We’re excited to invite you to a new event, the first of its kind. It’s a way you can celebrate Kentucky Bourbon wherever you are.
On Tuesday, September 17, you are cordially invited to join Bourbon industry notables and Bourbon lovers around the globe for a Worldwide Toast to Kentucky Bourbon. You can get all the details at WorldBourbonToast.com.
This event is special not only because Kentucky Bourbon is enjoyed around the world, but because Bourbon itself was inspired by the traditions of immigrants. It started over 250 years ago. European immigrants, including Scots-Irish and German settlers, from across the globe settled Kentucky in search of a new life. Some brought the first rugged stills and generations of distilling knowledge from their homelands. Their collective craftsmanship gave birth to Kentucky Bourbon.
Since Bourbon was influenced by people and cultures from all around the world, we thought it was time we invited more people to the party.
Colleen Thomas, Vice President of Operations at the Kentucky Distillers’ Association
September is Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky, an annual celebration marking the traditional start of the distilling season after a long summer shut down when the state’s unique limestone water was too hot to make whiskey. “Since Bourbon was influenced by people and cultures from all around the world, we thought it was time we invited more people to the party,” said Colleen Thomas, Vice President of Operations at the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. And so the Worldwide Toast to Kentucky Bourbon was born — a virtual and social media event designed to bring people together to honor and thank those around the world for making Kentucky Bourbon the global success it is today.
“We’re delighted that the toast has already sparked worldwide interest, with people in countries around the world expressing their excitement and already signing up for updates and more information,” Thomas said. In addition, the toast also will salute the 25th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, now featuring 46 of the world’s best Bourbon distillers. Millions of visitors each year make the pilgrimage to Kentucky to learn the art and science behind the world’s greatest whiskey.
“The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® plays a vital role in supporting hospitality and communities across Kentucky,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. “And with visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries, we are proud to welcome guests from all walks of life to the one, true, authentic home for Bourbon.” A treasured homegrown industry, Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic and tourism powerhouse, generating more than 23,100 jobs with $2.2 billion in wages and benefits, and more than $500 million in exports each and every year. “Kentucky Bourbon has become a global cultural phenomenon and the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a bucket-list adventure,” Gregory said. “So we hope you join us in expressing our appreciation to the people who make it happen – you.”
Learn how to join the celebration on September 17th at WorldBourbonToast.com.