LET'S KEEP BOURBON IN KENTUCKY

An Economic Engine

As worldwide demand for Bourbon continues to soar, so will our jobs, economic growth, tax dollars and tourism in communities across Kentucky.

Kentucky’s distilling industry announced a record $2.1 billion in new projects in 2022.
Bourbon is expected to create 700 new jobs in the coming years.
Bourbon is a $9 billion industry in Kentucky.
Distillers filled a record 2.6 million barrels last year, up from 2.4 million in 2021 and marking the fourth consecutive year surpassing 2 million barrels.
Bourbon provides Kentucky families with more than 22,500 good-paying, stable jobs.
Bourbon in Kentucky has an annual payroll topping $1.2 billion.
Bourbon in Kentucky provides $285 million in local and state taxes each year.

Say Thanks to Those Who Help Make Bourbon and Kentucky the Perfect Pairing.

Millions of curious visitors grow local economies.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® last year provided a record 2.1 million-plus experiences to visitors from across the country and world.
Tourism on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® skyrocketed 370% in the past decade.
Kentucky distillers in 2022 gained the privilege of opening one satellite tasting room, bringing economic impact beyond their home localities.
Research shows Bourbon tourists trend younger, spend between $400 and $1,200 on their trips, travel in large groups and stay longer than the average visitor to Kentucky.
More than 70% of visitors are from outside Kentucky and nearly half have household incomes over $100,000.
These visitors are a boon for local communities, generating valuable revenue and tax dollars while boosting their hospitality industries.

Millions of curious visitors grow local economies.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® last year provided a record 2.1 million-plus experiences to visitors from across the country and world.
Tourism on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® skyrocketed 370% in the past decade.
Kentucky distillers in 2022 gained the privilege of opening one satellite tasting room, bringing economic impact beyond their home localities.
Research shows Bourbon tourists trend younger, spend between $400 and $1,200 on their trips, travel in large groups and stay longer than the average visitor to Kentucky.
More than 70% of visitors are from outside Kentucky and nearly half have household incomes over $100,000.
These visitors are a boon for local communities, generating valuable revenue and tax dollars while boosting their hospitality industries.

Kentucky’s status as the one, true and authentic home for Bourbon takes ongoing commitment.

While Kentucky’s recent distilling growth is significant, we have fallen far behind the growth rates of competitor states.
Kentucky now has less than 3% of all distilling permits nationwide, whereas the state held 25% of all permits just 10 years ago.
There are now 4,450 distilled spirits licensed operations in the U.S. with only 128 in Kentucky.
Kentucky fell from 11th to 12th nationally in number of distilleries last year, federal data show.
Since 2015, Kentucky has been surpassed in number of distilleries by Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida.
Kentucky still makes 95% of the world’s Bourbon, but any distilleries Kentucky loses to other states could grow into major producers.
Tequila and agave spirits outsold all American whiskeys for the first time ever in 2021.
Will clear spirits resurge in the market, pushing Kentucky distillers back into the bust days of the 1970s and ’80s?

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Encourage and welcome Bourbon tourism locally and statewide.
Build inviting communities that offer amenities and experiences for local residents and visitors alike.
Support the industry’s smart growth, bringing new jobs and revenue to your community.
Make Kentucky the top destination for Bourbon investment and job creation.
Learn about Kentucky Bourbon, its history, its impact, its members and its supply chain, including local farm families and cooperages.
Connect with friends and family. The spirit of Bourbon is best shared.