Kentucky Distillers Celebrate National Bourbon Day Marking Industry’s Importance to the Commonwealth

Launch of Bourbon Builds Kentucky campaign highlights the signature industry’s impact locally and statewide

For Immediate Release – June 14, 2023

FRANKFORT, Ky.  –  The Kentucky Distillers’ Association celebrates National Bourbon Day with the launch of bourbonbuildskentucky.com, a new campaign that showcases all the ways that Bourbon and Kentucky are stronger together. 

From growing local economies to working side-by-side with Kentucky farmers to attracting tourists from across the world, Bourbon continues to expand its role in building Kentucky.  

“In Kentucky, National Bourbon Day is more than just enjoying a glass of Bourbon with friends and family. We love that, but it’s not all that we’re about,” said Eric Gregory, president of the non-profit trade group founded in 1880. 

“Kentucky is the birthplace of Bourbon and home to some of the oldest distilleries in the world. Today we celebrate the people behind our timeless craft – the families, farmers, bartenders, servers, distillers and more – who have made Kentucky Bourbon the signature industry that it is today.”

Year after year, Bourbon pours money and support into the state and local communities through jobs, taxes, capital projects, agriculture, tourism and more. 

As a $9 billion signature industry, Bourbon generates more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.23 billion, boasting an average annual pay of $74,000 for those in the industry.

Based on completed and planned projects from the world’s leading Bourbon companies and new craft distilleries that call Kentucky home, Bourbon will account for an astounding total of $5.2 billion in capital projects by the end of 2025. 

Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted the signature industry’s importance to Kentucky and beyond.

“Kentucky has more than 200 years of history and heritage in perfecting America’s spirit, creating 95% of the world’s bourbon – and 100% of the bourbon worth drinking. I am proud to celebrate National Bourbon Day, highlighting the past, present and future of this important industry here in Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. 

Kentucky distillers are proud of the generations of families involved in Kentucky’s agriculture industry who provide the crops needed to make Bourbon and give it a distinct flavor. Each year, distilleries use between 15 and 20 million bushels of corn and other grains to make the world’s finest Bourbons.  

Each year, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experience bring an influx of out-of-state tourists who spend hundreds to thousands of dollars per trip.  Recent survey data show visitors come from all 50 states and across the world, they’re arriving in larger groups and staying longer in Kentucky’s communities. Last year, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® recorded a record 2.13 million visits.

As the one, true and authentic home for Bourbon, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association raises a glass to all those who help make the industry a success. As always, enjoy like a true Kentuckian: responsibly. 

Visit bourbonbuildskentucky.com to learn more about how Bourbon builds the economy, supports farmers, and drives tourism in communities across the Commonwealth.

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 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. 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 landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. 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