Golf and beer come together in this new east Louisville brewery. Here's what to know

TurnStation Brewing Company, located in the lower level of GlenOaks Country Club, combines sport and beer with golf-centered drinks.
TurnStation Brewing Company, located in the lower level of GlenOaks Country Club, combines sport and beer with golf-centered drinks.

Brad Conrad knew he wanted to create a brewery where his two loves, golf and beer, intertwined. What became of that dream is TurnStation Brewing Company, a new brewery in east Louisville "where golf and beer cross paths," Conrad, an owner and partner with the company, said.

Conrad grew up playing golf at local country clubs before investing in GlenOaks Country Club in Prospect, which boasts a golf course, swimming pool, food, beverages and more. TurnStation is located within the lower level of GlenOaks, where he serves as a part-owner.

Having previously worked with Oldham Brewing Company, Conrad had some experience starting a brewery and brewing beer before he met TurnStation partners Leah Dienes and Matt Ledington.

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Dienes is the partner, owner and head brewer at Apocalypse Brew Works, 1612 Melwood Ave., and has a strong background in craft beer. Along with Conrad, she designs TurnStation's brews with golfers in mind, so athletes can drink more refreshing beers in the summer heat without "get(ting) wasted," she said.

"You don't want something that's horribly high in alcohol because you're not going to last very long; you're not going to make it through 18 holes," she told the Courier Journal. "We're trying to have refreshing beers that give you a little bit of energy and keep you relaxed on the golf course."

TurnStation Brewing Company will offer beers including the Three-Quarter Swing, a session IPA "that will help you swing all day." It will soon be available in a can.
TurnStation Brewing Company will offer beers including the Three-Quarter Swing, a session IPA "that will help you swing all day." It will soon be available in a can.

TurnStation is in the midst of a soft opening, with golfers coming through before, during, or after their rounds to get one of the brewery's on-draft beers, Conrad said. It will officially open to the public in August once the team finalizes its golf-themed drinks, but customers can expect beers with names like the Links Lager and the Three-Quarter Swing.

Conrad said the company's 16-ounce pours range from $5.50 to $8, and lagers, seltzers, sours and a variety of ales will be available.

TurnStation has a large patio deck that overlooks the golf course and is surrounded by golf-themed artwork and taps.

"It's a place where you can take a break, relax and unwind a little bit then continue on your journey to the 19th hole," Dienes said with a laugh. In golf, the 19th hole is an insider term for a pub, or bar, near the golf course, often the clubhouse itself.

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The brewery plans to open the taproom to the public Thursday through Sunday in the evenings. However, the golf course is open seven days a week and TurnStation's beers are always on-tap and available to golfers. While there will not be food served at TurnStation, food is available through GlenOaks Country Club, Conrad said.

TurnStation Brewing Company, located in the lower level of GlenOaks Country Club, combines sport and beer with golf-centered drinks.
TurnStation Brewing Company, located in the lower level of GlenOaks Country Club, combines sport and beer with golf-centered drinks.

Despite its golf theme, TurnStation is envisioned as a place for everyone.

"The unique thing about TurnStation Brewing Company is it's a taproom (where) you don't have to be a golfer; you don't have to be playing golf," Conrad said.

Dienes added that she and her team are "excited to get all the pieces in place and create some new beers."

"Golfers, even if they're weekend warriors, they're still athletes; you're doing an athletic activity," she said. "So, it's good to try to design stuff that's flavorful but adds to the experience. You golf because you enjoy the physical activity but you also enjoy nature and relaxation. We just want to be a part of that experience."

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TurnStation Brewery is located within GlenOaks Country Club, 10601 Worthington Lane in Prospect.

Features reporter Leah Hunter can be reached via email at lhunter@gannett.com or on Twitter at @theleahhunter.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: TurnStation Brewing Company to open to public in August