Brewery Profile

Ethereal Brewing

A visit begins in one of Lexington’s most visible examples of industrial reuse: the former James E. Pepper Distillery property, a 25-acre site that dates to 1879, was abandoned in 1958, and sat largely untouched for decades before redevelopment brought people back to the grounds. Ethereal Brewing was among the early businesses to open there, so its taproom is part of the story of the Distillery District becoming a downtown destination rather than a dormant complex. Visitors can expect the atmosphere to reflect that setting: historic brick, a brewery-centered social space, and steady movement between neighboring food and drink businesses. The surrounding mix, which includes a cidery, coffee shop, and other dining and beverage options, gives the area more of a district feel than a single-stop brewery visit.

For travelers exploring Kentucky beer, Ethereal fits into a broader Lexington scene shaped by both craft brewing and the state’s deep bourbon identity. Many visitors come to the region looking for beer that can stand alongside richer local flavors: malt-forward ales, hop-driven IPAs, barrel-influenced releases, saisons, stouts, and rotating small-batch offerings are all common expectations in Central Kentucky taprooms. Ethereal’s origin story connects to that craft-brewery model. Founder Andrew Bishop was inspired after visiting Worth Brewing, a family-owned operation in Northwood, Iowa, and later partnered with Brandon Floan, whose focus on the scientific side of brewing helped shape the production approach. For guests, that background translates into a stop where the beer is the center of the experience, but the setting adds context.

The practical appeal is that Ethereal can be worked into a longer visit to the Distillery District without much planning beyond checking what is pouring that day. The taproom is the place to confirm the current list, seasonal releases, and any one-off beers, since rotating selections are a standard part of the craft brewery experience. Travelers can build a casual afternoon or evening around the area, pairing a beer stop with nearby food, cider, coffee, or a walk through the revitalized property. Because the brewery occupies part of a historic site rather than a standalone suburban building, the visit tends to feel connected to Lexington’s redevelopment as much as to its beer culture. It is a useful stop for visitors who want to see how the city’s older industrial and distilling spaces have been adapted into modern gathering places.

Ethereal Brewing established itself in a historically significant location within Lexington, Kentucky, occupying a portion of the former 25-acre James E. Pepper Distillery property. The distillery site, originally active starting in 1879, had been abandoned in 1958 and remained untouched for nearly five decades before revitalization efforts began. Founder Andrew Bishop was inspired to open a craft brewery after visiting a family-owned operation, Worth Brewing, in Northwood, Iowa; he later partnered with Brandon Floan, who focused on the scientific aspects of beer production. Ethereal was one of the initial businesses to open on the neglected grounds, contributing to the site's transformation into a lively downtown destination. The brewery is now part of a complex that includes a cidery, a coffee shop, and various food and drink options, attracting local traffic to the revitalized historic area.

Website available

1224 Manchester St, Lexington, Kentucky, 40504-1129

Phone: (859) 309-1254

Website: http://www.etherealbrew.com

Hours: Open Noon till 10p! (Christmas Eve) Open 3p till 10p! (Christmas Day)