LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Do you know what the pawpaw is? This tropical-flavored fruit is often called the “Kentucky banana.” It has a distinctive flavor described as a blend of banana, mango, and pineapple. The fruit is native to much of the Eastern United States, including Kentucky.
Pawpaw Ale-8 is back in stores this week for a second summer run, giving more consumers a taste of this unique flavor. The limited-edition drink blends Ale-8-One’s signature ginger and citrus taste with pawpaw, developed in collaboration with Kentucky State University researchers.
“Seeing Pawpaw Ale-8 return is exciting because it will allow even more people to experience a fruit Kentucky State has spent decades studying and helping move toward commercial production,” Pomper said.
KSU’s Pawpaw Research Program has studied the fruit since 1990, focusing on cultivation, genetics, shelf life and commercialization, and has released multiple named cultivars, including two in 2025…