Economic Impact

THE PROOF IS HERE®: BOURBON POURS BILLIONS INTO KENTUCKY ECONOMY

More than 12 million barrels of Bourbon and other spirits are gently aging in Kentucky.
More than 12.6 million of those are Bourbon barrels, the most ever.
12.6 million barrels of Bourbon; 4.5 million people means 5 barrels per Kentuckian.
19 distilleries in 2009; 100 distilleries in 2023, a 426% increase.
8 counties with a distillery in 2009; 42 counties in 2023, a 425% increase.
9,848 jobs sustained in 2009; 23,100 in 2023, a 132% increase.
$442 million in payroll in 2009; $1.63 billion in 2023, a 268% increase.
$125 million total taxes paid (production & consumption) in 2009; $358 million today, a 180% increase.
$3.5 billion in capital projects completed or planned by 2025.

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

Tourism brings patrons to local restaurants, bars, lodging and events.
Bourbon’s local supply chain and use of professional services creates and sustains jobs for loggers, stave mills, cooperages, farm families, architects, engineers and business-service professionals.
Increasing property values, payroll taxes and revenue for counties and cities.
Distilleries and satellite tasting rooms to bring downtown dynamism.
Bottle and by-the-drink sales now permitted at fairs, festivals and farmer’s markets.
Distilleries pay local governments insurance premium taxes on their properties.