The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour is embarking on the largest expansion in its history, welcoming four distilleries to the nation’s premier adventure showcasing micro-distilling craftsmanship, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced.
The newest additions include two in Northern Kentucky and two in Lexington:
Augusta Distillery
207 Seminary Ave.
Augusta, Ky.
augustakydistillery.com/
Fresh Bourbon
377 E Main St., Suite 100
Lexington, Ky.
freshbourbon.com/
Pensive Distilling Co.
720 Monmouth St.
Newport, Ky.
pensivedistilling.com/
RD1 Spirits
1170 Manchester St., Suite 190
Lexington, Ky.
rd1spirits.com/
KDA President Eric Gregory said the new members swell the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour ranks to an all-time high of 28 distilleries. The KDA created the statewide journey in 2012 as the nation’s first attraction to feature the burgeoning boutique distilling movement, and more than a decade later, its impact continues to grow, bringing all the benefits of the Bourbon economy with it.
Coupled with the 18 larger-scale distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour, the KDA now boasts 46 immersive experiences for Bourbon and spirits lovers to enjoy when visiting the Bluegrass State. The KDA founded the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour in 1999.
“Our Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences continue to elevate and grow tourism at an astounding pace, educating visitors from around the world about our signature spirit and pouring millions of dollars of revenue into local communities and coffers,” Gregory said.
Total attendance along the two Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences topped 2 million last year for the first time, including more than 725,000 visits to Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour distilleries.
In the last 10 years, attendance has skyrocketed by 370%, Gregory said.
“The diversity of experiences available at these new stops is outstanding — from secret speakeasies to pairings of delicious Bourbon and bites to full dining experiences. Bourbon has proven itself over the last couple of decades and enabled many communities to be a part of its growth,” he said.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these four new distilleries to our amber adventure and encourage visitors to discover the intriguing experiences each has to offer.”
Augusta Distillery Founder and Board Vice Chairman Judd Weis said, “Being included on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour puts Augusta Distillery in an even better position to share our charming town, distillery and award-winning Bourbon.”
Fresh Bourbon Distillery Founder Tia Edwards expressed excitement about being a Craft Tour destination. “We believe in bringing a unique approach to the Kentucky Bourbon experience by hosting guests in our elegant distillery and having them experience Bourbon luxury.”
Pensive Distilling Co. owner Scott Quigley said that joining the Craft Tour shines a spotlight on their establishment and helps grow tourism in Northern Kentucky. “The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour spreads our open invitation for all to come and enjoy Newport and the Pensive experience.”
RD1 Vice President of Marketing Chris Tetterton said, “It is an awesome privilege to be part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. This group of distilleries tells the story of America’s native spirit and the proud history, tradition, and future of Kentucky’s leading role in Bourbon.”
