Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 10 new stops
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has added 10 new distillery experiences and satellite tasting room locations, bringing the total to 68 stops.
The expansion of the trail introduces new distillery experiences and urban satellite tasting rooms, spanning from far western Kentucky to the amber triangle encompassing Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown.
In the Lexington region, two distilleries join the trail: Dark Arts Whiskey House and LF Heritage Distilling. Meanwhile, J Mattingly 1845 Distillery will open its doors to guests in Frankfort.
The Louisville region features four new stops: Chicken Cock Whiskey Circa 1856, the Green River tasting room, Left Bank Distilling Co, and WhistlePig’s The Vault Tasting Experience. In addition, the WhistlePig Distillery and bottling experience will soon open near Bardstown, in Brandenburg, Meade County.
In the Western region, General George Stillhouse and Purple Toad Winery & Distillery join the trail, located in Falls of Rough and Paducah, respectively.
Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA), said: “It’s been amazing to watch the exponential and powerful growth of our Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour since its humble beginnings of seven distilleries in a handful of counties when much of the state was still dry.
“Today, the Bourbon Trail journey is transforming communities big and small across Kentucky, bringing new visitors and precious tourism dollars to every corner of the state. The Napa-esque dream for Kentucky Bourbon is becoming a reality.
“With 68 unique and innovative destinations, we encourage travellers to slow down, savour all the beauty and Bourbon that Kentucky has to offer, and make plans to return. After all, it takes time to craft the world’s finest whiskey. We invite you to come back for more.”
Boost to the economy
Established in 1999 by the KDA, the popular adventure draws more than 2.5 million visitors each year from all 50 states and multiple countries.
According to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the state’s signature whiskey brings a ‘significant’ tourism boost in 32 of its 120 counties.
Research shows that nearly 80% of Bourbon Trail visitors are from outside Kentucky. Visitors from outside the commonwealth tend to have higher household incomes than the average tourist, travel in larger groups, stay longer, and spend more.
Stacey Phelps, president of Bardstown-Nelson County Tourism, commented: “Bardstown is proud to be the Bourbon capital of the world, and this expansion of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail reinforces what we’ve always known, Kentucky Bourbon is more than a drink, it’s an experience that’s meant to be shared.
“These new destinations will bring even more visitors to our community, supporting local businesses and showcasing the hospitality that makes Bardstown unforgettable.”
The KDA is set to simplify the planning process for visitors exploring the trail with the upcoming launch of a new online feature.
The new ‘Build Your Own Bourbon Trail’ tool will enable travellers to create and share personalised itineraries with their friends. Additionally, more features are being developed to enhance the experience.
Mary Quinn Ramer, president of Visit Lex, added: “Bourbonland is expanding, and these new additions to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail allow visitors to have even more of a reason to bring a part of their trek to Lexington.
“From world-class distilleries to vibrant culinary and cultural experiences, we’re excited to welcome travellers from near and far, with open arms as they immerse themselves in the heritage and hospitality that makes Kentucky one-of-a-kind.”
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