NEWPORT, Ky. — Twenty Northern Kentucky businesses have been recognized as some of America’s best bourbon bars, and among them is Jerry’s Jug, a cozy bar in Newport.

Like many bourbon enthusiasts, Stuart MacKenzie, owner of Jerry’s Jug House, says it’s impossible to pick a favorite. “That’s kind of like your children. You can’t have a favorite. I like them on different days,” he explained.

MacKenzie has owned Jerry’s Jug for nearly six years. As a northern Kentucky native, he says he just couldn’t fathom this place closing its doors. “I just wanted to preserve it because I knew otherwise it was just going to be turned into condos or something else,” he said.

Jerry’s Jug House has been a community staple for over 94 years, and MacKenzie has dedicated himself to maintaining its historic charm. From the original shelving to the 1950 University of Kentucky wallpaper, the bar’s authentic features are what make it special.

“This is a color that can only be achieved from 50 years of smoking in the bar,” he said.

His patrons aren’t the only ones to appreciate his efforts. Jerry’s Jug was recently named one of the best bourbon bars in the country and will soon be added to the B-Line, a popular bourbon experience that includes various distilleries, restaurants and bars throughout the northern Kentucky River Region.

“We’ll have 27 stops on the B-Line, including ten bars, ten restaurants, and seven distilleries that are part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” said Amanda Johannemann, Director of Destination Marketing & Communications at meetNKY.

As one of the newest additions to the B-Line, MacKenzie is excited about the opportunities this recognition brings. “Every time I get off a plane at the airport, I see B-Line advertisements. I see bourbon. So just to be part of that meant a lot to us,” he reflected.