As far as overlooked snacks go, there might not be one worth digging into more than beer cheese. Sure, the dip could now be considered a staple at breweries and bars, almost so much so that you expect the spread to be topped on the fanciest fried chicken sandwich just like you expect it to be on tap next to a pint of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Beer cheese has become a bit of a chameleon in this way, the way that this orangeish mesh blends into menus no matter if the brow is high or low.
But, it wasn’t always this way. Just as pretzels have a surprising background ― they were invented in the image of praying children ― the origin story of beer cheese is one of twists and turns. They make a good pair in that way.
You might not remember the first time you saw beer cheese on a menu in the Louisville area, but, if you look, you’ll now see it all around. What you might not see, or pay attention to, is that this cheesy concoction could be one of Kentucky’s claims to fame, right up there with bourbon and horses. That's right.
The cheesy concoction was purportedly invented right here in the Bluegrass State. This claim is stated on the website of the set for June 8 in Winchester: “Clark County was officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as the birthplace of beer cheese in 2013.” The website has more of the story, which goes back to the early 20th century.
“Beer cheese has a history as spicy as its flavor,” reads the site. “According to legend, it all started i.
