BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS

Jarfly Brewing Co ., Somerset ' s original home for unique craft beers , first started pouring drinks in the summer of 2016 , and owners Daniel Stroud and Del Stephens had more than just ales in mind . " When Jarfly opened , our chief goal beyond just making alcoholic beverages was changing the public ' s idea of what can and can ' t be ," said Stroud . " Before , the idea was that something like ( this business ) could never happen , it would never be supported . We noticed drinking establishments were

catering to a generic form of drinking and over-drinking , as well as propagating the idea that there ' s something wrong with it . You ' d see that in the dark-tinted windows , the idea of people not being seen in public , which continued the idea that there was something wrong with it .

" We confronted that headon by being really transparent and nothing to hide ," he continued . " It ' s a place where you could come and get an alcoholic beverage , or not get an alcoholic beverage . We ' re really about community and people sharing a good time with each other ."

The microbrewery has become one of the most visible businesses in town since opening and has gained a reputation around the state for producing a superior craft beer ; Stroud was even named to the Kentucky Guild of Brewers board .

And while many similar businesses — nightspots where large crowds congregated traditionally — might have struggled or even fallen to the COVID-19 era , Jarfly is still going strong and finding new ways to keep people coming back .

" We ' ve added a listening room upstairs , so we have

additional places for music ," said Stroud . Indeed , live music and entertainment has always been part of the Jarfly M . O ., regularly drawing top talent both locally and from around the region .

Stroud said fans can expect " block party " -type alley shows in warmer months this year as well . Jarfly actually has an outdoor space for bands to perform behind the building , and that allows them to " have way bigger acts and pack a whole lot more people ."

Ultimately , Jarfly has tripled the amount of space available for listening to music , said Stroud , cementing its