2026 Regular Session - Day 21 - Citation | Rep. Ryan Dotson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We gather today to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone in the history of the Commonwealth, the 100th anniversary of L81. While the L81 Bottling Company was first established in Winchester by George Lee Wayne Scott in 1902, it was in 1926 that the world was introduced to the unique ginger citrus taste of a late one at the Clark County Fair. L81 is far more than just a beverage. It is a fixture of our community and a testament to the strength of Kentucky family values. For a century, it has remained family-owned and based in Winchester, providing a livelihood for 120 employees who live and work in the surrounding area. This dedication to the local people was recently honored with the prestigious 2025 Bluegrass Steward Award, recognizing the company's stewardship in Kentucky and its unwavering support for the Winchester community. Furthermore, L81 stands as a premier Kentucky Proud product. It holds the proud distinction of being the only soft drink invented in Kentucky that continues to be made in Kentucky to this day. As one of the founding members of the Kentucky Proud program, L81 has been a leader in promoting products grown and made right here in our home state of Kentucky. The secret to their longevity lies in the commitment to tradition. Every bottle of L81 originates from small batches of a secret family recipe still hand-blended by Fielding Rogers, the fourth-generation family owner. He continues to follow his great-great-uncle's original handwritten notes, ensuring that the taste we enjoy today is the same one that has captured the hearts a century ago. As we recognize and congratulate L81 on 100 years of growth and success, we honor a company that represents the very best of Kentucky's spirit and industry. Please join me today in celebrating a century of L81, a true Kentucky original.