KDA Statement on Passage of House Bill 400

April 2, 2018

“House Bill 400 is a bold, historic step in modernizing our signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The number one question from Bourbon tourists is, “Why can’t I ship my bottles home?” Now, with the passage of HB 400, they can very soon.

“More than 1.2 million stops were made at Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries last year, with 70 percent coming from outside Kentucky. More than 85 percent purchased a souvenir bottle during their trip.

“With the ability to ship bottles home, we’re confident that number will increase with visitors purchasing more bottles, which will boost tourism and add valuable tax dollars to local and state coffers. It’s a win-win for Bourbon and our beloved Commonwealth.

“It’s only a matter of time before more and more states allow reciprocity with Kentucky and embrace the shipping of spirits, just like they have wine.

“Bourbon brings people together, and HB 400 has been a bipartisan effort with passage by historic margins for an alcohol bill. We’d like to specifically thank Rep. Chad McCoy, the primary sponsor, and Sen. John Schickel, the Senate sponsor, for their tremendous work and leadership.

“We’d also like to applaud Republican and Democratic leadership in both chambers, our partners at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Greater Louisville, Inc., CommerceLex, the Kentucky League of Cities, and most of all, our 39 member distilleries who are working in unison to promote, protect and elevate our timeless craft.”

— Eric Gregory, President, Kentucky Distillers’ Association, a non-profit trade group founded in 1880 that represents 39 of the state’s distilleries.