Kentucky Bourbon Trail hits 2.7m visits in 2025
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail matched its visitation numbers from 2024 after welcoming 2.7 million whiskey fans last year.
The trail’s visitor numbers from 2024 set records for the state, having reached 2.5 million in 2023.
The repeat 2.7m attendance figure for 2025 is said to underscore the industry’s resilience and the enduring popularity of Kentucky’s signature spirit. The US is currently seeing a decline in tourism due to economic uncertainty and shifting travel patterns.
Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA), said: “Holding strong at 2.7m visitors is a tremendous win in today’s tourism climate.
“While other destinations are seeing pullbacks, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventure continues to demonstrate its strength, stability, and global appeal. That consistency speaks volumes about the quality of our experiences and the passion of our distillers.”
Visits came from all 50 US states and more than 20 countries.
As in previous years, most visitors came from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee. However, there was a ‘sharp increase’ in people coming from New York, as was growth in numbers from Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
About 80% of all visitors were said to have come from outside of Kentucky.
People visiting the Bourbon Trail were said to be affluent, with 62% of visitors reporting household incomes above US$100,00, and leaning towards a younger demographic.
Furthermore, the average stay in Kentucky was between three and five days, with group spend ranging between US$600 and US$1,400 per trip. With money going towards lodging, dining, entertainment and transportation, the Trail is said to have had a ‘powerful’ economic impact on local communities.
Expanded programme: ‘Never been more to see and do’
The KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999 with seven distilleries. The current list now totals nearly 70 participating distilleries spanning from northern to western Kentucky.
In 2025, 11 new destinations were added to the programme. Some of the new stops included Chicken Cock Whiskey Circa 1856, the Green River tasting room, Left Bank Distilling Co, and WhistlePig’s The Vault Tasting Experience.
Gregory added: “Our distillers continue to innovate and elevate the visitor experience. From immersive tastings and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to world-class restaurants and accommodations in our Bourbon communities, there’s never been more to see and do.”
The KDA has also evolved the experience with a Build Your Own Bourbon Trail tool, which helps travellers create and share personalised itineraries.
“The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has proven it’s not just a one-time experience – it’s an adventure that visitors return to again and again,” Gregory continued. “In challenging tourism years, holding steady is growth. We’re proud to continue welcoming millions from around the world to experience Kentucky craftsmanship and hospitality – responsibly, of course.”
Participating member distilleries collected the data from the KDA’s report, which was compiled, prepared and analysed by the IQS Research of Louisville.
According to the KDA, Bourbon brings US$10.6 billion to Kentucky’s economy annually and supports nearly 24,000 jobs.
Last year, the number of ageing barrels of Bourbon in Kentucky hit a record high of 16.1m.
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