Bourbon Tourism Growth Continues

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Adventure Celebrates

Record-Breaking Year

FRANKFORT, KY. — The world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour 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 from all 50 states and more than 20 countries across six continents poured into the Bluegrass State last year, up from 2.5 million tourists 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.

The KDA created the Bourbon Trail™ tour in 1999 to give visitors an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into crafting America’s only native spirit. At that time, there were only seven distilleries in Kentucky to visit – something that could be accomplished in a long weekend.

Now, with 60 participating distilleries in all corners of the 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.”

It’s easier to plan than ever before, too.

As part of its 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.

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 Bourbon Trail™ distillery
• Visitors spend between $600 – $1,400 during their trip on dining, entertainment, lodging and transportation

Historically, KBT® 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.

To learn more about the KBT®, go to www.kybourbontrail.com.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® partners provide additional experiences and resources to help people round out their trip: Eat & Drink, Stay, Transportation, Shopping, Non-Bourbon Experiences.

Visit www.kybourbon.com for more information about the KDA and how Bourbon drives Kentucky’s economy and tourism.

“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 (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

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. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com

and www.kybourbontrail.com.

The award-winning Kentucky Bourbon Trail® full brand refresh has been recognized numerous times for the modern brand spin that honors the craftsmanship and rich history of Kentucky Bourbon. The brand was recently celebrated at the 2024 Kentucky Travel Industry Award Conference, the 2024 World Beverage Innovation Awards, the AAF Nashville 2025 American Advertising Awards, and last week at the World Whisky Awards in London. 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

For Dads Who Deserve More Than Just a Bottle

A gift that lasts all year

Some gifts say, “I saw this and thought of you.”

This one says, “I know exactly what you love.”

If your dad takes pride in knowing his whisky, discovering new stories, and enjoying every detail, then a Whisky Magazine Premium Membership might just be the most thoughtful gift you’ll give this year.

BUY GIFT

Secrets, Stories & Summer Serves

Every summer, Glengoyne enters its Silent Season, a tradition that stretches back generations. While the stills take a well-earned rest and our 106-year-old mill gets its annual care, we’re welcoming visitors for something a little different.

Secrets, Stories & Summer Serves, our exclusive summer experience running from 25th June to 1st August.

Explore the distillery grounds, hear fascinating tales from our past, and uncover the secrets behind one of Scotland’s most beautiful distilleries. Then head to the tasting room to enjoy our 12 and 15 Year Old Highland Single Malts, followed by our signature Honey Bee cocktail.

Whisky, storytelling and a taste of summer.

Slàinte Mhath,

The Glengoyne Team

Whisky Awards

At this year’s World Spirits Challenge, our whiskies stood out on the global stage — recognised for their depth of character, balance, and the meticulous craft behind each expression. We’re thrilled to announce that the following Cotswolds expressions have received awards:

Gold & TROPHY Winner:

Founder’s Choice

Gold Award Winners:
• Spanish Oak
• Sherry Cask
• Peated Cask

Silver Award Winners:
• Signature
• Harvest Series: Amber Meadow Whisky
• Bourbon

Bronze Award Winner:
• Hearts & Crafts 5 – Pineau des Charentes Cask

Whether you’re looking to discover something new or to purchase a gift for someone special, our award-winning whiskies are a fine place to start. P.S. Don’t forget, Father’s Day is coming up very soon…

SHOP WHISKY

Jura 12 – Taste the Island

For the dad who loves a drop of adventure, Jura, the UK’s number one single malt, should be top of your list. Crafted in the heart of community, Jura 12 Year Old is the perfect gift to share at any social gathering.

Jura 12 Year Old is matured in American ex-Bourbon barrels, then finished in the finest Oloroso sherry casks on the remote island of Jura. Matured for 12 years, the whisky boasts a honeyed sweetness with intensified notes of warm spices, banana and soft citrus alongside a finish of freshly ground coffee and dark chocolate.

Versatile and vibrant, Jura 12 Year Old can be enjoyed neat for those wild at heart, or – if you’re mastering your mixology skills – seek out a spectacular twist on a classic, with a Jura Espresso Martini:

• Add 35ml Jura 12 Year Old, 15ml Coffee Liqueur, a single shot of espresso and 10ml sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake and fine strain into a martini glass.
• Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Jura 12 Year Old is available from a range of retailers including The Whisky Exchange, RRP £35.

Fettercairn 18 – A Highland Gem

Inspired by the rhythm of the seasons and crafted in harmony with nature, Fettercairn 18 pays tribute to local artisans and conscious craft. Its rich, nuanced flavours make a distinct pairing with game and foraged mushrooms, both currently on-trend for the ultimate Father’s Day soiree.

Fettercairn 18 Year Old is available from a range of retailers including The Whisky Exchange, RRP £175.

The Dalmore King Alexander III – A Gift Fit for Royalty

The Dalmore King Alexander III is a majestic addition for whisky collectors and aficionados this Father’s Day.

A spectacular example of the Highland distillery’s philosophy of multi-cask maturation, the expression showcases a one-of-a-kind assemblage of six noble cask finishes, sourced from renowned bodegas and winemakers across the world.

Crafted by Master Distiller, Richard Paterson OBE, the whisky offers a velvety-full bodied and complex flavour profile, with red berry and passionfruit on the nose, and notes of citrus, vanilla and crème caramel.

The Dalmore King Alexander III (40% ABV) is available from specialist retailers such as The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange, and Master of Malt, RRP £295.

The Dalmore 21 – Unmistakably Rare, Unforgettably Dalmore

For the ultimate Father’s Day indulgence, gift a bottle of The Dalmore 21.

This exceptional whisky has been matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels and first-fill Sherry casks, which previously held 30 year old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry. The Sherry casks are hand-selected exclusively for The Dalmore from the world-renowned González Byass bodega, to create an extraordinary whisky full of character.

Featuring bitter chocolate accents, Seville orange and subtle spice, the expression is a perfect pairing for any social gathering. Aromas of toffee apple and pecan pie combine with notes of liquorice, black forest fruits, roasted walnuts and marzipan, all harmonised with peaches, ginseng and pear tarte tatin to create this must-have dram.

The Dalmore 21 Year Old (43.8% ABV) is available from specialist retailers including The Whisky Shop and The Whisky Exchange RRP £625.

Completion of hiking the Speyside Way with whisky friends, Aviemore 2006

Remembering Greg Mertton 1946-2025

Member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada, the Companions of the Quaich, the Victoria Single Malt Club and volunteer at the Victoria Whisky Festival & the Victoria Highland Games Whisky School. Hiking & travelling companion, Jack Russell wrangler, vintage car enthusiast, master of Scottish roads, good friend and company to many, who will be widely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Whisky Myths: Peat is Added to Whisky

There are no chunks of peat thrown into the pot when making whisky! In fact, peat itself is not even one of the three raw materials permitted by the Scotch Whisky Regulations. Peat smoke is the permitted additive…. During the malting process, peat can be burnt at the kilning stage to flavour the barley. Flavour compounds (called phenols) from the smoking peat stick to the malted barley, imparting that familiar smoky flavour throughout the production process and into the final product.📖 Read More Myths

The A-Z of Scotch Whisky 📚

Whether you’re swirling your first dram or are already well into your whisky journey, our glossary is your gateway to better understanding the world of Scotch. So, whether you’re curious about congeners or want to get to grips with grist, you’ll find clear, concise definitions of the most important terms in whisky. 📖 Read the Post

Bourbon Curations Launches Revolutionary Platform to Streamline Trip Planning for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

Family-Owned Startup Transforms Bourbon Tourism with Advanced Planning Technology

May 15, 2025 – Bourbon Curations, a new family-owned tech startup, announced today the launch of its innovative planning platform designed to help bourbon enthusiasts maximize time on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. The service consolidates information from participating distilleries into one comprehensive system, allowing visitors to easily create customized itineraries that optimize their time and preferences.

Founded by siblings following an inspirational father-son trip along the Bourbon Trail®, Bourbon Curations addresses the complex logistics that often overwhelm travelers planning to visit multiple distilleries.

“Planning our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® trip required multiple Excel spreadsheets and countless hours of research,” said Sam, co-founder of Bourbon Curations. “Each distillery has different operating hours, tour availability, and there’s the challenge of efficiently traveling between locations. We created Bourbon Curations to solve these problems for other bourbon enthusiasts.”

The platform’s proprietary algorithm takes into account user preferences, distillery schedules, tour availability, and geographic proximity to generate optimized itineraries. Users simply select the distilleries and tours they’re interested in, and Bourbon Curations handles the complex planning process.

“Our mission is to help more people enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® by removing the logistical barriers,” Sam continued. “We want visitors to focus on enjoying world-class bourbon, not planning details.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® has seen tremendous growth in tourism, with over 2 million visitors annually and continuing to grow. Bourbon Curations aims to support this growing tourism sector by making the planning process more accessible and enjoyable.

The service is now available online, with plans to expand features based on user feedback and industry partnerships.

For more information, follow Bourbon Curations on Instagram @bourboncurations or contact Sam directly at sam@bourboncurations.com.