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Ale-8-One Bottling Company today announced the highly anticipated launch of Pawpaw Ale-8, a new limited-edition seasonal beverage celebrating Kentucky's only native tropical fruit.

The unveiling took place at a joint news conference held at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, hosted in The Center for Sustainability of Farms and Families, a 12,000-square-foot multifunctional building located at the Benson Farm, providing the perfect backdrop just steps away from the University's pawpaw orchards.

This innovative collaboration with Kentucky State University's world-renowned Pawpaw Research Program brings together local heritage, scientific innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit to create something uniquely Kentucky.

The launch event brought together Representative Ryan Dotson of Kentucky House District 73, alongside key representatives from Kentucky State University and Ale-8-One. Rep. Dotson welcomed attendees, emphasizing the collaboration's deep roots in his district, which includes Winchester-based Ale-8-One.

"Ale-8-One is more than a company; it's a Winchester institution and a Kentucky icon," Rep. Dotson said. "Seeing a hometown business that has been part of our community since 1926 continue to innovate is a source of great pride." He praised the partnership as "a model for economic growth—leveraging our state's unique agricultural resources, like the pawpaw, and turning them into products that create jobs and celebrate our heritage."

The partnership with Kentucky State University forms the foundation of the Pawpaw Ale-8 story, emphasized Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State. He celebrated the "unique fusion of Kentucky heritage and scientific innovation," emphasizing how the collaboration "exemplifies how the University's land-grant mission translates world-class research into tangible products for consumers."

"We're proud that our scientific work, conducted on these very fields, has directly informed the creation of Pawpaw Ale-8, showcasing both the academic strengths of Kentucky State and the authentic taste of Kentucky's 'Kentucky Banana,'" Dr. Akakpo added. He noted the timing of the launch as well, which precedes the upcoming Fifth International Pawpaw Conference in September, further cementing Kentucky State's global leadership in pawpaw research.

Dr. Marcus Bernard, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and Director of Land Grant Programs, highlighted how this collaboration directly results from the hands-on research that defines the student experience at Kentucky State. Students gain invaluable experience in horticulture, food science, and flavor analysis through the University's world-renowned pawpaw research program—experiences integral to developing workforce-ready graduates for careers in agriculture, food science, and product development.

"Pawpaw Ale-8 represents more than just a new beverage—it's a celebration of Kentucky's unique natural resources and the power of collaborative innovation," Dr. Bernard noted. "This project demonstrates how our research mission can create tangible value for both our students and the Commonwealth."

The scientific foundation of the new flavor was detailed by Dr. Kirk Pomper, Professor of Horticulture at Kentucky State. He noted how the authentic taste of Pawpaw Ale-8 represents the culmination of decades of dedicated research at Kentucky State, home to the world's only full-time pawpaw research program and the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw.

Dr. Pomper's team has focused on improving propagation, developing orchard management techniques, and characterizing the pawpaw's complex flavor profile, which includes tropical notes of banana, mango, and pineapple. This extensive research provided the essential insights for developing the new Ale-8 flavor, advancing agricultural science while creating new opportunities for Kentucky growers and businesses.

"This project is a perfect example of our research mission: to advance agricultural science and create new opportunities for Kentucky growers and businesses," Dr. Pomper said. "As the site of the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw, we are proud to see our work in preserving and understanding this fruit lead to such a refreshing conclusion."

Pawpaw Ale-8 offers a distinctive taste experience, brimming with the exotic flavors of Kentucky's only native tropical fruit. The pawpaw fruit, often called the "Kentucky Banana," contributes tropical notes reminiscent of mango, pineapple, and banana with a creamy, custard-like texture, all harmoniously blended with Ale-8-One's signature ginger-citrus base. Crafted with real sugar, natural flavors, and no artificial dyes, this refreshing beverage upholds Ale-8-One's commitment to quality ingredients.

Daphne Phipps, Director of Product Excellence & Innovations at Ale-8-One, shared her personal journey in developing the flavor. When she first encountered the pawpaw, she noted it looked like a small green potato growing on a tree. Working with pawpaws provided by Dr. Pomper's team, she meticulously conducted 49 flavor trials before arriving at the perfect recipe—a testament to the dedication required to achieve a perfectly balanced craft soda.

"For nearly a century, Ale-8-One has been a beloved part of Kentucky life," emphasized Kevin Price, Chief Marketing Officer of Ale-8-One, who expressed the company's excitement. "We are thrilled to continue that tradition by partnering with Kentucky State to create something truly special. Our fans have spoken loud and clear about their love for new, authentic flavors, and we listened. We can’t wait for customers to enjoy this one-of-a-kind flavor offering."

The event concluded with Mr. Price and Dr. Akakpo officially unveiling the limited-edition Pawpaw Ale-8, which hit store shelves across the Commonwealth today, perfectly timed to savor the final weeks of summer. They raised a commemorative toast, celebrating the partnership as a testament to what can be achieved when world-class research, local heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit come together. After the event, attendees enjoyed Pawpaw Ale-8 floats, combining the new soda with delicious pawpaw ice cream.