Sterling, a classic beer brand that had fallen from view, is making a comeback, with a tap room planned for the Highlands as a visible sign of its resurgence.
Founded in 1863, Sterling was brewed in Louisville for years, turning out a million cases a year at its height, according to a story in Business First. The brand is now owned by brothers Todd and Ken Jackson, who have contracted to purchase two city-owned properties at 1300 and 1306 Bardstown Road, and turn the space into the taphouse, which will include a small brewing operation.
The two buildings date to Sterling’s first heyday in the early 1900s. One building had been a rehearsal space for the Louisville Ballet for many years. Renovating the buildings for a taphouse while keeping its historic character is likely to be expensive. A start on the project is projected before the end of this year, with no opening date yet for the finished project.
Currently the Jackson’s work with Wisconsin-based Stevens Point Brewery for brew Sterling for regional distribution. The goal for the taphouse brewery is to make beer for the taphouse, and possibly for limited local distribution.
