With 100 taps and ‘crack fries,’ HopCat does it all
October 28, 2015
Watch out Wildcats, there’s a new feline in town. HopCat is taking Lexington by storm.
I went into the building, toted as Kentucky’s largest craft beer selection, with high expectations but they were far exceeded in every realm (100 craft taps and “crack fries”). When I left the brew haven, I was glowing with adoration for all things HopCat.
The servers were exceptionally friendly and helpful. I was shown straight to a clean table beside a window. The server quickly provided extensive beer menus and allowed adequate time for me to make a decision.
My first beer, the Country Western Vol. III (13%) from West Sixth Brewing and Country Boy Brewing, arrived very soon after I ordered it. I was smitten by the combination of the beer’s chestnut, pecan and cocoa nib tones.
The walls of the brewpub are decorated with paintings of notable musicians, and an eclectic mix of classic and modern rock played over the speakers.
I ordered the loaded crack fries (fries with bacon, jalapeños, red onions and an delicious cheese sauce) and a Schlafly Tasmanian IPA (7.2%), both of which continued to wow me in more ways than I have words. The fries live up to their name, so much so that I was scraping my plate to get the last tidbits.
Schlafly can do no wrong in my eye. The Tasmanian IPA was light and floral with a notable pineapple hop flavor.
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To close out the session, I ordered the 2012 Barrel Aged Black Chocolate Stout (10%) from Brooklyn Brewery. A tour de force in the marriage of sweet and bitter, this beer really knocked me out of the park.
As if HopCat couldn’t be more ideal, it is also community-minded and participates actively in recycling and composting. Additionally, the business sources local food and products from other likeminded companies.
I’ll say it again — HopCat is a brew haven. With 100 rotating craft beer taps (20 devoted to local brews), enticing décor, a genuinely friendly and passionate staff, and a mischievous looking feline holding a pint for a logo, Heaven truly is a place on Earth.
Adam Pennavaria is the beer columnist of the Kentucky Kernel.
