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Farewell, Bourbon Heritage Month 👋
In 2007, the US Senate recognized September as National Bourbon Heritage Month — a time for the entire country to celebrate bourbon as America’s Native Spirit. Cheers to that.
And since today is the last day of September, we want to raise our glass to the special brown liquid that continues to put big money into the pockets of the Commonwealth. 🥃
Bourbon + Lexington
- The first registered distillery in Central Kentucky was built in Lexington in 1865.
- There are 14 world-famous distilleries located within 45 miles of downtown Lexington.
Bourbon by the Numbers
- Over 90% of all bourbon is made in Kentucky.
- 9+ million barrels of bourbon are located in Kentucky + 4.5 million people live in Kentucky — that’s 2 barrels of bourbon for every citizen.
- $8.6 billion is how much the bourbon industry contributes to the state’s economy each year.
- $2.3 billion in capital projects have been completed or are planned over the next 5 years.
- Bourbon ranks second in employment of the 254 industries in Kentucky, employing 20,000+ Kentuckians.
Bourbon + Tourism
- 2.5 million tourists from all 50 states + 25 countries have visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® since 2016.
- $400-$1,200 is how much the average tourist spends on their trip.
Bourbon + Farmers
- 40% of the grain used in bourbon distilling comes from Kentucky farmers.
- $22+ million of grain is purchased from local farmers.
- $3 million in spent grain is donated back to farmers to feed livestock.
So let’s raise our glasses to bourbon — for the economic boost + for helping put Kentucky on the map.
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