Kentucky distilleries: Bourbon tourism surging since COVID, on track for new record
Bourbon tourism is back and it’s bigger than ever, according to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
The trade group, which owns the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, reported that visits to distilleries in 2022 are on track to surpass the pre-COVID pandemic record of 1.7 million set in 2019.
That number does not include visits to distilleries, including the popular Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, that are not members of the KDA. Buffalo Trace has not reported figures for this year yet but in 2021 the distillery said the National Historic Landmark set a new record with more than 340,000 visitors, a 16 percent increase over the 2019 number.
In 2020, when the COVID shutdown hit, distilleries closed their doors to visitors. But since reopening, Kentucky distillers have seen a surge in visitors, according to the KDA.
So much so that the group recommends booking tours in advance to make sure you get in. Many distilleries have expanded their facilities for visitors, adding restaurants and bars and more tours.
“The last thing we want is for any Bourbon fan to miss out on the experience they want,” said Mandy Ryan, Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences director. “Since most of our larger brands cannot accommodate walk-in visitors, reservations are the key to a successful Kentucky Bourbon adventure.”
For more information on the 42 participating distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the craft tour, go online to kybourbontrail.com.
