New law allows Kentucky visitors to ship Bourbon home

The whiskey industry is celebrating a new Kentucky law that will allow visitors to have bottles shipped from distilleries to their homes.

Tourists visiting distilleries in Kentucky can now send whiskey they buy home  

The new law allows visitors to ship up to 4.5 litres of spirits and four cases of wine per person when they visit a Kentucky distillery or winery.

Governor Matt Bevin signed the new law on Friday (1 June) at an event at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center.

Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA), welcomed the move, adding that the growth of Kentucky Bourbon Trail will increase thanks to the new law.

He noted that more than 70% of distillery visitors are from outside Kentucky, and 86% purchase a souvenir bottle during their trip.

“Ever since the KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour, visitors have demanded the right to ship bottles home and to friends around the world.

“We’re confident the impact will increase with visitors purchasing more bottles to ship home, which will boost tourism and add valuable tax dollars to local and state coffers.

“It’s only a matter of time before more states allow reciprocity with Kentucky and embrace the shipping of spirits, just like they have wine.”

Rob Samuels, chief operating officer of Maker’s Mark and chairman of the KDA board of directors, added: “This is an important piece of legislation for distillers across Kentucky, allowing us a benefit that wineries in California have had for many years.

“We appreciate Governor Bevin’s support of this welcome reform that also proves the Commonwealth is serious about Bourbon tourism.”

According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Bourbon is an US$8.5 billion industry that generates 17,500 jobs and US$800 million in payroll in the state.