It’s time to celebrate one of my favorite spirits – Bourbon!! As we can’t all jump on a plane and head down to Bardstown, home of Bourbon, we can enjoy it virtually. Below is some news sent to me by the Kentucky Tourism Board, all related to the liquid we love.
This 14th June, Kentucky invites you to join us from your home to celebrate Bourbon!!
You may have heard the saying that all bourbons are whisky, but not all whiskies are bourbon. For a whisky to be bourbon it must:
- be made in the U.S. (though, while any state can make bourbon, Kentucky makes most of it)
- comprise at least 51% corn
- be aged in a new, charred oak barrel
Kentucky boasts 68 distilleries as of 2018 – up 250% in the last decade. That’s 32 counties with at least one distillery. Currently there are 8.1 million ageing barrels in Kentucky – two barrels for every person living in the state. All distilleries, including those along the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, offer a range of distinctive tastes, tours and experiences.
Here is where you can discover more about Kentucky’s bourbon and how we are planning to mark the birthday of bourbon:
The Bourbon Capital of the World – Located in the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country and situated at the trailhead of the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Bardstown is more familiarly known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” It is home to five distilleries, including Barton 1792 and Willett Distillery and these three Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries: Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam. Check out all the activities Bardstown has planned for this year’s Virtual National Bourbon Day: The activities start on the 12th of June and include live cocktail making classes, distillery tours and presentations from Master Distiller.
The oldest continuously operating distillery in America – discover the captivating story of Buffalo Trace Distillery https://www.betterinthebluegrass.com/visit/?_ga=2.241361354.952535132.1590572013-1482943774.1579165974#bourbon
More than just distilleries – discover Made in Kentucky, including the story of the Kentucky Cooperage, Lebanon – https://www.kentuckytourism.com/
More than just a drink – Hospitality, Food and Bourbon https://www.betterinthebluegrass.com/visit/?_ga=2.86804304.952535132.1590572013-1482943774.1579165974#food
Come Find Bourbon – Under the banner Come Find Bourbon and the new website www.ComeFindBourbon.com , Covington, Frankfort, and Bardstown invite visitors to spend more time enjoying immersive bourbon experiences in all three destinations.
And don’t forget: if you want to meet bourbon enthusiasts, master distillers and speak to the owners of the distilleries, visit Kentucky in September, when the Kentucky Bourbon Festival takes place in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World. When the spirit leads you to Kentucky you will be able to discover history, heritage and your favourite bourbon! We are looking forward to welcoming you in Kentucky soon, but in the meantime …
Happy National Bourbon Day from everyone in Kentucky!