Governor Beshear Declares September Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky

Sept. 1, 2011 — For Immediate Release

GOVERNOR BESHEAR DECLARES SEPTEMBER
‘BOURBON HERITAGE MONTH’ IN KENTUCKY

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Hailing the “unprecedented revival in its growth and popularity,” Gov. Steve Beshear today honored Kentucky’s signature Bourbon industry by declaring September “Bourbon Heritage Month” in the Commonwealth.

This is the fourth straight year that Gov. Beshear has issued an official Proclamation to recognize Kentucky’s historic distilling industry, which produces 95 percent of the world’s Bourbon.

“This has been a tremendous year for our legendary Bourbon industry,” Gov. Beshear said. “Our distilleries are expanding at the largest rate since Prohibition, adding nearly $200 million in capital investment this year alone.

“Bourbon is a signature product that with each sip showcases the pride, care, craftsmanship and hard work of our people,” he said. “It’s a privilege to once again proclaim September ‘Bourbon Heritage Month’ as we celebrate our timeless spirit.”

Total Bourbon inventory reached 4.7 million barrels in 2010, the highest level since 1982, said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. That means there are more barrels of Bourbon aging in the Commonwealth than there are people — 4.3 million, according to the latest U.S. Census figures.

In addition, Gregory said a record number of visitors from around the world are flocking to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, which features six distilleries and pours much-needed tourism revenue into local communities (www.kybourbontrail.com).

September also marks the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which runs Sept. 13 through Sept. 18 this year. It has grown to more than 50,000 visitors from 40 states and 13 countries (www.kybourbonfestival.com).

“From jobs to tourism to global exports, Bourbon is a vital and thriving part of Kentucky’s economy and history,” Gregory said. “We hope everyone enjoys Bourbon Heritage Month and savors our fine Bourbons responsibly.”

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For more information, contact Eric Gregory at (502) 875-9351 or visit www.kybourbon.com

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a registered trademark of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.