by By Brian G. Miller
If the Kentucky Bourbon Trail were a person, it could now legally drink America’s native spirit. The KBT, along with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour (KBTCT), turns 21 this year and kicked off the nearly yearlong celebration with the news that they had nearly two million visits in 2019. This new attendance record represents a 171% increase over the last seven years, according to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
From a news release: KDA President Eric Gregory said the ever-growing enthusiasm for America’s only native spirit goes beyond the rich amber liquid in the bottle — with a deeper dive planned for 2020 as the trademark tour officially comes of age.
“Kentucky Bourbon continues to take the world by storm,” Gregory said. “The culture of tradition and hospitality that surrounds our signature industry enchants more and more people each year. It’s an immersive experience unique to the Commonwealth.”
Beginning in May, each of the 18 member distilleries will host a cocktail party, then a traveling surprise party will show up at each of the distilleries during the summer. The birthday bash will peak in September, which is Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky, with an event at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center at the Frazier History Museum on Whiskey Row in Louisville.
In addition to 21 and two million, here are some other bourbon numbers the KDA wants to celebrate:
- $8.6 billion economic impact in Kentucky
- 20,100 jobs
- Annual payroll of more than $1 billion
- 9.1 million barrels of bourbon and other spirts now aging in Kentucky warehouse (more than 2 barrels for each person in the Commonwealth)
- KBT visitors spend between $400 and $1200
- More than 70 percent of bourbon visitors come from outside the state
“We invite everyone to come out and celebrate with us. This is a momentous occasion and we wouldn’t be here without the millions of devoted fans who have made the pilgrimage to the various KBT destinations and the birthplace of Bourbon.”
Adam Johnson, Senior Director of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail
For more information on bourbon’s birthday celebration, click here.
Photo credit: Kentucky Bourbon Trail
