Ky Bourbon business growth serving to tourism make a comeback

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Distiller’s Association says bourbon has continued to grow exponentially in Kentucky over the past decade, despite a slowdown for 2020.

The expansion in the industry applies to both existing and new distilleries.

Eric Gregory, President of KDA, said there have been twice as many distilleries and three times as many jobs in the past decade.

“We are very proud of our distilleries, but more importantly, we love the fact that they are helping to transform the Kentucky tourism industry,” said Gregory.

Buffalo Trace says it’s halfway there $ 1.2 billion expansion project.

Photo courtesy Buffalo Trace showing the warehouse expansion

Managing everything tourism-related for Buffalo Trace, Meredith Moody says the pandemic has slowed things down but she’s keeping things going.

“And therefore we are proud. We were able to keep all of our staff on board the entire time and we believe this is an essential business for the state, ”she said.

And a silver lining for fewer people in the distillery means fewer people who are bothered by ongoing construction.

“We expand with bearings, build a new one every four months, and just keep growing,” said Moody.

Last week, Log Still Distillery joined the trail with more than one silent house, but one destination with a fishing lake and amphitheater.

“In terms of time, you know, I don’t think I could have written anything better to get out of the pandemic and have our grand opening at the same time,” said Willy Dant, President of Log Still.

The Distillery Association says the log is still exactly the direction the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is headed and offers an experience

“It’s going to be kind of our version of Napa Valley here in Kentucky,” said Gregory.

And there is more on the way.

Bourbon horse soldier is building 220 acres in Somerset at a cost of $ 160 million.

“Imagine the small town of Somerset, what this will mean for them too. So you will be part of our family as we grow, ”said Scott Neil, COO of Horse Soldier Bourbon.

The horse soldier Bourbon’s estate is expected to open by 2024.