How we got here

• 2015 | The Distilling, Wine, and Brewing Studies undergraduate certificate was launched to give students introductory training in their choice of distillation, wine, or brewing.
• 2019 | Beam Suntory gave UK $5 million — the largest single philanthropic gift in the company’s history — which sparked the plan for the creation of the Institute.
• 2020 | UK hosted the Inaugural James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference in February. In March, Independent Stave Company + the Boswell Family gifted UK $1 million to fund the maturation facility followed by a November donation of the K-RAX storage system from Koetter Construction.
• 2021 | Louisville-based Vendome Copper and Brass Works announce its gift of a 30-ft copper still.

Local work on a global scale

• Provide support to the next generation of distillers
• Partner with the distilled spirits industry members to research questions and look toward future innovation
• Provide transdisciplinary leadership to the global industry with local roots

• BYO Record Night | Tuesday, Aug. 8 | 6 p.m. | Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave., Lexington | Free | Enjoy a night of board games and musical exploration.

• B.O.L.D. Words: Dealing with Your Inner Dialogue | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Sedona Taphouse, 3600 Palomar Center Dr., Lexington | $45.19 | Join the Professional Women’s Forum + Dr. Michele Wells to learn strategies for making your inner dialogue more positive.

• Margs, Mugs & Mutts | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 6 p.m. | Goodfellas Pizzeria, 1228 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Bring your furry friend for a night of puppy headshots and makeovers with proceeds supporting the Lexington Humane Society.

• Belle’s Summer Spritz Social | Friday, Aug. 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Belles Cocktail House, 156 Market St., Lexington | $31.80 | Get ready to sip on refreshing spritz cocktails, mingle with friends, and soak up the summer rooftop vibes.

• Picnic With The Pops: An Evening With Symphonic Disco | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 8 p.m. | Keeneland, 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington | $25+ | Pack your picnics + boogie woogie back to the 1970s with disco musical performances at this annual fan-favorite summer event.

• In an effort to prioritize the needs of individual communities, UK’s Cooperative Extension Service has launched a comprehensive assessment survey. Here, you can share your thoughts on the resources needed regarding the environment, youth, community, and economic development + family support. (UKNOW)

• The Broke Spoke, 501 W. 6th St., Ste. 130, is hosting a new womxn-led event on the third Tuesday of every month. Here, cycling enthusiasts are invited to connect, mingle, and learn how to work on their bikes. Join them next Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.

• This weekend marks the return of A Midsummer Night’s Run 5K. The annual race will see hundreds of Lexingtonians head downtown on Saturday, Aug. 12 to race or cheer on the runners with food trucks, beer booths, and more festive fun.

• We’re not ready for fall yet, and neither is Leestown Coffee House. The Meadowthorpe coffee shop released its Summer 2.0 menu this week. Stop by to sip on flavors like the iced Chamomile Matcha, an Old Fashioned Latte, and Pistachio Macaron Latte.

• Calling all teachers. Each Drake’s location wants to help clear your back-to-school list. Apply to win up to $500 in classroom supplies. The winners will be announced on Friday, Aug. 11.

• Congratulations to OVG360 for receiving the Prime Site Award from Facilities & Destinations magazine. The management company for Central Bank Center + Rupp Arena has been recognized as a top destination for meetings and conventions.

• You wheel love Kroger’s latest addition. Head to 4225 Harrodsburg Rd. on Thursday, Aug. 10 at 7:45 a.m. for a ribbon cutting + grand opening celebration of the new $2.7 million Kroger Lexington Fuel Center. Bonus: The first 100 customers in line will receive a $25 gift card.*

• Polo for a good cause? Count us in. Fayette Alliance and the UK Markey Cancer Foundation are hosting a one-day flash sale today for tickets to the 2023 Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup, held at Mt. Brilliant Farm on Friday, Sept. 8. Tickets include admission to the high-goal polo match, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and live music. Grab yours here.*

Learn how to play

Where to play

• Kirklevington — 12 courts
• Meadowthorpe — 2 courts, painted over tennis courts
• Lexington Senior Center — 1 court, reserved for members/guests
• Cardinal Run North — 10 courts, coming soon