100 YEARS OF TRUE WHISKEY - DISTILLERS INDUCT TAFT INTO KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME

December 18, 2009

100 YEARS OF TRUE WHISKEY
DISTILLERS CELEBRATE TAFT DECISION, HONOR 27TH PRESIDENT

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky’s signature Bourbon industry last night marked the 100th anniversary of a landmark decision by President William Howard Taft at a ceremony to induct the former leader into the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.

In December 1909, President Taft released an official decision that defined whiskey standards in the United States. Before that time, imitators trying to capitalize on the growing success of Kentucky Bourbon often made counterfeit whiskey using artificial colors and flavors.

But Taft’s decision set the standard for how whiskey is labeled – straight, blended or imitation – and protected the time-honored process of Kentucky Bourbon.  “By such an order as this decision indicates,” Taft wrote, “the public will be made to know exactly the kind of whisky they buy and drink…

“It injures no man’s lawful business, because it only insists upon the statement of the truth in the label.”

In recognition of the anniversary of his historic act, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors unanimously voted to induct Taft into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place last night at the Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort, hosted by Gov. and Mrs. Steven L. Beshear.

“This decision is part of the heart and heritage of our legendary Bourbon industry,” Beshear said. “Our respected distillers spent a lifetime crafting the world’s finest Bourbons. President Taft’s decision ensured that the quality of Kentucky Bourbon remained above all others – where it continues its rightful place today around the world.

“We are proud to be the birthplace of Bourbon, and the only place where visitors can enjoy the true Bourbon experience.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame was created in 2001 by the KDA and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness. It is the highest honor given by Kentucky’s Bourbon industry.

Taft, born in 1857 in Cincinnati, was President from 1909-1913 and later the 10th Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He died in 1930.

“It’s hard to imagine Kentucky’s Bourbon industry without this important decision,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. “President Taft’s vision and integrity strengthened the foundation for our industry, and it continues to grow today. We look forward to another century of unmatched quality and success.”

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For more information, contact Eric Gregory at (502) 875-9351.

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