What is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
The Trail was founded in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) and was America’s first ever spirits tour. The goal was to promote and demonstrate the art and science behind America’s only native spirit and share the rich heritage and varied history of whiskey making in Kentucky. Another aim was to boost the industry, which had been in the doldrums for much of the 1980s and 1990s. Similar was happening in Scotland at the time and both locations saw distilleries close, and brands disappear.
Just seven distilleries were original members a quarter of a century ago – Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam, Four Roses, Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill and Stitzel-Weller. These famous names have since been joined by many others in the years that followed. The numbers have swelled to 46 at present with the aid of the recent craft and artisan spirits’ boom. This is especially true over the last decade. A recent announcement has seen these smaller distilleries come under the full Kentucky Bourbon Trail banner. They had previously been under a separate ‘craft tour’ trail.
The rise in distilleries, brands and interest has seen visitor numbers rise to 2.5 million people per year. They come on their whiskey pilgrimage to Kentucky from all around the world and all 50 states. During the 25 years, nearly 20 million people have visited. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail contributes an estimated US$9 billion to the American economy annually. This is spent not just in the distilleries themselves but in local hospitality, shops, accommodation and attractions.
Trail highlights
With 46 distilleries now part of the visitor experience, it is tricky to choose a couple of must-visits on your Kentucky pilgrimage. One must be the sparkling new visitor centre at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, named after its legendary former Master Distiller – the 70-year whiskey industry veteran, Jimmy Russell.
While the distillery itself is industrial and functional in appearance, the visitor centre is sleek and contemporary. The building is visually stunning with a black wooden exterior and outdoor bar and relaxation area. Inside has been sympathetically fitted out and includes two homely tasting rooms, a well-stocked retail shop, an innovative walkway with digital graphic timeline telling the Wild Turkey story and a plush mezzanine bar that serves cocktails and offers up views across the valley and Kentucky River.
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© Wild Turkey
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© Wild Turkey
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© Wild Turkey
Whiskey Row
Another is Whiskey Row – the famous whiskey street in the city of Louisville. Back in the late-1800s and early 1900s, it was the centre of the Kentucky whiskey trade. Many companies had offices, headquarters and warehousing there due to the local distilleries and proximity of the Ohio River, which aided transportation of whiskey around the country. Then Prohibition hit and wiped much of it out.
Just over a decade ago some of the old buildings were saved from demolition and the area has since been restored, now covering West Main Street and East Main Street. Several brands have moved in including big names such as Old Forester and Evan Williams. They mingle with smaller craft brands like Angel’s Envy, Michter’s and Rabbit Hole to give Whiskey Row a vibrant, buzzy vibe.
Looking to the future
As the Kentucky Bourbon Trail celebrates its quarter century, visitors and whiskey fans will see some key changes. In addition to the original Trail combining with the more recent craft trail, a new website and digital experience will also be on offer.
This has been designed to help visitors plan and enjoy the Trail like never before. It also includes a new refreshed logo and the ability to build and curate your own personal route through the Trail. With numbers continually rising, this can only be a good thing for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, its 46 distilleries and other associated industries. Time for you to visit?
To find out more about the world of whisky and cask or bottle investment opportunities closer to home, get in touch with one of the experts at Whisky 1901.
