Fall horse racing at the venerable Keeneland Race Course in Lexington KY and a cold craft beer go hand-in-hand. In celebration of the 2020 Fall Meet, which typically would attract excited tailgating crowds, Keeneland collaborated with a local brewer to create a special fall ale release. Through distributor Kentucky Eagle, the Keeneland Fall Ale, by Country Boy Brewing, is being sold regionally in retail outlets such as Kroger and Total Wine throughout the fall. With COVID-19 restricting fan access to its spectator-less Fall Meet, the hope is that Keeneland Fall Ale is helping fans keep their race day traditions alive from home. Designed by Lexington-based agency Cornett, the can’s golden color palette and design choices were inspired by the look and mood of the sun shining on a barley field in the late summer/early fall. Cornett created a wheat laurel icon to represent the brand’s heritage and a detailed sketch of Keeneland’s sprawling, historic grounds to capitalize on their fans’ affinity for the experience of visiting the racetrack each year.
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Cornett, know as “curious, crafty, experimental and disruptive thinkers,” has a growing regional and even national reputation, and has a record of sharing its time, talent and resources with those in need and to address inequalities in our community. On the Keeneland project, agency credits include Creative DirectorChris Barnes; Designers Nicole Berry and Chris Barnes; Illustrator Ken Grier; Copywriter Jonathan Spalding; Account Services Supervisor Leslie Miller; and Planner Rachel Brazinski.
