Ale-8 officially launches new flavor that represents Kentucky roots

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Ale-8-One is a popular soft drink made in Winchester, and a new flavor was inspired by Kentucky home-grown research.

A press conference had leaders from Kentucky State University, Ale-8, and even the state to celebrate the reveal of the new pawpaw flavor of Ale-8.

Pawpaw is a fruit that grows in Kentucky, and Ale-8 chief marketing officer Kevin Price, along with Kentucky State University President Dr. Koffi Akakpo, celebrated this milestone.

“Kentucky State and Ale-8 have had a long-standing relationship, admittedly not quite at this level. For us to secure this relationship and their insane hospitality throughout the entire experience, we couldn’t be more thankful for them as a partner,” Price said.

“I cannot thank Ale-8 enough. We thank you for this partnership. We truly thank the leadership and the team that helped design this. This is a journey,” Akakpo said.

The pawpaw, also known as the ‘Kentucky banana,’ is researched and harvested at KSU. It’s unique for it to be in a landlocked state like Kentucky since it brings a tropical flavor, which can now be tasted in Ale-8’s newest edition. Dr. Kirk Pomper is the professor of horticulture at KSU, meaning he is often involved in research with this fruit.

“It’s a really unique fruit. It has kind of a banana, mango, pineapple flavor, and it’s a tree fruit that we can grow in Kentucky well and use for fresh fruit or for processing,” Pomper said.

Representative Ryan Dotson, who represents the 73rd district, which includes Clark and Fayette counties, also came to the reveal. Dotson said Ale-8 is an example of what a supported local idea can become.

“Today has been a very historical moment as these two iconic brands came together, KSU and Ale-8. I will tell you the response, and I’m looking forward to it. The very taste of Ale-8 pawpaw is very special and unique. I think people really want to take to it,” Dotson said.

Ale-8’s pawpaw flavor is available in stores now.