Way back in 1964, the U.S. Government declared Bourbon a “Distinctive Product of the United States”. Bourbon, that distinctive product, can be made in all 50 states, but according to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association – KDA, Kentucky is home to 95% of the world’s bourbon. In 1999 the Kentucky Distillers’ Association created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® to officially welcome bourbon fans to the Bluegrass State and the rest, as they say, is history. (Shouldn’t it really be called the Amber State?)
2.7 Million Visitors Fulfilled Part of Their Bucket-List
In 2024 bourbon fans from all 50 states and 20 countries across six continents made their way to (the Amber state) Kentucky and the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail to learn more about, sip, and purchase America’s Native Spirit. The Trail welcomed a record 2.7 million visitors in 2024 as it celebrated its 25th anniversary with an award-winning rebranding campaign and innovative digital tools to make it easier to plan the bucket-list adventure.
Visitors were up from 2.5 million in 2023 – the third straight year topping the two million mark. More than 20 million people have now visited a Bourbon Trail distillery in the last 25 years.
“The combination of American history, picturesque scenery and legendary Kentucky hospitality continues to attract people from all over the world to get a deeper look into what makes our Bourbon family so special,” said Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
Now, with 60 participating distilleries in all corners of the (Amber State) Commonwealth and more on the way, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail program encourages guests to slow down, relax, savor the journey and come back for another round.
“Our Bourbon Trail distillers – from the largest to the smallest – continue to create new ways for visitors to experience our mellow, amber nectar,” Gregory said. “There’s more to do, see, and taste than ever before.”
As a part of last year’s 25th anniversary rebrand, the KDA created a bold new look and feel for the tour, including a website and new digital tools that makes it easier for visitors to plan their trip and “Build Your Own Bourbon Trail®” based on their individual preferences and interests.
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Kentucky Bourbon Trail communities and partners continue to welcome guests with new restaurants, hotels, bars and more, reaping benefits from an affluent demographic that trends younger, stays longer and has more disposable income than an average Kentucky tourist.
- 62% of Kentucky Bourbon Trail® visitors have incomes above $100,000
- 76% of visitors are from outside of Kentucky
- Most visitors stay three to five days in communities featuring a Kentucky Bourbon Trail distillery
- Visitors spend between $600 – $1,400 during their trip on dining, entertainment, lodging and transportation
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Visitor Come from All Over the U.S.
Historically, Kentucky Bourbon Trail visitors have come from states within a six-hour drive from Kentucky. But last year, Bourbon Trail distilleries saw a surge of visitors from states outside that drive time, including California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, New York, and Pennsylvania.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail pilgrimage is also catching global attention.
Hotel News Now reports that while beachfront properties will be busy in 2025, people are starting to venture to different locations off the beaten path, like “new areas of wine country or the Bourbon Trail.”
The reimagined Bourbon Trail web campaign also has been recognized with a slew of prestigious awards, most recently earning top honors for its digital experience at the 2025 World Icons of Whisky Awards in London, England.
“The Kentucky Bourbon Trail knows no limits in its popularity, and I can’t wait to see where it goes in our next 25 years,” Gregory said. “The possibilities are endless, and we look forward to welcoming millions more to enjoy it – responsibly, of course.”
Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving.
Related Stories
– Reimagined ‘Kentucky Bourbon Trail’ Tops Off its 25th Anniversary Celebration with World Beverage Innovation Award Feb 2024
– The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Celebrates its 25th Anniversary and Announces Major Changes on the Way Jun 2024
– Sneak Peak: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Celebrates 25 Years with a Completely Re-Imagined Bourbon Trail [Video] Jun 2024
Learn more about the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
View all ‘Kentucky Bourbon Trail’ distilleries.
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