In a world of shots and chasers, it can be refreshing to get a buzz at an establishment that serves only the finest of humankind’s most refreshing beverage: beer. This week, I’ll be throwing out a few of Kentucky’s finest beer bars where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the brews.

Fifth place goes to The Beer Trappe. Located in Lexington’s Chevy Chase neighborhood, this is truly a posh beer experience. The Beer Trappe features eight rotating taps and a bottle selection of more than 500 bottles from around the world. For your everyday college student, the bar also offers a weekly “Beer School,” where ambitious beer fans can explore different styles of ale under the guidance of certified beer judge, Kevin Patterson.

In fourth place is Lexington Beerworks. A treasure trove of wonderful craft beer, Beerworks is located downtown and is without a doubt the finest craft beer vendor one can find on this side of the city. As if Beerworks didn’t seem perfect enough already, local food trucks also frequent the establishment with many different kinds of cuisine.

Third place stands Sergio’s World Beers in Louisville. Although the storefront doesn’t immediately catch the passerby’s eye, this local favorite claims to house more than 1,000 different bottled beers from around the world. Unlike some of the other beer bars in the Commonwealth, Sergio’s serves food in addition to the finest of craft ales.

Second in the roundup is Louisville’s Holy Grale. It’s difficult to ask for more from a beer menagerie than what Holy Grale provides. The renovated church gives Holy Grale a vintage feel. The open back patio with string lights give it a warm and comforting vibe. The beer served there is of the highest caliber in Louisville. Despite the frequent wait for drinks and the stiff price on some treasured brews, there is nothing I can say negatively about the Grale.

Finally, Marikka’s Restaurant and Bier Stube in Lexington takes my first place. Marikka’s, like Sergio’s, has hundreds, if not thousands, of global beers. Its menu is split up by beer nationality, an interesting touch to the typical display of brews. To accompany the stube’s healthy bottle variety, Marikka’s serves authentic German food: schnitzel, pretzels and beer cheese, and many different combinations of sausage and sauerkraut. In the warmer months, Marikka’s hosts a sand volleyball league, rain or shine.

The semester is ending soon, and hopefully this list of beer wonderlands will give my fellow beer lovers some hot spots to check out while home for the holidays. Cheers!

Adam Pennavaria is the beer columnist of the Kentucky Kernel.

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