Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 15 new locations. Meet the newest distillery members
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Kentucky bourbon industry by the numbers
Bourbon production and consumption bring billions into Kentucky's economy. Here are the numbers showing its impact.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has added 15 new stops to its lineup, bringing the total to 60 destinations across the state.
The trail, which sees over 2.5 million annual visitors, aims to offer a comprehensive bourbon experience.
New additions include distilleries, tasting rooms, and attractions spread across various Kentucky regions.
There are more than a dozen new places where you can sip Kentucky's favorite spirit along the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
The trail has added 15 new locations to its route, bringing the total to 60 destinations in 27 of Kentucky's 120 counties.
'As bourbon tourism continues to thrive, our members are creating more opportunities for the world to experience the heart and soul of America's spirit in a variety of ways that meet every visitor's interests,' Colleen Thomas, Kentucky Distillers' Association vice president of operations, said in a news release.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail sees more than 2.5 million visitors annually and more than 80% of all trail visitors come from outside Kentucky, according to the Kentucky Distillers' Association.
'What began as a small group of distilleries (in 1999) now has grown into an ever-expanding bucket list destination with global appeal,' Thomas said. 'Each new addition is more than a stop on a map ― it's a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon's rich history and proud heritage."
Bourbon is a $9 billion industry for Kentucky, generating more than 23,100 jobs with $2.2 billion in salaries and benefits, according to the Kentucky Distillers' Association. And even as alcoholic beverages see a slowdown in sales, KDA President Eric Gregory said he does not believe bourbon tourism will be impacted by headwinds like shifts in consumer trends, snowballing taxes, and the threat of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
These 15 new stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail have been added during a pivotal moment for the whiskey industry as a whole. Last week, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, which were later suspended for 30 days. The tariffs spurred concern across the nation over potential job loss and the impacts to certain industries such as Kentucky bourbon. This comes on the heels of Louisville-based Brown Forman, which is home to major bourbon brands Old Forester and Woodford Reserve, announcing plans to cut 12% of its workforce.
Meanwhile, the American whiskey industry is bracing for a 50% retaliatory tariff from the European Union to resume March 31.
While the bourbon industry as whole seems to be facing dynamic political hurdles on the international stage, Kentucky leaders continue to be optimistic about its ability to fuel tourism in the commonwealth.
More: How Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico could impact the Kentucky bourbon industry
'Kentucky is the one, true and authentic home for bourbon,' Gregory said in the release. 'While we keep breaking attendance records, there are plenty of people around the world who have never made the pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Bourbon — and many more who are planning to return. Now with 60 different destinations ... there is more for fans to see and taste on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour than ever before."
Here are the newest members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, by geographic location:
Bardstown
Central
Lexington
Louisville
Northern
Western
Find more details about the trail at kybourbontrail.com.
Business reporter Olivia Evans contributed to this report. Reach Courier Journal features columnist Maggie Menderski at mmenderski@courier-journal.com.
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