Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky: A Look at the Boom
If you’re tuned into the bourbon world even a little bit, you’re probably familiar with the bourbon boom that has swept the country in recent years. The massive growth the industry has enjoyed can be difficult to wrap your head around. Maybe you’ve noticed a few new bottles popping up at your local liquor store? To really appreciate just how successful bourbon is right now, there’s no better indicator than the meteoric rise in the number of bourbon distilleries in Kentucky.
The Growth of Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky
Back in 2008, Kentucky was home to a humble 19 distilleries, all owned and operated by 10 companies. Fast forward to 2023, and there are now 100 Bourbon distilleries in Kentucky owned by 84 companies, with several more facilities set to fire up their stills soon. That’s an increase of more than 500% in about the same time it takes for a top-shelf Whiskey to finish barrel aging. While bourbon doesn’t always have to be made in Kentucky, there’s a long history of bourbon production in the state that looks set to continue.
Why Kentucky Remains the King of Bourbon
Kentucky’s total share of bourbon production has been shrinking over the years, though the state remains the undisputed leader of the bourbon world. Some of the most popular whiskeys come from Kentucky, including big hitters Jim Beam and Wild Turkey. The new popularity of bourbon is exactly the reason Kentucky accounts for a smaller percentage of distilleries as more crop up across the country.
The Impact of Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky
There’s an often quoted statistic claiming that 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky. This is even more astounding when you consider how much bourbon has grown around the country. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association estimated that Kentucky distilleries only accounted for 6% of the nation’s distilleries as of 2022. Though many of these are small distilleries with a minor output, the volume of bourbon produced in the state is high. This is partly because global best-sellers are produced here and also because some bourbons distilled in other parts of the U.S. are bottled and processed in Kentucky.
Economic Importance of Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky
The growth in distillery numbers has solidified bourbon’s importance in Kentucky’s economy. Although making and selling bourbon is the primary focus of distilleries, tourism isn’t far behind. Post-pandemic bourbon tourism in Kentucky has skyrocketed, despite how long it takes to do the entire Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Bourbon distilleries’ ability to pull in out-of-state tourists has secondary benefits for the hospitality and service industries as well. This highlights just how important the bourbon boom has been for the Midwestern state whose manufacturing industry has experienced a steady decline.
| Year | Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 19 |
| 2023 | 100 |
As evidenced by the tables and facts, the bourbon distillery growth in Kentucky is a clear sign of the industry’s booming success. So next time you sip on a glass of bourbon, remember the rich history and economic prowess behind that bottle straight from the heart of Kentucky.
