Welcome friends! Dot (content creator savant) and I (avid explorer) continue our journey through our Meet the B-Line series. This time, we ventured to Newport, Kentucky to visit Jerry’s Jug House. Nestled in the heart of the historic East Row community, this laid back, elevated dive bar is welcoming, with a chill vibe. Here you can enjoy a great selection of draft beer, natural wine, cocktails and of course bourbon.
Jerry’s Jug House has been a community staple since 1933 and was recently renovated in 2019 by co-owners and cousins, Stuart MacKenzie and Mark Ramler. When updating the building, Mark and Stuart were thoughtful in making sure they maintained the history and integrity of the building. Some of the University of Kentucky wallpaper is original and discolored from years of wear and tear and tobacco smoke. When renovating, they found a roll of the original wallpaper used. Visit their website to see the color difference from what it looked like brand new to what it looks like today.
Dot and I grabbed a table in the corner and perused their menu. While Dot is on a quest to try each B-Line stop’s version of an Old Fashioned, my journey is more on the sweet side. Here is a taste of what we sampled.
What We Drank
Jerry’s Classic
Jerry’s Classic is Frisch’s cherry coke nostalgia in a glass. Made with Kentucky Bourbon, cane sugar cola, lemon, house -made cherry simple syrup and the proverbial cherry on the top, Frisch’s style ice. For those well acquainted with Frisch’s or Big Boy as some may call it, you know that ice is the best ice.
Overall, this drink was tasty and hit the spot. While the cocktail is bourbon forward, it was nicely balanced with the subtle sweetness of the cola and the tartness of the cherry syrup.
Bruns Old Fashioned
Made with Kentucky Bourbon, simple cane syrup and house tobacco bitters, this Old Fashioned was tasty. For those not interested in tobacco bitters, they can also make it with angostura bitters. Dot went opted for the tobacco bitters and felt it added a subtle, smokey flavor to it, like a smoked cocktail.
We enjoyed our time at Jerry’s Jug House. This warm and approachable neighborhood bar is a great space to meet with friends, unwind and catch a game. Be sure to leave some space for the local fairy population while there.
You may not know it, but the East Row is home to hundreds of little fairy doors sprinkled throughout the community. If you are looking for a free, fun scavenger hunt to find some of our favorite doors, I encourage you to download Geocaching Adventure Labs and click on the “Newport Fairy Doors” adventure. Great for individuals and families!
If this article has enticed you, please download our B-Line digital guide or stop by one of the many stops on The B-Line for an official guide booklet and get started. For those that check in at 2 restaurants, 2 bars and 2 distilleries, we will send you a free, bourbon swag gift of your choosing! Who doesn’t like free stuff? Also, if you are interested in bourbon centric events, keep an eye on our calendar, updated daily with great events happening all month long. Until next time friends, go forth and explore our great region, one sip and bite at a time!
