Kentucky’s Native ‘Tropical Fruit’ Becomes a Limited-Edition Ale-8-One Flavor

Don't throw anything at me, but I am a late bloomer when it comes to Ale-8-One. In fact, for many years, I didn't even like it. And, boy, would I get the looks. Whether it was because friends couldn't believe I didn't like something they loved or that I wasn't supporting a Kentucky product, I don't know. But things are different now.

Ale-8-One

I'm not sure why the Zero Sugar variety of Ale-8-One has turned the tide for me, but it has. Well, come to think of it, I like Zero Sugar Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper, but can't stand the regular version. Anyway, back to Kentucky's favorite soda (I'm hoping).

Ale-8-One has a new flavor that celebrates Kentucky, and in a most unlikely way. What it celebrates is a fruit native to the Commonwealth that, I suppose, could be classified as a tropical fruit.

Pawpaw

I labeled this a "tropical fruit" in the title, but the only tropical fruits in existence are in the tropics. However, you'd be forgiven if you thought the pawpaw qualified. A writer from the Louisville Courier-Journal believed it qualified in a story from 2023.

The Susquehanna National Heritage Area describes it as having "a creamy, custard-like flesh with a tropical flavor. It is often described as a combination of mango, pineapple, and banana." It's sometimes called a "Kentucky banana."

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Ale-8-One Pawpaw

I would love to try one, although I'm a little concerned about that "creamy, custard-like flesh" part. A huge deal with me regarding any food is texture. But hey, Ale-8-One's new limited edition Pawpaw "Kentucky Banana" variety eliminates that concern.

Here's the thing. Pawpaws aren't easy to find, and I was thinking I should try one before I try the soda. And it's only here for a limited time. I guess I'll just have to drink one, eat a pawpaw somewhere down the road, and make the comparison then.

But I will be trying it.