[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 100 (Thursday, June 13, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S4077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, it was roughly two centuries ago that 
Kentucky's early settlers first began converting corn and grain into 
the rich, amber liquor we now know as bourbon. Originating from the 
heart of the Bluegrass State, America's only native spirit has since 
achieved worldwide recognition and secured Kentucky's foremost place as 
the world capital of bourbon whiskey.
  Today, visitors from all 50 States and 26 countries have traveled to 
the Commonwealth to enjoy this corn-based, barrel-aged spirit along the 
famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Founded in 1999, the Kentucky Bourbon 
Trail connects distilleries all over the Commonwealth for natives and 
visitors alike to responsibly enjoy our State's signature spirit. What 
started as only seven distilleries has grown into an international 
destination. Today, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail encompasses 46 
distilleries offering everything from behind-the-scenes tours to unique 
experiences that celebrate Kentucky's rich history in bourbon 
production.
  The Kentucky Bourbon Trail originated as a gathering place for 
bourbon enthusiasts to celebrate the tradition and time-honored craft 
behind this liquor in its birthplace. However, today the trail 
continues to enrich and give back to Kentucky as a vital part of our 
State's tourism economy. Since its inception in 1999, bourbon 
production in Kentucky has surged by 493 percent and, within that time, 
became the largest export among all distilled spirits in the United 
States. Other areas within our economy have also experienced 
unprecedented growth--new hotels, tourism companies, and other local 
attractions have all cropped up along the trail's many destinations.
  This year, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail celebrates 25 years since its 
founding. I want to thank all those involved for their stewardship of 
Kentucky's heritage and their work to build our State's vibrant bourbon 
industry. As this Kentucky landmark celebrates its silver jubilee, I 
would like to extend my best wishes to its dedicated team and all the 
hard-working Kentuckians who have contributed to the enduring 
popularity and legacy of bourbon whiskey.

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