Sometimes something so unique comes along that it’s impossible not to be intrigued and root for it to succeed. And that’s exactly what we have in Paul Miller’s Bircus Brewery in Ludlow, Kentucky.
An idea imported from Belgium, Bircus is the intersection of craft beer and the circus. Crazy, I know. But it’s awesome!
Miller has been producing circus shows inside the Ludlow Theater since 2009, and he served other people’s beers during his events. One day, he decided that he could just make his own beer, and that’s when Bircus was born. The brewing system is currently housed inside the theater, with a small tasting room next door while the theater is being renovated.
When Angie and I ventured in to the taproom on a cold Sunday afternoon, we had no idea what to expect. But there was Paul himself just happy that people were venturing in to see his new concept and to get a taste of his beer. The enthusiasm he has for beer and the circus and just life in general is infectious. He even led us on a free guided tour of the theater next door and poured us some fresh samples straight from the tap. That’s what you call customer service. I can definitely see his vision and hope this place becomes huge.
The beer itself is also very good. I enjoyed the Alta Via Altbier and the Comic Walrus golden ale. Their Lagoon Scotch ale was solid as well. They’re trying out some styles that not every brewery has, and that’s usually a good thing to draw crowds in.
If you haven’t tried Bircus yet, time is running out to get there and say you knew the cool place before everyone else. If you ask nicely maybe Paul will even take you on a tour.