Happy 100th Birthday to Kentucky’s Favorite Soft Drink!
Kentucky may be most famous for the best bourbon in the world, but it is also home to another popular beverage that all ages can enjoy. Known as "the best of the Bluegrass in green glass," for most Kentuckians, your first Ale-8 is a rite of passage.
Ale-8-One Made in Winchester, KY
I remember the first time I ever tried one at my friend Catherine Robert's house. Her mom, Claire, is from Winchester, Kentucky, the birthplace of the bubbly ginger and citrus soda, so she told me all about how it has been made right here in our state since 1926.
Ale-8-One Inspired by European Ginger Beer
According to their website, founder Lee Wainscott opened his mineral water company in 1902. Developing fruit-flavored carbonated beverages, he traveled to Europe, where he discovered ginger beer. He was inspired by the unique zest but found it way too spicy for the general palette. So, he decided to throw some refreshing citrus in the mix, which was the perfect combination.
Where Did the Ale-8 Name Come From?
Introducing this new beverage at the 1926 Clark County Fair, Wainscott had a great idea to get folks excited about it. He had a contest for those in attendance to name the soda. "A Late One," submitted by a 14-year-old girl, was slang at the time for "the latest thing." Which, well, it was!
Ale-8-One Turns 100 Years Old
That was 100 years ago today. Now, the delicious drink comes in various flavors like cherry and orange, and even zero-sugar options. Or seasonal flavors like peach, blackberry, and PawPaw fruit! That's a double dose of Kentucky goodness right there. Speaking of, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared this special 100th birthday message:
Ale-8 Recipe As Secret As KFC Herbs & Spices
The ingredients for the soda remain a top-secret family recipe. Wainscott’s great-great-nephew, Fielding Rogers, is now the CEO of the company. He insists on being the sole key holder to the mixing room, which is at the top of a mysterious winding spiral staircase. I think it's awesome that every bottle still originates from one pair of hands.
Behind the Scenes at the Ale-8 Bottling Plant
Kentucky Tourism produced a series of features on various Kentucky-made brands a couple of years ago. They remind me of those "How it's Made" videos that Mr. Rogers used to share. Here is the video they made of the Ale-8 manufacturing and bottling process:
Where Can You Buy Ale-8-One?
You can find Ale-8-One in grocery and convenience stores all over Kentucky. Fans of the soda who live in other states can order and have it shipped to them, unless they stock up when they visit!
Have You Ever Tried it?
When was the first time you ever tried Ale-8? Do you have a favorite flavor, or are you a fan of the OG ginger? Chime in on the Facebook conversation or send me a message on the App Chat!
LOOK: Food history from the year you were born
Gallery Credit: Joni Sweet
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