LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Distiller's Association (KDA) released their economic report on Tuesday, and they said the numbers show it has been a blockbuster year in the Commonwealth.
The newest findings show the industry generates more than 23,000 Kentucky jobs, with salaries and wages contributing to $1.63 billion.
The numbers show there's been over 100% growth in employment and wages. Looking at the whole Commonwealth, there's 100 licensed distillers in the state in 42 counties, meaning a distiller is in one third of the counties of Kentucky.
“The Bourbon industry combines Kentucky’s rich farming history with the allure of unique distillery experiences, which fosters growth in both agriculture and tourism," Senate President Robert Stivers. "Every bottle sold, every glass poured truly represents the passion of so many Kentuckians who work to preserve traditions while shaping our economic future.”
The report said the economic impact of the bourbon industry is $9 billion.
“The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has made massive contributions to the two essential features of tourism - providing visitors with experiences resulting in long lasting memories and generating important economic benefits for the communities they visit," Hank Phillips, the president and CEO of the state's Tourism Industry Association, said. "Bourbon has become more than an attraction in its own right. It is a Kentucky calling card, attracting many visitors to Kentucky’s broader array of exciting tourism opportunities. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail deserves enormous credit for that.”
The is is the seventh statewide the KDA has conducted.
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