[2] Wainscott, who had been in the soda business in Winchester, Kentucky, since 1902, had developed Roxa-Kola, his previous flagship product, in 1906.

In creating the formula for Ale-8-One, Wainscott drew upon his knowledge of ginger-based recipes acquired in northern Europe.

"A Late One" was chosen as the winning entry, suggesting that the product was "the latest thing" in soft drinks, and shortened to "Ale-8-One".

[2][3] In 1935, Wainscott purchased a livery stable in Winchester and converted it to a bottling factory to expand his operation.

[2] A limited edition reissue of Roxa-Kola was released in November 2023, and re-released for a long term run in 2024.

[6] Scientific studies have proven that Ale-8-One has less caffeine than Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or Mountain Dew.

[needs update] In 2016, Cracker Barrel began distributing the drink nationwide in all of its locations.

[14][15] In 2017, The Fresh Market began distributing Ale-8 and Diet Ale-8 in their stores in the eastern and Midwestern United States.