New brew for “Old Friends”

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – With anticipation mounting for the spring meet at Keeneland in April and the Kentucky Derby in May, Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company (ALBDC) has a new brew at the starting gate, fittingly named Kentucky^® Race Day Session IPA.

The beer, however, is more than a quaff on race day.  “We were in the midst of finalizing our planning for the spring package release of Race Day when we heard about the fire at Old Friends thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky.,” said Jonathan Lang, marketing manager for ALBDC.

Old Friends is a non-profit organization that now cares for more than 150 former racehorses, including Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm and War Emblem and Breeder’s Cup Champions Alphabet Soup and Amazombie. In late January, a devastating fire destroyed one of the farm’s barns. The near-tragedy (no horses or humans were hurt) sparked an outpouring of support.

“We immediately began to think of ways we could help support the rebuilding of the barn and, more importantly, raise awareness about Old Friends’ mission,” said Lang. “With a very successful Breeders Cup in 2015 and the first Triple Crown winner in American Pharoah since 1978, interest in the thoroughbred racing industry is at an all-time high, but we should also remember the past champions that still deserve our admiration and care.”

With that in mind, from April 1 through May 8, a portion of the proceeds from Kentucky Race Day Session IPA will help benefit Old Friends.

Kentucky Race Day Session IPA is available now on draft, and look for six-pack bottles beginning March 28 in retail outlets.