Covington becomes new gateway to Bourbon

Covington in Kentucky has become the latest ‘official gateway’ to the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Covington, Kentucky is the newest gateway to the world of Bourbon

The city, in northern Kentucky, received the title from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA)

Adam Johnson, senior director of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, said: “Northern Kentucky is home to five burgeoning craft distilleries and is a major corridor for thousands of Bourbon visitors looking to sample the state’s signature spirit.”

He continued: “This charming, thriving region showcases an exceptional mix of Bourbon history and urban innovation. This partnership is a great way to capture the energy this region is generating not only in new distilleries but in bars, restaurants and events.”

Covington boasts three stops on the trail, including New Riff Distilling in Newport; Boone County Distilling near Independence; and Old Pogue Distillery in Maysville.

The US$8.5 billion Bourbon industry employs about 17,500 people and has an annual payroll topping US$800 million.

There are now 39 companies operating 52 distilleries producing 6.8m barrels of ageing Bourbon across Kentucky.

The Bourbon industry is in the middle of a US$1.2 billion building boom, with production facilities expanding and new visitors centres being constructed.

Visitor numbers to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail have increased by 300% in the last 10 years and last year, tourists made 1m stops at 20 participating distilleries.

Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) president Eric Gregory said: “Bourbon tourism is sure to rise thanks to the united efforts of the KDA and our partners in Northern Kentucky. We’re proud to welcome our Northern Kentucky friends as an official sponsor and gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tours.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail launched in 1999 and gives whiskey fans a firsthand look at the art and science of the Bourbon industry in Kentucky.