As a college student who spent time studying abroad, Keith Joy saw one common factor in the countries he visited: To get the vibe of a city, you should try local craft beer.
Now, the 27-year-old plans to help others experience that same idea in Louisville through a new craft beer touring company, Derby City Brew Bus.
"This job is to promote Kentucky tourism and Louisville tourism," Joy said. "They're passionate about creating an outstanding product, and I'm making sure people from all over taste their product."
Derby City Brew Bus began offering public tours on Saturdays and Sundays last month, and Joy said he has so far seen success, with several of the 15-guest tours selling out.
The tours run about three hours each and cost between $40 and $50 for stops at three breweries. Joy said he hopes to expand them once he purchases his own bus, instead of renting one, and hires employees to help with the work.
Though this is his first time operating his own touring service, Joy - a Knoxville, Tenn., native who attended graduate school at Eastern Kentucky University - said he has previous experience giving craft beer tours while working in southern California.
"I thought, I have mountains of student loans, why don't I do something I love doing to help pay off the debt," said Joy, who works full-time as a safety engineer. "... When I moved to Louisville, I was like, man, there is so much potential for this city to explode with craft brewing, and that's what it's doing right now. If I'm going to go drink beer all the time, I'll bring people with me, and let's have a good time."
