By Nicole Childress, Building Kentucky
On May 27, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® (KBT) celebrated its 22nd birthday.
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) founded the trail in 1999 to create an experience for bourbon lovers, celebrate America’s only native spirit and give the world a taste of the Bluegrass State.
New Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide
To celebrate its anniversary, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® released a new Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide. The guide is 150 pages of distillery information, suggested itineraries, recipes and helpful tips and tricks to becoming a bourbon expert. Passport stamps also unlock access to special bottles, barware and rewards.
“This new guide is a must-have resource for Kentucky bourbon tourists as they explore the rich history and heritage of our signature spirit,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. “We’re really excited about all the rewards that now come with your Passport stamp. Visitors are clamoring for distinct bottles and exclusive souvenirs that they can only get in Kentucky. We listened, and our distilleries have worked hard to elevate their Kentucky Bourbon voyage.”
The new Passport & Field Guide is for sale now at participating distilleries and online at https://www.kybourbontrailshop.com. Proceeds from the sale go directly to KDA responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Success Of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail®
“The KBT program has evolved so much over the last 22 years,” Johnson said. “It’s more about savoring the bourbon journey than a race to complete your passport. This new book is a perfect companion piece that allows guests to celebrate our legendary bourbon culture with ease.”
In the last five years, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® have drawn more than 2.5 million visitors from all 50 states and 25 countries. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® has grown from just six distilleries in 1999 to eighteen signature distilleries plus an additional nineteen craft distilleries today.
“There are so many ways to enjoy Kentucky bourbon and even more to experience our culture and craft,” Gregory said. “The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a journey, a quest. And there’s only one true and authentic home for bourbon – Kentucky. The proof is here.”
