Ale-8-One brings back Pawpaw Ale-8 for a limited summer run

Ale-8-One is putting Pawpaw Ale-8 back on shelves this week across Kentucky and nearby states, ahead of the company’s Aug. 1 centenni-ale celebration in Winchester. The limited-release soda taps Kentucky’s native pawpaw fruit and returns after last year’s debut sold out within weeks.

Why it matters: - Pawpaw Ale-8 is back as a limited-time seasonal flavor, giving Ale-8-One another way to ride fan demand while marking its 100th year. - The return expands a Kentucky-specific product into surrounding states, not just the home market. - The release ties a regional ingredient to a broader retail push, which can help the brand deepen loyalty beyond core soda buyers.

What happened: - Ale-8-One returned Pawpaw Ale-8 to shelves this week across the Commonwealth and the surrounding region. - The limited-release soda is inspired by locally sourced pawpaw, Kentucky’s only native tropical fruit. - Ale-8-One is promoting the drink ahead of Ale-8-One Day on Aug. 1 in downtown Winchester, Kentucky. - Fans who attend the 100-year celebration will also be able to get Pawpaw Ale-8 there. - The company describes the drink as a crystal-clear soda made with real sugar, natural flavors and no dyes.

The details: - The pawpaw is known as the “Kentucky Banana” and has deep cultural roots in Appalachia, including use by regional Native American tribes. - Ale-8-One developed the flavor in collaboration with Kentucky State University, which operates the only full-time pawpaw research program in the world. - Pawpaw Ale-8 is available in 4-packs at most major retailers and specialty partners. - Supplies are limited. - The drink is also available on fountain exclusively at Ouita Michel’s Windy Corner Market in Lexington, Kentucky. - Pawpaw Ale-8 debuted in July 2025, sold out within weeks across the region and drew strong consumer and press reviews. - Ale-8-One’s founder G.L. Wainscott created the original recipe, and Fielding Rogers, his great-great-nephew, personally blends every batch of the secret formula. - Ale-8-One Bottling Company was founded in 1902 in Winchester, Kentucky, and remains the oldest privately held bottler in the United States still owned and operated by the founding family. - Ale-8-One has been bottled in green glass in Winchester since 1926. - Ale-8-One says its proprietary blend is flavored with ginger and citrus and has less carbonation and fewer calories than conventional sodas. - Ale-8-One is widely available in Kentucky and surrounding states, sold online nationwide and carried at most Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and Fresh Markets. - The company is a founding member of the Kentucky Proud Program. - More information is available at Ale-8-One’s website.

Between the lines: - The return of Pawpaw Ale-8 suggests Ale-8-One sees the 2025 flavor launch as proof that niche, local ingredients can create national-scale interest within a regional footprint. - The collaboration with Kentucky State University also gives the release a research and heritage angle, not just a novelty one. - The timing ahead of the company’s 100th birthday helps turn a limited product drop into part of a larger brand anniversary story.

What's next: - Pawpaw Ale-8 will remain available only for a limited time while supplies last. - Ale-8-One will use the Aug. 1 birthday event in downtown Winchester to spotlight the brand’s centennial and the seasonal release. - Fans can follow @ale8one on social media for retailer updates and future product news.

The bottom line: - Ale-8-One is betting that last year’s sellout demand for Pawpaw Ale-8 can power another short, high-interest run during its 100th year.