Kentucky Ag News

Danny Townsend, a founding member of Homegrown by Heroes and Appalachia Proud, holds cans of Country Western Volume 2 beer containing sorghum he produced on his Montgomery County farm and bearing the Homegrown by Heroes logo. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)

 

Breweries add Homegrown by Heroes sorghum to their second annual craft beer collaboration

 

Kentucky Agricultural News staff report

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Homegrown by Heroes product added a touch of sweetness to the second annual collaboration of two Kentucky Proud brewers for Lexington Craft Beer Week.

West Sixth Brewing Company and Country Boy Brewing, both of Lexington, concocted a special beer infused with sorghum from Townsend Sorghum Mill of Montgomery County. Townsend Sorghum Mill is owned and operated by Danny Townsend, a Vietnam veteran and founding member of Homegrown by Heroes and Appalachia Proud. The beer, dubbed “Country Western Volume 2,” is a brown ale aged two months in Kentucky bourbon barrels.

“This partnership has produced a unique product that is more valuable than the sum of its parts,” Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said. “I’m especially pleased that they were able to involve our friend Danny Townsend to create truly a one-of-a-kind Homegrown by Heroes product. When Kentucky Proud members work together to add value to their products, everyone wins.”

"From the beginning, West Sixth has been about not just creating great beer, but also being a contributing member of our community,” West Sixth co-founder Ben Self said. “We view supporting our local farmers as a key component of that -- including using local ingredients, like Townsend sorghum, whenever possible."

“Last year, Country Western was a huge hit for Lexington Craft Beer Week and sold out in just a few days,” Country Boy founder Daniel Harrison said. “This year, we’re going to make it even bigger by having it not only on draft but also available in a can.”

Country Western Volume 2 beer was sold on draft at both breweries May 9 and in cans at both breweries May 15.

Lexington Craft Beer Week May 10-18 celebrates the city’s numerous craft beer brewers. For a full schedule of events and more information, go to http://www.lexbeerscene.com/LCBW.php.

West Sixth Brewing Company beers are available in retail outlets and bars throughout the Lexington, Louisville, and northern Kentucky areas. To find out more about West Sixth Brewing, go to http://www.westsixth.com/.

In operation since February 2012, Country Boy Brewing produces a wide array of staples as well as specialty beers that include local fruits, vegetables, and hops. For more information, go to http://countryboybrewing.com.