(Picture Source: Kuttawa KY Tourism/Facebook)
The Kuttawa Tourism Commission has received top honors for its creative approach to tourism marketing, winning a statewide Gold Award for “Pelican Pilsner”—a craft beer brewed in collaboration with Country Boy Brewing of Georgetown.
The award was presented at the 2025 Kentucky Travel Industry Association Annual Conference.
Presented each year by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, the Traverse Awards recognize outstanding tourism marketing across Kentucky. Entries are evaluated by out-of-state tourism and marketing experts on concept, creativity, results, and impact.
Kuttawa Tourism officials explained that “A Beer for the Lake Life” was developed as a signature, lake-inspired brew, and Pelican Pilsner was crafted to embody the relaxed and fun spirit of life on Kuttawa and Lake Barkley. They say the branding, story, and beer were all designed to give visitors a memorable, tangible way to relive their experiences around the area’s marinas, campgrounds, and local businesses.
In an announcement on social media, Kuttawa Tourism Commission Executive Director Justin Kimbro called the Gold Award a major win for the whole community. He shared that Pelican Pilsner began as the simple idea of capturing the feeling of lake season in a glass and has since become a powerful marketing tool that showcases Kuttawa’s story in a unique and enjoyable way. Kimbro added that they are honored the Kentucky Travel Industry Association recognized their creativity and the growing impact on tourism in the region.
