KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® EXPERIENCE WELCOMES 10 NEW DESTINATIONS

Record 68 Experiences Bring Tourism Benefits to More Kentucky Communities 

For Immediate Release — January 29, 2026 
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® tour today welcomed 10 new destinations, increasing the total to an all-time high of 68 stops. Visitors from across the globe now have more opportunities than ever to experience the art and craft of Kentucky Bourbon.

This expansion includes new distillery experiences and urban satellite tasting rooms, from far Western Kentucky to the amber triangle of Louisville, Lexington and Bardstown. Bourbon is now giving local communities a valuable tourism boost in 32 of the state’s 120 counties.

Founded in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure has grown into a global, bucket-list phenomenon, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors annually from all 50 states and dozens of countries. 

“It’s been amazing to watch the exponential and powerful growth of our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour since its humble beginnings of seven distilleries in a handful of counties when much of the state was still dry,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. 

“Today, the Bourbon Trail™ journey is transforming communities big and small across Kentucky, bringing new visitors and precious tourism dollars to every corner of the state,” he said. “The Napa-esque dream for Kentucky Bourbon is becoming a reality.”

Research shows nearly 80% of Bourbon Trail™ visitors are from outside the Commonwealth, have higher household incomes than the average Kentucky tourist, travel in larger groups, stay longer, and spend more.

The KDA is also making it easier for visitors to plan their pilgrimage through the upcoming launch of its “Build Your Own Bourbon Trail^®” online feature, which will allow travelers to craft and share itineraries with their friends. And, more features are in the works.

“With 68 unique and innovative destinations, we encourage travelers to slow down, savor all the beauty and Bourbon that Kentucky has to offer, and make plans to return. After all, it takes time to craft the world’s finest whiskey. We invite you to come back for more.”

By region, the ten new experiences include:

Bardstown Region

WhistlePig Distillery & Bottling (Brandenburg, Meade County) coming soon

Central Region

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery (Frankfort)

Lexington Region

Dark Arts Whiskey House (Lexington)

LF Heritage Distilling (Georgetown)

Louisville Region

Left Bank Distilling Co. (Louisville)

Chicken Cock Whiskey Circa 1856 – Louisville Tasting Room (Louisville)

Green River Louisville Tasting Room (Louisville)

WhistlePig, The Vault Tasting Experience (Louisville) coming soon

Western Region

General George Stillhouse (Falls of Rough)

Purple Toad Winery & Distillery (Paducah)

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Media Contact: Katie Bartholomai at [email protected] or 502.821.6784. 

Download Media Assets Here: Media Kit

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly. 

Tourism Partner Quotes:
Stacey Phelps, President, Bardstown-Nelson County Tourism

“Bardstown is proud to be the Bourbon Capital of the World, and this expansion of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® reinforces what we’ve always known, Kentucky Bourbon is more than a drink, it’s an experience that’s meant to be shared. These new destinations will bring even more visitors to our community, supporting local businesses and showcasing the hospitality that makes Bardstown unforgettable.”

Mary Quinn Ramer, President, Visit Lex

“Bourbonland is expanding, and these new additions to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® allow visitors to have even more of a reason to bring a part of their trek to Lexington. From world-class distilleries to vibrant culinary and cultural experiences, we’re excited to welcome travelers from near and far, with open arms as they immerse themselves in the heritage and hospitality that makes Kentucky one-of-a-kind.”

Cleo Battle, President & CEO, Louisville Tourism

“Louisville’s role as Bourbon City continues to grow with the addition of these new Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences. As the only walkable spirits destination in the world, Louisville offers a distinct urban complement to the broader and bucket-list Kentucky experience.”