LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby 149 is upon us which of course means thousands of people will come to the Commonwealth. While most are here for the run for the roses, they’re also checking out what Kentucky offers—including bourbon.

What You Need To Know

  • Distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are prepared for one of their busiest weeks, Derby Week 

  • Woodford Reserve is the sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, but all distilleries benefit from their proximity to Louisville 

  • Last year, the bourbon trail and its distilleries saw a record 2.1 million visits 

  • Many of the distilleries are events on Oaks Day and Derby Day featuring special cocktails

There’s nothing more Kentucky than the Kentucky Derby and bourbon; combine those two together and during Derby week, bourbon distilleries both large and small along the bourbon trail say it’s a weekend they see a big increase in tourism.

While the Kentucky Derby is sponsored by Woodford Reserve, distilleries up and down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are preparing for one of their busiest weeks of the year.

“The Oaks Day and Derby Day are definitely going to be two incredibly touristic days here at Four Roses," said Parker Jones, tour guide at Four Roses Distillery.

Jones shows at least hundreds of tourists around the property in a single week, but during Derby Week it feels different. A good different.

“Derby Day is one of our busiest days and best weekends we look forward to. Getting to see everyone dressed up in their hats coming through here, it’s obviously a very fun weekend not only for customers but us as employees," Jones said.

Four Roses is one of over 40 distilleries along the Kentucky Distiller’s Association’s signature and craft bourbon trail tours.

“Kentucky’s bourbon industry attracts tourists from now across the world," said director of governemental and regulatory affairs for Kentucky Distiller's Association, Jack Mazurak.

Mazurak said last year was a record year for the Bourbon Trail with 2.1 million visits.

“Two people going to three places, that’s six visits," Mazurak explained.

Mazurak said tourists are more affluent with an average income of $100,000 and are coming in larger groups.

“And they’re staying longer, so if you’re in the hotel business, the lodging business-AirBnB especially with proximity to distilleries, restaurants benefit from this, downtowns benefit from this," Mazurak said.

It’s not just the big names in bourbon they’re visiting; Whiskey Thief Distilling, outside Frankfort is preparing for ample guests on Oaks Day and Derby Day.

“We put the horse races on out here, we’ll also have some special cocktails. We’re very excited about it and the crowds we’ll generate," said direct sales lead, Jeff Chesman.

Chesman said business is generally pretty steady throughout the year except during the winter months. He said the distilleries are more of a family than rivals.

“We’ve got friends at other distilleries and we refer people to other distilleries and they refer them to us so it’s just great for the overall economy," Chesman said.

The KDA says they expect 2023 to be another record year along the bourbon trail thanks to strong March visit numbers.

Many of the distilleries we talked to said September and October tend to be their busiests months with May a close third.

 

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