Bourbon & Bars

‘Last call’ at Pivot Brewing. Lexington cidery is closing after 8 years

Pivot Brewing located on 1400 delaware ave on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Matthew Mueller
Pivot Brewing located on 1400 delaware ave on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Matthew Mueller mmueller@herald-leader.com

Pivot Brewing, a Lexington brewery that specializes in making hard cider, announced it plans to cease operations after eight years.

The brewery at 1400 Delaware Ave. had been for sale; owner Kevin Compton said in July he hoped to sell all or part of the operation by the end of the month because he plans to return to environmental work, and his brewer and assistant brewer also were stepping away.

Sign up for our LexGo Eat & Drink newsletters


The latest on food, dining and bourbon delivered right to your inbox for free. See what's happening in the world of bourbon, including buying, tasting tips and more on Tuesday. Stick around for the biggest restaurant news in Central Kentucky on Thursday. Sign up here.

Then, on Wednesday afternoon, Compton announced on social media that Pivot Brewing Company will close Aug. 31.

“To our friends, fans, and familiar faces, thank you for the outpouring of support you have shown us since Pivot Brewing Company first opened our doors back in 2016 in Lexington, and again in 2023 in Louisville. We couldn’t have done it without you,” he said.

It’s unclear what will happen to the brewery. Compton said in the post that the Pivot brand may revive in the future, but for now “last call” at both locations will be Aug. 31.

Compton built the brewery from scratch and offered the entire operation in an online auction for a minimum bid of $430,000.

“Unfortunately, the brewery did not sell, and this will be a complete shutdown,” Compaton said. “We do have some parties interested in the brand IP, but nothing has been finalized. The equipment is being sold, and I am having conversations on selling the real estate separately.”

Owner Kevin Compton poured a beer for a customer at Pivot Brewing Company on Delaware Avenue in Lexington in 2016.
Owner Kevin Compton poured a beer for a customer at Pivot Brewing Company on Delaware Avenue in Lexington in 2016. Pablo Alcala 2016 staff file photo
Pivot Brewing, which had been for sale, announced that it will be closing at the end of August.
Pivot Brewing, which had been for sale, announced that it will be closing at the end of August. Chris Vandergrift
Read Next
Read Next
Read Next
Read Next
Read Next
Read Next

This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 4:40 PM.

Related Stories from Lexington Herald Leader
Janet Patton
Lexington Herald-Leader
Janet Patton covers restaurants, bars, food and bourbon for the Herald-Leader. She is an award-winning business reporter who also has covered agriculture, gambling, horses and hemp. Support my work with a digital subscription
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW