Host Your Holiday Party at West Sixth Brewing: Perfect Spaces for Every Festive Celebration! 🎄

We just launched this year’s batch of Christmas Ale! That got us thinking about winter-time gatherings, the Holiday Season, and Holiday Parties! Have you started planning yours yet?

Whether you're organizing an office celebration, a big family gift exchange, or a holiday party with friends, West Sixth Brewing has the perfect space to host a warm, welcoming event. With three unique venues, our seasonal Christmas Ale on tap, and the best of Kentucky-made beer, you’ll find everything you need to make this year’s holiday party unforgettable.

Here’s what each of our amazing spaces have to offer for the season:

1. Celebrate in the Heart of the Brewery - The Barrel Room in Lexington, KY

If you're looking for a cozy, casual space with a classic brewery feel, our Barrel Room is an excellent pick. This inviting area, where we store our barrels of wild and sour beers, can host up to 75 guests—perfect for office parties or family gatherings. While the space isn’t heated, it stays comfortable during winter and gives you the authentic brewery experience with plenty of local charm. Plus, with a private bar stocked with West Sixth brews (including our popular Christmas Ale!), you’ll have all the essentials for a festive evening.

• Ideal for: Office parties, family gatherings, close-knit groups

• Capacity: Up to 75 guests

• Perks: Private bar, relaxed brewery ambiance

• Location: Lexington, KY

2. Design Your Dream Holiday Party at West Sixth NuLu in Louisville, KY

Want to make your holiday celebration truly unique? West Sixth NuLu’s second-floor event hall is a spacious, customizable venue with room for 150 guests (standing) or 100 (seated). The space serves as a blank canvas for your holiday decor ideas—whether that’s an elegant winter wonderland or a laid-back festive gathering. You’ll also have private restrooms, a bar, and access to a cozy second-floor outdoor deck. And if you need more space, the upstairs lounge can be added to accommodate even more guests or create an intimate breakout area.

• Ideal for: Larger holiday parties, cocktail events, themed gatherings

• Capacity: 100 seated, 150 standing (with additional lounge space available)

• Perks: Private bar, restrooms, outdoor deck

• Location: Louisville, KY

3. Celebrate the Season in the Scenic Outdoors at West Sixth Farm, Frankfort, KY

Imagine a holiday party on a beautiful, 125-acre Kentucky farm. Our West Sixth Farm venue offers options for groups large and small, including The Flat (which can hold up to 500 guests) and canopy-covered picnic areas ideal for cozy gatherings. This rustic, picturesque setting is perfect for enjoying Kentucky’s winter beauty with friends, family, or colleagues. With the charm of the countryside and plenty of space for mingling, eating, and enjoying drinks, West Sixth Farm makes for a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration.

• Ideal for: Company parties, family reunions, holiday celebrations with large groups

• Capacity: Up to 500 guests at The Flat; smaller canopy spaces available

• Perks: Stunning farm views, relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere

• Location: Frankfort, KY

Why Choose West Sixth Brewing for Your Holiday Event?

At West Sixth Brewing, you get more than just a venue—you get a team committed to making your event smooth and stress-free. We’re here to help with every detail, from planning to execution, to ensure you have a memorable, seamless experience. And with our seasonal Christmas Ale ready for the holidays, your guests will enjoy an exclusive taste of Kentucky-crafted beer in every sip.

Ready to Book?

Make this holiday season one to remember by hosting your celebration at West Sixth Brewing! Visit our Private Event Page , email privateevents@westsixth.com, or call us at (859) 705-0915 to check availability, get pricing details, and start planning your event. Let’s make this season festive, fun, and full of cheer! 🎄

Fascinating & Fearsome Brewing Facts for Spooky Season

by Madison Plucknett

Recommended Beer Pairing for this Read: Castlewood Black IPA

At West Sixth Brewing, we’re passionate about crafting great beer, right here in Lexington, Kentucky, and sharing it with folks around the state!

To us, beer is more than a beverage - it’s a drink that’s brings folks together and is deeply rooted in history and tradition.

With Spooky Season in full swing, I started looking more into the spookier side of beer - starting first with the theory that our depiction of Modern Witches - broomstick, hat, black cat, long black dress - came from some of the first brewers. This deep dive resulted in finding out a number of fascinating (if not always spooky) facts about the industry, the history, and even some examples of downright weird beer-experiments gone wrong (or right, depending on who you ask). Naturally, as a beer lover and History Buff, I couldn’t resist the urge to share what I found with all y’all!

Read on to learn more about the history of that beer we all love drinkin’ - -

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FASCINATING: Have you met Ninkasi?

In Ancient Mesopotamia, beer was considered a gift from the gods and a crucial part of their spiritual practices. The Sumerians, one of the earliest civilizations in this region, even had a goddess of beer named Ninkasi. They believed that beer held magical properties, capable of bridging the gap between the human and divine realms. Beer was often used in religious rituals and offerings, symbolizing gratitude and devotion to their deities. It was also believed to possess healing properties and was used as a tonic to cure various ailments. This reverence for beer set the stage for its role in cultures worldwide as a beverage that binds communities together, much like its place in modern society today.

Ninkasi’s name, quite literally translates to “Mistress of Beer”, and the Mesopotamian Goddess was directly linked to brewing, and considered the personification of beer itself. In fact, due to most folks being illiterate back in the day, the way the recipe for beer was passed on generationally from master brewer to apprentice was with the Hymn to Ninkasi, which I have linked here for anyone who is interested.

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FEARSOME: Watered down beer is a capitol offense!

The Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest sets of laws from ancient Babylon, had a strict stance on beer quality. It decreed that any bartender or brewer caught watering down beer would be sentenced to death by drowning. In a society where the water was unsafe to drink, and beer was used as currency, watering down the beer was tantamount to fraud.

Whether the crime was fraud or watery beer, the Babylonian punishment was cruel & unusual by modern standards. That being said, I’m with the Babylonians in the idea that watered-down beer is a crime. I don’t want anyone to die over it, obviously, but maybe the culprit should be forced to chug a pitcher of the beer they ruined…jkjk….or am i 👀

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FASCINATING: Pretty and rich enough to Brew Beer?

In ancient Peru, brewing beer was an art reserved for a select few, and it was the women who held the keys to this craft. Only women of noble birth or those considered exceptionally beautiful were entrusted with the responsibility of brewing beer. These women were known as "Aqllakuna" or "Chosen Women," and they held a revered status in society, often living in special convent-like structures where they were trained in the arts of brewing and weaving.

The beer they brewed, known as chicha, played a crucial role in religious ceremonies, festivals, and even political events. Chicha was more than just a drink; it was a sacred beverage used to honor the gods and to solidify alliances between tribes. The act of brewing was considered a powerful ritual in itself, with these women at the center of it all, showcasing their skills and mastery of this ancient craft.

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FASCINATING: Drink your bread, kids!

During Medieval Europe, Catholic monks took over the craft of brewing, and created what they famously called "liquid bread." Beer was a staple in their diets, especially during Lent when solid food was restricted. Monks believed that beer, with its rich, malty flavors and hearty consistency, could provide the sustenance they needed to endure their fasts. They developed brewing techniques that not only improved the taste but also increased the nutritional value of the beer, making it a critical source of calories and nutrients. Monastic breweries became centers of innovation, with monks experimenting with different ingredients and methods to produce higher quality brews. Their influence was so profound that many modern beer styles, such as the Belgian Trappist ales, can be traced back to these monastic traditions.

Kinda make ya wanna shave that fun monk bald spot and sip on some Rainbo Bread…I mean…West Sixth beer!!

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FEARSOME-NATING: If Beer Could Kill…

Brewmeister's "Snake Venom" holds the title of the world's strongest beer with a jaw-dropping ABV of 67.5%. This beer pushes the boundaries of brewing science, using a process called freeze distillation to concentrate the alcohol content to unprecedented levels. While not for the faint-hearted, Snake Venom is a testament to the innovative spirit of modern brewers who continuously challenge the norms and create extreme versions of traditional beer. It highlights the diversity in brewing techniques and how the craft beer industry thrives on experimentation and pushing limits.

At West Sixth, we also love experimenting — we have a whole system dedicated to it at West Sixth NuLu - but 67.5%?! For comparison, our highest ABV brews (Snake Cake & Variants) clock in at 13%. Now…how do we beat that world record @production, I’m lookin at you 😆

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FASCINATING: Heineken’s Sustainable Beer Bottles + West Sixth Cans

In the 1960s, Heineken created a revolutionary beer bottle design known as the WOBO (World Bottle), which could double as a building brick. This idea was the brainchild of Alfred Heineken, who wanted to address two problems: the abundance of discarded bottles and the need for affordable housing in developing countries. The bottles were designed to interlock like bricks, allowing people to build sturdy structures using recycled materials. Although the WOBO initiative never fully took off, it remains a significant moment in sustainable design history, influencing modern approaches to eco-friendly packaging in the beverage industry.

While you might not be able to build a house with West Sixth cans (though, we’ve never tried), this legacy of green packaging was not lost on us. Our aluminum cans are endlessly recyclable, making them better for the environment their counterparts. Not only is aluminum endlessly recyclable, but it’s also more likely to actually be recycled, and its light impermeable make-up means our beers don’t skunk! Plus, those paktechs can be recycled too, and we’ll gladly accept them in the taproom! Ok, ok, I digress - just, recycle pls!

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FEARSOME, I guess: The Witches That Brewed

As a woman in beer, and a spooky season lover, this is my FAVORITE theory of all time - and one I spend a longer time on here . There's a fascinating theory that the modern image of witches—complete with pointed hats, cauldrons, and broomsticks—actually has its roots in medieval women brewers. During this time, women were the primary beer-makers, known as "alewives." They would wear tall, pointed hats in crowded markets to stand out and attract customers. Their cauldrons were used to brew large batches of beer, and they often placed broomsticks outside their doors to signal that fresh beer was available for sale. Over time, as the brewing industry became commercialized and male-dominated, these women were marginalized, and the imagery associated with them morphed into the sinister figure of the witch. This transformation serves as a reminder of how powerful women’s roles in brewing once were, how marginalized they became, and how women continue shaping the history of beer today.

So next time you sip on your favorite West Sixth brew, remember that you're not just enjoying a drink; you're participating in a tradition that dates back to ancient civilizations, magical rituals, and the pioneering women who brewed their way into history. Cheers to the rich, storied legacy of beer, and cheers to continued progress, innovation, and inclusion in our industry

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ENJOY THESE FASCINATING & FEARSOME FACTS? DON’T MISS OUR WEST SIXTH FRIGHT NIGHT & HAUNTED TRAIL ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 IN LEXINGTON!

USE CODE FEARSOME FOR 10% OFF!!

10 West Sixth Beers, and how they're celebrating Pride Month

Madison Plucknett

Strawberry Kolsch

She/Her

It would be hard to pass up Strawberry Kolsch for Pride. While she might not be the loudest, she is certainly among the proudest. She doesn’t have to work for the attention — she draws it in by waltzing into the cooler each summer. With her crisp, clean malt profile and perfectly timed addition of strawberries, she knows she’s worth it. She knows she’s the true star. And she doesn’t have to convince anyone. Catch Kolsch on her Strawberry Pride float this June, and volunteering with GLEAN and The Trevor Project all summer. She’ll get her beauty rest sometime in the fall.

Burning Daylight Double IPA

They/Them

Nothing says 1980s queer culture like Burning Daylight DIPA! Burning Daylight will be burning up the dance floor at all your local gay clubs and bars this Pride Month. Fierce, bold, and a striking 9.5% ABV, you simply cannot ignore Burning Daylight. Their smooth malt backbone creates balance for their hops to SHINE. AND SHINE THEY DO! This June, when you say “make it a double” we’ll just assume you mean Burning Daylight Double IPA. What? It’s what you want anyway.

Sixer Light Lager

He/Him

Sixer, well, Sixer is really trying. His daughter just came out of the closet last year, and he’s been putting in the work to acknowledge his light-beer privilege and unlearn his implicit malt bias. While he definitely forgets his daughter’s chosen name sometimes, he knows what all the letters in LGBTQIA+ stand for (even all the + ones) — and he and his wife just hung an ally flag in the window of their gated neighborhood. Hey, progress over perfection, right? Catch Sixer tagging along to all the local Pride Events, quenching thirst with his crisp and clean breadiness, and “paying reparations” to local queer-owned businesses.

Hop Static Channel 10

Ze/Zir/Zem

Ch. 10 is quite the character. Ze knows ze is here for a short time — but ze is for sure gonna try to make a difference while ze’s around. I mean, for one thing, Ch. 10 is our first can to use non-traditional gender non-conforming pro-nouns, and all the other cans have mad respect for zem. With bold, fun, juicy hop flavor, Ch. 10 is an intellectual. Ze majored in queer/gender-studies in college, and after zir stint as one of our Hop Static Rotators, Ch. 10 intends to start zir own non-profit called Hops for Homos (ze is still workshopping the name) — training bar & brewery employees around the US on how to make their space more welcoming and inclusive. GO CHANNEL 10! Today’s hop test, tomorrow’s future.

PIF Cocoa Porter

He/Him

Oh PIF. Our classic giver. PIF will always be the first to remind us that the first Pride was a riot. He has been around the block many a time. Donating to countless organizations, and offering guests a cozy, warm feeling — from both his roasty, toasty grain bill, and his sense of altruism. Cocoa Porter can be found this Pride sitting off to the side, observing, and supporting. He’s unassuming, but he’s amazing. Always down to help, but never takes the spotlight. PIF Cocoa Porter is one of the greatest philanthropists around, and yet, you’d never know it unless you know him. He’s a gem, and we are so excited for his warm and calming presence to provide a little balance to our excitement, rainbows, and parties.

Hop Pack

They/Them

Not technically one beer, but this core group of brews deserves some Pride Month love. This pack works hard year-round for those of us who cannot choose a beer (or a gender). IPA, Pennyrile, and our current Hop Static are always in there, providing tons of variety and hop flavor for everyone. You can find Hop Pack in your bisexual bestie’s fridge this Pride Month — for obvious reasons. It’s kinda the cuffed jeans or iced coffee of beer. IYKYK

Sun Shade Wheat

She/Her

WHAT A LADY is Sun Shade. She’s bright, she’s vibrant, she’s full of great flavor and she is wheat goodness. She is the lady on the corner giving free hugs, and adopting literally every person she can. Sun Shade is a sweetheart, and she will never abandon you. She will take a several month-long vacation in the middle of the year but she’s fostering cats, ok?! She’s coming back. Sun Shade’s bright cheeriness might feel a little insincere at times, but when you get to know her you’ll understand that her positive outlook comes from her genuine zeal for life, and her ability to survive any situation. Her citrus kick keeps her more on top of things than you may realize, and her classic wheat backbone keeps you coming back to her for advice and safety. In our opinion, Sun Shade is indispensable in the Pride Line Up.

Front Runner Festival Ale

She/They

Front Runner is still recovering from seeing Hozier and Noah Kahan at Railbird. This pansexual icon needs her beauty rest — and true Pride is year round anyway. Need we say more?

BREAKING: we have word she is doing her best to get out of bed for Chappell Roan at Kentuckiana Pride…

West Sixth IPA

He/They

The OG West Sixth beer. IPA screams inclusion from his six packs to his stovepipes. Being one of the first beers in our lineup, he’s familiar with growth, learning, and what it means to create an inclusive community space. He’s been working at it since 2012. Still the best selling IPA in Kentucky, West Sixth IPA is responsible for bringing a little more acceptance to many households. He’s also responsible for keeping the lights on and allowing us to continue our work with our community and non-profit organizations — including local Pride Festivals. Thanks IPA, you’re a real one.

Pride Y’all

She/Her/Hers/They/Them/He/Him (ANY)

Can’t have a pride post without our Pride Y’all Raspberry Sour! This beer is the fundraising arm of our Pride celebrations. Every time you buy a four-pack of her, he kicks-back a dollar to Lexington and Kentuckiana Pride Festivals. PLUS when you walk around with this pink beer at your local Pride Festival, or strut around town with the colorful and proud can in your hand, you’re showing all your neighbors that you are a safe person. That you support a community of equality, inclusivity, and diversity.

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Beer is for Everyone — not just in June, but year-round. At West Sixth, we are always striving to do even better in our efforts to be inclusive, so, if you have a charity you’d like us to amplify, or an action step you’d like to see us take, please put those in the comments below.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Pride, I hope you do so proudly, safely, and lovingly.

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If you or someone you know needs support, LGBTQ+ youth can get support from the Trevor Project by calling 866-488-7386 or visiting thetrevorproject.org. You can call Trans Kentucky at 859-448-5428 or visit transkentucky.com. Nationally, you can call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 or visit translifeline.org. And more generally, anyone can now call 988 for mental health crises.

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About the Author

Madison Plucknett is the Marketing and Branding Coordinator at West Sixth Brewing, where she’s been since 2021. She’s a bisexual woman who loves theater, local goods, craft beer, her partner, and her pets — in no particular order. Madison believes local businesses should support their communities, and she’s proud to work at West Sixth, where she feels welcomed every single day, not just in June.

This year, Madison decided to keep things fun and silly. If you’re curious about West Sixth and Pride, check out last year’s blog post — it’s way more informative than this one. But hey, sometimes we all need to keep it light!

INTRODUCING : SIXER LIGHT LAGER

Can’t stop, won’t stop — we are so excited to announce another addition to our year round can line up — SIXER LIGHT LAGER! Starting today, this guy will be here all year long in six packs AND TWELVE packs.

Our newest Light Lager is as crispy and crushable as can be. A clean, cracker like malt body is contrasted by a very light balancing hop bitterness. At just 4.2% ABV, good luck finding a more drinkable beer!

The packaging is, simply put, 🔥. A little vintage-y, totally fresh, & a lot a bit sporty. This can design by Cricket Press was inspired by vintage sports memorabilia, and, of course, our Old Kentucky Home. The name, Sixer, comes as an homage the obvious numeric in the West Sixth name, and the internal, frequent use of the slang “sixer” to describe a six pack or 1/6bbl keg.

This feels like a good place to remind you that you can pick up a sixer of Sixer, but you can also pick up a Twelver of Sixer, too. The new boxed twelve packs are easy to carry with you to tailgates, cookouts, and fire pits all year long.

Rather try it on draft? We got you. No, like really — we got you. We’re introducing a brand new permanent taproom promo, just for Sixer! EVERY DAY at 6 pm join us in any West Sixth taproom for SIXER HOUR — that’s 2 for 1 pints of Sixer, literally every day for the hour. Let that sink in. 2 for 1 Sixer pints, permanently, every day at 6 pm. I told you we got you.

Snag Sixer in all West Sixth taprooms in cans & on tap, at retailers, & at restaurants across Kentucky starting Monday 8/28/23!

CHEERS to new beers!!

7 BEERS I'M TRYING AT WEST SIXTH IPA FEST

What’s the best part of IPA Fest?? The beers, duh! Check out the seven beers that I’m putting on my “Pick 7” passport for IPA FEST 2023!

IPA FEST IS AUGUST 12 - GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

7. Raspberry Lemon Sour IPA

I’m not gonna lie, I bumped and moved this one from the list a few times — feels like there might be a lot going on — but I just gotta try it. What else is a tasting experience for, other than to taste new things? I love a sour, I love a raspberry, I love an IPA. Ultimately, I wouldn’t be surprised if this turned out to be my fav of the day — TBD!

Beer Description : The name says it all. Meyer lemon and raspberry flavors are complimented by Citra, Mosaic, and Cashmere hops, then fermented with a hand selected blend of souring yeast. ABV: 6.8%

6. Infinity Moon Hazy Double IPA

I love a juicy beer & I LOVE a hoppy beer — so this one feels like a no brainer.

Beer Description: Juicy and hazy with big tropical fruit notes coming from brewing and then double dry hopping with hefty amounts of Galaxy, Citra, and Mosaic hops. ABV: 8.1%

Count. Me. In.

5. Noble Hop Lager

I feel strongly that after a couple hoppy & fruity beers, I’m gonna want to add a little lager feel. Technically this is an IPL — but with that nuanced noble hop/pilsner malt combo, I just know this is gonna be the perfect “something different” for my list.

Beer Description : A continental lager brewed with German Pilsner malts that give this beer and clean yet flavorful malt profile. Noble hop varieties, Saaz & Hallertau, were used in both the kettle and in dry hopping this balanced yet nuanced hop forward lager. ABV: 6.6%

4. Strawberry Fields

I know, I know — more fruit, more juice. But, I can’t pass this one up. I’ve been told that it tastes like our Fuzzy Fields & Strawberry Kolsch had a baby. Two of my fav West Sixth brews togehter?? YES PLEASE!

Beer Description : Our Fuzzy Fields Hazy IPA fermented with strawberries! An aromatically hop forward Hazy IPA with jammy strawberry notes throughout that play well with the citrus and stone fruit notes of the base IPA. ABV: 5.5%

3. GUEST TAPS

Technically this isn’t just one beer (or slot) — but I gotta tell ya, I can’t choose yet. I’m seriously losing sleep over it. HELP. I’ll be tasting in Lexington — so we’ve got guest slots from Ethereal, Blue Stallion, & Country Boy — and frankly, they all look amazing. Check out those descriptions below — and let me know, which should I officially add to the list??

Ethereal Brewing — Cloud Candy Oat IPA - Citra — Single-hop oated IPA series featuring the pungent Citra hops. Soft on the palate thanks to copious use of oats both malted and flaked. Low bitterness and high aroma accentuate the spotlighted hop, while the malt provides just enough sweetness to balance it all out. ABV: 6.5%

Country Boy Brewing — Memory Lapse IIPA — A West Coast style double IPA brewed and triple dry hopped with copious amounts of Cashmere (melon and cotton candy) and Galaxy (tropical and passion fruit) hops. ABV : 8.5%

Blue Stallion Brewing Co.— Infinite Wave NE IPA — New England style IPA with Citra, Mosaic & El Dorado Soft and juicy with a wonderful white head, this beer is bursting with tropical notes and subtle dankness. ABV : 6.5%

Sadly I won’t be in Louisville, but they’ve got guest taps that sound ah-ma-zing!

2. Green Goat Fresh Hop Pale 2023

Soooo….I’m a little biased on this one. For one, I helped at the hop harvest— cutting vines, picking cones, & taking pics, too. Girl’s gotta taste what she helps make — ya know? For another, it’s the first year we get to have GREEN GOAT at ALL THREE IPA Fest locations. PLUS it’s a fresh hopped beer, which is not something that comes around too often. Between the novelty and the personal connection, it just makes sense that it’s my #2!

And, oh yeah, I really really like goats. BLEET!

Beer Description: Brewed and dry hopped with freshly harvested hops grown at West Sixth Farm. Notes of cucumber and a green earthiness are highlighted by these whole cone Cascade and Chinook hops. ABV: 6%

1.Burning Daylight DIPA

Did you guess that this would be my number one? Given the amount of fruit and goat love on my list, probably not. But guess what? I’m like an onion, I have layers. I actually remember trying Burning Daylight on its first go round in our taprooms — and I loved it. This guy is so well balanced, with such an awesome malt backbone — I cannot wait to get my hands on it again! AND this year, for the first time, I’ll get to take it home in cans, too! SCORE!

Beer Description: A well-balanced Double IPA with a big malty backbone supporting the fruity, piney, resinous hop notes. IPA FEST guests will have first access to 12 & 19,2oz cans of Burning Daylight! ABV: 9.5%

Want to try the beers on my passport or make your own choices?? Get tickets to IPA FEST NOW! Click the button below!