Kentucky Monthly by DEBORAH KOHL KREMER
Kentucky’s other famous drink—aside from bourbon, of course—is Winchester’s Ale-8-One. Although some tell stories of it being served in their baby bottles, others in the state are not as familiar with the soft drink.
This gingery, citrusy, caffeine-infused carbonated beverage possesses a flavor that is unforgettable and apparently, not easily copied.
Ale-8-One dates back to 1926, when Winchester resident G.L. Wainscott, who already was bottling soda water and flavored drinks, came up with his signature drink. Not sure what to name it, he held a contest at the Clark County Fair and Ale-8-One, a twist on “A Late One” was the winner.
Wainscott’s original drink, developed in 1906, was a local success called Roxa-Kola. He was sued by a large cola company of a similar name—you know the one—and, much to everyone’s surprise, Wainscott won.
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