If Kentucky had a state beer, what would it be?

If Kentucky had an official state beer, what would it be?

That's the question posed in a recent Thrillist article — which actually attempted to choose a defining beer for each state as part of a series of stories celebrating America.

For the list, four writers selected beers they felt best represented each state's people and characteristics. Writer Matt Lynch of Chicago was tasked with picking Kentucky's.

Heads up: His choice may be polarizing.

Calling it a "delightfully bourbon-y strong ale," Lynch named Alltech's Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale as the Bluegrass State's official beer.

As some of you might recall, the Lexington-brewed beverage is the same beer that won the Courier-Journal's Malt Madness voting competition earlier this year — and some readers weren't exactly thrilled that it took the top prize.

For those who are questioning the choice again, keep in mind that this is a different sort of title. We're not talking best beer here, but official beer.

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Going the bourbon barrel-aged route makes a lot of sense. We are in Bourbon Country, after all.

But if someone really wanted to pick a state beer, they should check out a group of specially crafted brews that will be released during Kentucky Proud Beer Week this fall.

According to a press release, 12 breweries statewide will release new beers made with locally grown ingredients. Look for them from Oct. 12 to 14 as part of a project organized with the state department of agriculture.

The ingredients include pawpaws, blackberries and hops sourced from various Kentucky farms and food producers. For more information about the beers and their release dates, visit the Kentucky Guild of Brewers website, kygbrewers.org.

So what do you think should be Kentucky's official beer? Let us know right here on Facebook!

Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at 502-582-4646 or bloosemore@courier-journal.com.