Over the weekend a series of deadly tornadoes ripped through the state of Kentucky. The storm killed dozens and destoryed many buildings and businesses. 

In the aftermath, many Kentucky breweries stepped up, pitching in to help with the clean up and raising money to support those affected in their communities. 

Breweries like Gasper Brewing in Bowling Green that collected supplies for residents whose homes were destroyed in the storm. As of Wednesday Dec. 15th Gasper Brewing reports that they've delivered over 500 supply boxes and made several hundred free hot meals.

Or Ethereal Brewing in Lexington and Against the Grain in Louisville that helped the Kentucky Guild of Brewers (KGB) create 120 boxes of provisions that went out to fifty families, reports Brewbound. Additionally, Ethereal Brewing stated on its Instagram that they will be donating seventy-five percent of all sales from to-go beer to the Western Kentucky Relief Fund through Christmas. 

Durham-based Hi-Wire Brewing, which has a taproom in Louisville, sent out a call to its followers through Instagram to collect supplies. Unfortunately, the brewery recently posted on Instagram that three people burglarized their Baxter Avenue taproom the morning of Dec. 15th, 2021, taking donated items and merchandise. The brewery is asking for your help if you have any information please call the Louisville Metro Police Department anonymous tip line at (502) 574-5673

And Louisville-based Goodwood Brewing and Spirits set up a special donation to the Warren County Red Cross and Warren County Humane Society. The brewery pledged to send a dollar from every pint sold this past weekend to those organizations. 

Additionally, Gopuff, an e-commerce site that delivers food, home essentials, and alcohol, donated $100,000 to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Gopuff acquired Liquor Barn this past June. The Louisville-based alcohol retail chain has twenty-three locations throughout Kentucky. 

"As soon as we heard the news, we knew we needed to act quickly to help these impacted communities," Gopuff co-founder and co-CEO Yakir Gola said in a press release. "When the communities we serve need help, Gopuff will be there. We also urge our consumers to donate to Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund." 

This terrible storm comes at the end of another challenging year. But it has been encouraging and empowering to see the brewing community come together to help provide aid and support. 

"It's been a terrible couple of days, but the one thing I will say is, the brewing community – it's not just bars and alcohol, right?" said Derek Selznick, the executive director of the Kentucky Guild of Brewers, in an article for Brewbound. "It is literally being a community space. For example, at Gasper Brewing, family members were meeting each other in Bowling Green finding out if they were safe or not. So, to say that I am proud to be a part of this community is an understatement."

Wondering How You Can Help?

If you'd like to help contribute to the aid and relief efforts in Kentucky please consider donating to one of the following organizations or dropping off supplies at one of the Kentucky breweries listed below. 

Donate Directly

Blue Holler Brew Supplies GoFundMe Campaign - The recent storms in Kentucky completely destroyed this local Bowling Green-based homebrew store and taproom. The shop has been a pillar of the beer community in Southern Kentucky. Often staying open on Thanksgiving and Christmas to serve homemade meals to those in need. You can donate directly to Blue Holler Brew Supplies' GoFundMe page to help with their rebuilding efforts. 

DONATE HERE

Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear set up this fund over the weekend to provide assistance for those in the state affected by the tornados and storms. 

DONATE HERE

The Lee Initiative - The LEE Initiative stands for Let's Empower Employment. The organization strives to bring more equality and diversity in the restaurant industry. The Lee Initiative has set up a campaign to donate to Western Kentucky disaster relief. 

DONATE HERE

Drop Off Provisions and Supplies

If you live in the area consider dropping off supplies and provisions at the following breweries. Each will be collecting donations. Please check each brewery's Instagram account for the most up-to-date information. 

Participating Breweries: 

Against the Grain - both the Against the Grain Smokehouse (401 E. Main St. Louisville, KY 40202) and the Against the Grain Brewery and Public House (1576 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY 40205) will serve as donation drop-off spots

LEARN MORE

Gasper Brewing (302 State St. Bowling Green, KY 42101) - is continuing to collect donation items and receive financial donations via Venmo and Paypal to purchase supplies, make free hot meals, and cover other expenses. For Venmo donations use @gasperbrewing and for Paypal donations use [email protected]

LEARN MORE

Ethereal Brewing (1224 Manchester St. Lexington, KY 40504) - has set up a blue bin outside it's front door, courtesy of Operation: Secret Santa Toy & Food Drive. You can stop by and donate new or gently used toys and non-perishable food items. Plus, Ethereal Brewing will be donating seventy-five percent of all sales from to-go beer to the Western Kentucky Relief Fund through Christmas. 

LEARN MORE

Items needed include: 

- Diapers, Baby Formula

- Toothbrushes, Toothpaste

- Soap/Bleach

- Disinfectant wipes/cleaners

- Detergent

- Paper towels

- Toilet Paper

- Paper Towels

- Tissue Boxes

- Zip lock bags

- Garbage bags

- Socks

- Gloves/Scarves/Knit hats

- Blankets

- Batteries

- Non-Perishable Food Items