Home » Ale-8-One now available in 42 states through Cracker Barrel partnership

Ale-8-One now available in 42 states through Cracker Barrel partnership

Winchester, Ky. – Ale-8-One Bottling Co., maker of the ginger & citrus based soft drink, hand-crafted in Kentucky since 1926, announced today that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., headquartered in Lebanon, Tennessee, is making Ale-8’s Original Soft Drink available nationwide. Cracker Barrel was established in 1969 and currently operates specialty, home-style country stores and restaurants throughout 42 states with 630 total retail locations.

Ellen McGeeney, President and COO of Ale-8-One stated, “Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores are unique and genuinely reminiscent of simpler times, making their outlets perfect venues to feature our 90-year-old, family-crafted soft drink. What made this partnership special from the start is our shared passion for bringing friends and family together,” said McGeeney. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to gain entry into Cracker Barrel Country Stores nationwide, and to begin developing a relationship that introduces Cracker Barrel patrons to the Best of the Bluegrass in our classic green glass bottles.”

Formulated in Winchester, KY by a beverage innovator named George Lee Wainscott, Ale-8 hit the market in 1926, and is the only soft drink invented in the Bluegrass still in existence. Amidst an ultimately unsuccessful lawsuit by Coca-Cola to stop distribution of his popular Roxa-Kola, Wainscott was inspired to design Ale-8 to taste like nothing else, so it would stand the test of time. That promise continues to be fulfilled today by his great-great nephew, Fielding Rogers, who still hand-mixes the unique recipe four generations later.

“Uncle Lee crafted a smooth, refreshing, and truly unique soda: ginger-based, but with more flavor, less carbonation, a little less sugar, and without the bite of ginger beers. Ale-8-One is made with real ginger extract that has been blended specifically for us,” said Rogers, 4th Generation Owner, CEO and guardian of the secret family recipe.

By sticking close to its hometown Kentucky values, Ale-8 has managed to simultaneously keep demand high and retain its “one sip and you’re there” magic that takes you back to good times with family and friends, much like the Cracker Barrel brand.

Original Ale-8-One can be found in the classic soft drink section of the Old Country Store. If it isn’t currently available, the Cracker Barrel store manager can order it. For more information about where to find a Cracker Barrel near you or to request Ale-8-One at your local Cracker Barrel, visit their website at crackerbarrel.com/locations.