Thousands voted for their favorite craft brewery in Lexington. Here’s the winner

With 14,196 votes in the championship round and more than 32,000 overall, Lexington readers have selected their top pick for craft brewery in the area.

With 8,472 votes closing out the final round, West Sixth Brewing has been crowned champion.

Located in the “Bread Box” building, West Sixth has been in business since 2012 and also has a canning operation. Its brews can be found on draft or ready for purchase at establishments throughout the state and Ohio.

“We pride ourselves on the craft beer we make and having a positive impact on the communities we’re a part of,” the company says in a statement on its website.

You can visit the original taproom in Lexington or other operations in Louisville, Frankfort and Newport.

Here’s how our final round of polling closed out:

• West Sixth, 8,472, or 60%
• Sig Luscher, 5,724, or 40%

The final two came from a field of 16 craft breweries and one cider-focused operation. All were either in Lexington or the greater central Kentucky area.

Since our first round, one of the competitors, Fusion Brewing, has closed its doors.

The competition was focused on highlighting small and local businesses around the area that readers can support. We’ve also run brackets for best bookstore and top doughnut shop.

You can learn more about all the breweries we included below.

Thanks for participating.

Craft breweries in Lexington and central Kentucky

West Sixth Brewing: Based in Lexington but with several locations, West Sixth has been brewing since 2012. The outfit cans around 30 varieties of beer for distribution, according to its site, and employs more than 50 people. Lexington brewery and taproom location: 501 West 6th St., Lexington, KY 40508

Mirror Twin Brewing: With twin locations (get it) on National Avenue, this brewery touts something for all styles of beer drinkers: “the tried-and-true beer purists and the anything-goes experimental adventure seekers,” its site advertises. Locations: 725 and 723 National Ave., Lexington, KY 40502

Pivot Brewing: With taprooms in Lexington and Louisville, Pivot’s menu features ciders and beers to delight all palettes. Lexington taproom location: 1400 Delaware Ave., Lexington, KY 40505

Ethereal Brewing: This outfit touts a focus on Belgian farmhouse and American craft brews, according to its site. Ethereal also has a “dedicated sour program.” Lexington taprooms: 1224 Manchester St., Lexington, KY 40504 and 102 W. Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507

Country Boy Brewing: Started in 2012, Country Boy focuses on minimally processed drafts, per its site. The Lexington operation expanded to Georgetown in 2017. Lexington taproom: 436 Chair Ave., Lexington, KY 40508

Fusion Brewing: At the intersection of science and beer, Fusion offers a variety of brews named to fit the theme. Location: 1170 Manchester St., No. 150, Lexington, KY 40508

Note: Fusion Brewing has closed permanently as of Aug. 15.

Rock House Brewing: Advertising craft beer, music and quality, Rock House offers a taproom and an event space. Location: 119 Luigart Court, Lexington, KY 40508

Blue Stallion Brewing Co.: Another local brewery circa 2012, Blue Stallion specializes in the German-style brews, but offers a variety in an effort to “offer something truly unique.” Location: 610 W. 3rd St., Lexington, KY 40508

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.: Owned by Alltech, Lexington Brewing also has a bourbon sister, Town Branch Distillery. According to its site, the brewery was “revived” in 1999. Location: 401 Cross St., Lexington, KY 40508

Wise Bird Cider Co.: Family owned Wise Bird offers a selection of ciders, including several award-winners. Location: 1170 Manchester St., No. 140, Lexington, KY 40508

Goodwood Brewing and Spirits: Goodwood brews in Frankfort, though you can find its beer and food at the Lexington location as well. It was launched in 2005 in Louisville, where it also has an outlet, along with Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio. Lexington location: 200 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington, KY 40503 Frankfort location: 109 West Main St., Frankfort, KY 40601

Versailles Brewing Co.: Versailles Brewing has a restaurant with a full menu, but its site touts a focus on local-ingredient driven brews. Location: 513 Marsailles Road, Versailles, KY 40383

Dreaming Creek Brewing Co.: If you’re in Richmond, you may want to check out Dreaming Creek, “located in the heart of Daniel Boone’s frontier.” You’ll find some merch to that effect for purchase. Location: 109 East Irvine St., Richmond, KY 40475

Maiden City Brewing Co.: Founded in late 2016, Maiden is Cynthiana’s only local micro-brewery, according to its site. Location: 123 East Pike St., Cynthiana, KY 41031

Abettor Brewing Co.: Abettor has been offering Winchester brews since the mid-2010s, according to its site, but it’s been at the current location since April 2019. Location: 128 N. Highland St., Winchester, KY 40391

Sig Luscher Brewery: If you’re in the capital, don’t miss out on Sig Luscher’s “historically good beer.” Its roots date to 1866. Location: 221 Metro St., Frankfort, KY 40601

Lemons Mill Brewery: This outlet advertises itself as the newest member of the Kentucky BrewGrass Trail and even offers a gluten-free beer. Location: 166 Marimon Ave., No. 12, Harrodsburg, KY 40330

This story was originally published July 27, 2022 at 6:00 AM.