Butchertown is getting a new craft beer bar, so let's raise a glass!

Raise a glass: Louisville is getting a new craft beer bar.

International Tap House — an independently owned company based in Missouri — has confirmed it will open a beer and whiskey bar within the Main & Clay apartment complex in Butchertown.

The bar is expected to open mid-year within the $30-million residential project located at 633-637 E. Main St., just east of Slugger Field.

Courier Journal spoke by phone with tap house co-owner Sean Conroy, who described his bar as somewhat of a paradox.

International Tap House primarily serves beer, but it doesn't shy away from whiskey or other spirits. It's a bar that loves sports, but you won't find it picking sides. And while it takes pride in its local beer selection, Conroy said it strives to provide a rounded offering of global brews.

You might like:All the restaurants that have opened - and are still to come - in 2018

Craft beer boom:Keep an eye out for these 7 new breweries opening this year

"We focus on the best in craft beer," Conroy said. "But ultimately we pride ourselves in being a great place to hang out."

Conroy and co-owner Brad Lobdell launched International Tap House in 2009 with a location in Chesterfield, a suburb of St. Louis. Since then, they've added two more St. Louis-area locations, along with bars in Columbia and Kansas City.

The Louisville bar will be their first venture outside of Missouri.

Conroy said he got the idea for a Louisville location while visiting the city for his son's hockey games. 

"I really kind of loved the city," Conroy said. "When you drive into a city, it's always nice to see cranes on the skyline. You get the vibe there's really a lot of good things going on in Louisville. We want to be part of it, honestly."

Coming event:Everything you need to know about the 5th Tailspin Ale Fest

Conroy said Louisville's craft beer scene still has room to grow, and he's excited to introduce customers to new beers while supporting nearby breweries like Goodwood and Against the Grain.

For more information on the company, visit internationaltaphouse.com.

Bailey Loosemore: 502-582-4646; bloosemore@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @bloosemore. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/baileyl.