greatest, most talented industry professionals in the state. 

It’s been a fun, wild ride thus far and we’re just getting started. I simply can not wait to see what the next five years has in store for our “cute little” brewery! 

The brewing system there was what many people referred to as “cute” and I won’t lie, that’s a perfect explanation. 

Maybe it was COVID or simply just the opening of a new brewing business, but the time between opening OG and the new location on Depot St (2019-2021) feels like decades — it wasn’t even two full years. 

Clearly Winchester and Clark County were significantly with the mission of Abettor, which allowed us to expand so quickly. 

Our 10 bbl system more than 10 timed our output and has allowed us to get our products throughout Central Kentucky, which brings awareness to our beautiful town and has increased tourism. 

The next step will be making it easier for you to enjoy Abettor beer in the comfort of your own home. 

For any brewery owner, canning is the goal. Trust me when I say that I can’t personally wait to grab a six pack of our beer and enjoy one, two, or maybe six on my own couch. 

Luckily we’ve made some great industry friends throughout the state and we reached that point a lot faster than we thought. 

If you’ve been inside the brewery in the past couple of months you may have noticed a new piece of equipment in the back. 

While it may have started West Sixth’s canning journey, then increased Ethereals output, it will now serve canned beer to Clark County and the surrounding area. 

As always, Clark County comes first. We want our product available to every local citizen first and foremost. 

You’ll be able to swing into the brewery and grab a six pack even easier than it is to order one of our 20 pints. 

In the first run we’ll be releasing our winter seasonal “Yellin’ Yeti”, our flagship IPA “Depot St.” and a crowd favorite “Pils Pils Pils”, our German pilsner. 

Out of the gate locally you can always swing into Abettor Brewing for six packs or build your own six pack. Additionally, you’ll be able to find our products at Gasoline Alley next to Walmart and Broadway Liquor. 

This is a wild journey! Plan to hear more from me in the future. Also, schedule a time to come by on Mondays for an in-person brewery tour from yours truly starting at 5 p.m. 

Cheers Ya’ll! 

Thomas’ Toy Chest Toy Drive

Abettor Brewing Co. is teaming up with Thomas’ Toy Chest, a local non-profit dedicated to spreading the yuletide joy among underprivileged families in Clark County. Together, these merry collaborators hosted Bingo For a Benefit this past Monday, raising a joyful sum of $350.00 to purchase toys, in addition to a sleigh full of toys that have already been purchased an donated by our wonderful patrons.

Join us at Abettor Brewing on Sunday, December 10th, from 4:00-6:00 for a holly jolly time as families select toys for the season. Enjoy complimentary pizza and refreshing Ale8, served with a side of holiday cheer. Look out for a special appearance by Ms. Claus, who’ll be spreading the magic by handing out gifts. Kyle’s Kitchen will be onsite serving food 5:00-9:00!

Unwrap the Magic: Abettor Brewing Co.’s Indoor Holiday Vendor Market

As the holiday season descends upon us like a gentle snowfall, Abettor Brewing Co. is thrilled to invite you to our Indoor Holiday Vendor Market, a festive extravaganza showcasing local talents and treasures. Set against the backdrop of camaraderie and merriment, this event promises an enchanting evening for all.

Our lineup of vendors reads like a Christmas wish list come true, featuring an array of unique shops that are sure to tickle your festive fancy. From the chic offerings of Brock’s Boutique to the whimsical creations of Quirky Crafters, each vendor brings something special to the table. Prepare to be captivated by Destiny & Design’s curated delights, and revel in the free-spirited charm of The Boho Shift.

For those seeking something with a touch of rugged elegance, Shepheard’s Forge presents locally forged knives that are as beautiful as they are functional. Meanwhile, The Parido Place offers a delightful selection of handmade knit goods that make for perfect cozy companions on chilly winter nights.

Book lovers, rejoice! MoonCat Book Company is here with an enticing assortment of books and accessories to satisfy every literary craving. Granny T’s tempts your taste buds with homemade fudge and toffee, while Chealsea’s Crunch adds a delightful crunch to your holiday snacking.

If you’re looking to add a touch of rustic charm to your holiday decor, explore the woodwork and ornaments from Oak & Craft Co. For those fashion-forward individuals, Creations By MissyLynn brings you clothing and keychains that are both trendy and timeless. Follow Your Nose for dog lovers’ delights and explore Rock Bridge Farmstead for honey, candles, and beeswax products that make for unique and thoughtful gifts.

And what’s a festive market without delightful treats? Bell on Wheels food truck will be rolling in from 5:00-9:00, serving up delectable bites to satisfy your appetite.

As you shop and explore, Abettor Brewing Co. ensures that your taste buds are just as delighted as your shopping bags. We’ll be featuring a handpicked selection of our seasonal and classic favorite beers, alongside hot drinks and irresistible drink specials.

Join us on December 9th from 5:00-9:00 as we transform Abettor Brewing Co. into a holiday haven, where the spirit of the season is not just felt but embraced. Bring your friends, bring your family, and let’s make this holiday market a memorable celebration of local talent, good cheer, and all things festive!

This weekend Holder Entertainment, Remember When Cruiserz, and Forever 17 are hosting Winchester’s first-ever hot rod festival in the heart of downtown Winchester along Main & Depot Street. Proceeds from this event will benefit a local charity & University of Kentucky’s Cystic Fibrosis Services.

Things kick off Friday 4/28 4:00-9:00 on Depot Street with festivities continuing throughout the weekend. Saturday from 12:00-9:00 you can expect to see hundreds of vendors, food trucks & classic American hotrods set up all along Main Street. Organizers have brought in inflatables for the children a band to perform Saturday night on the courthouse steps and are hosting a Pin Up Contest in addition to other activities throughout the weekend. Closing ceremonies and award distribution will take place Sunday from 9:00-3:00. Organizers say they have participants coming from multiple states and as far away as Arizona and Canada.

Awards include Mayor’s Choice, City Managers Choice, City Commissioners Choice of Rat Rod, Motorcycle and Lowrider, Furthest Traveled Award, Club Paricipation-1st, 2nd & 3rd, and Pin’s Ups Choice.

Abettor has brewed a special beer name “Chopped.” The term chopped in the hotrod world means to cut down parts of a car to customize the aesthetic of a vehicle. “Chopped”, the session IPA is a fitting ode to the custom as a “modified” or “cut-down” version of a traditional IPA with its lower alcohol by volume being 4.5% and lighter in body than a traditional IPA. “Chopped” is available on tap now in the taproom and will be available through the weekend.

Saint Patrick is notable known for driving the snakes (in some text, the pagans) out of Ireland. While St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Ireland, Americans have taken it to another level adding parades and of course day drinking.

The first known public celebration of St. Patrick’s Day took place in Boston in 1737 and has been growing ever larger in cities across the United States every since. Abettor plans to continue both these tradition’s as well as continuing our own right here in downtown Winchester.

Abettor will be celebrating both Friday and Saturday this year with Bell On Wheels serving an Irish Themed menu including a traditional full Irish breakfast Saturday starting at 10:00 AM.

Abettor will be offering a variety of cocktails utilizing Irish spirits such as Jameson Irish Whiskey, Bailey’s and of course their house pilsner dyed festively green!

As the Celt’s would “Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaiobh” – Happy Saint Patrick’s Day & we will see you this weekend!