It’s time again for our annual look at the general health of the Kentucky bourbon industry.
Mark Twain is credited with having said something like: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” The Kentucky Bourbon industry appears to be working on its version of that quotation.
Just as they did in 2024, the headlines continue to scream bad bourbon news: Uncle Nearest Nears Bankruptcy, James B. Beam Shuts Down for One Year, Luca Mariano Distillery/Garrard County Distilling/Many Others File Bankruptcy, Bourbon Consumption/Sales Down as Warehouse Numbers Rise. You’ve seen these and many others.
But reports from several distilleries and the Kentucky Distiller’s Association in recent weeks are doing their best to put a positive spin on the negative news.
KDA Reports Bourbon’s Impact on State Economy Remains Strong
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association recently announced the results of its biennial report on the bourbon industry’s impact off the state’s economy. Highlights include the fact that the industry makes a $10.6 billion annual impact on the state’s economy and supports nearly 24,000 jobs across the Bluegrass.
“This comprehensive analysis demonstrates the economic impact of Kentucky’s homegrown and historic bourbon industry, which remains significantly ahead in jobs, investment and stature from over a decade ago,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
“Bourbon is a long-term business, and the data shows that its Kentucky foundation remains strong,” he said. “But we also must remember that its future isn’t guaranteed and this data is a snapshot in time.
"Despite national challenges from tariffs and harmful federal policies, Kentucky's $10.6 billion bourbon industry continues to show the world its importance by supporting nearly 24,000 jobs and generating a record $372 million in local and state tax revenue. This industry is essential to our success and way of life, and as Governor I'm going to keep standing up for Kentucky bourbon and the hardworking people who make it so special."
Among the KDA report’s top findings, Kentucky’s distilling industry now:
- Contributes $10.6 billion in annual economic impact to Kentucky, up from $9 billion in the previous study released in early 2024.
- Supports 23,935 jobs with $2 billion in salaries, wages and benefits, an increase of more than 800 jobs in the last two years despite recent cutbacks.
- Generates $372 million in local and state tax revenue every year, an increase of $200 million over the last 10 years alone.
- Reports plans to invest another $1.45 billion in the next five years.
- Purchases 27.3 million bushels of corn annually, of which KDA members say 84% comes from Kentucky farmers, up from 70% in the previous report.
- Has more licensed distilleries than ever before, with 125 locations owned and operated by 104 companies in 45 of the state’s 120 counties.
- Pays a skyrocketing amount of taxes on aging barrels of spirits, including $75 million in 2025, a 163% surge in the last five years alone.
- Stores a record 17.1 million barrels of spirits, of which 16.1 million are Bourbon.
- Provides the second-highest job multiplier in the state behind the automobile industry, supporting Kentucky farm families, cooperages, truckers and more.
- Dominates the national distilling scene with 27% of both the country’s spirits output and employment, with Tennessee second at 8.4% .
Source: Kentucky Distillers’ Association
Others elements contributing to increased numbers include new ready-to-drink cocktails like Maple Old Fashioned and Coffee Old Fashioned available in the Tasting Room and a special focus on events for its Ambussadors (the distillery’s “flock of loyal fans”) like barrel picks, Zoom tastings with limited edition whiskies, and a variety of other special events.
Buzzard’s Roost doesn’t see anything but continued growth into the new year. “We have the people, the product and the perseverance to make 2026 another record year,” said Hollis Jones.
Buzzard’s Roost will continue the momentum into 2026. “We have the people, the product and the perseverance to make 2026 another record year,” said Hollis Jones.
Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Celebrates Best Year Ever
Another craft whiskey operation that “finished 2025 flying high” is downtown Louisville’s Buzzard’s Roost Distillery.
We’ve been reporting on Buzzard’s Roost since early its five-year-existence. The distillery recently reported it “enjoyed record revenue growth of 23% and forecasts double-digit growth in 2026.”
“We saw the market changing in 2024,” said Buzzard’s Roost Co-founder and CEO Judy Hollis Jones. “Whiskey drinkers are seeking out new whiskeys, made differently. They’re interested in discovering new taste profiles – and that is where Buzzard’s Roost really stands out. Our proprietary double oak process delivers complex layers of flavors, and we are thrilled that more consumers are discovering Buzzard’s Roost.”
Buzzard’s Roost attributes its 2025 success to four key strategies:
1. Investment in Marketing, Including New Packaging
Buzzard’s Roost redesigned its labels to better communicate the brand’s unique double oak process. The new look debuted with Buzzard’s Roost’s new Signature Double Oak Bourbon in March.
“All of our whiskeys are double oaked – and have been from the start. We are emphasizing that much more on our bottles, in our marketing communications, and in sales efforts,” said Hollis Jones.
2. Refining the Product Mix
Buzzard’s Roost narrowed its product assortment to hit marketplace sweet spots. While the distillery continues to offer limited time offerings, like its Cigar Blend Bourbon, much of the growth has come from a focused approach to driving five core whiskeys spanning a range of suggested retail price points:
1. Barrel Strength Double Oak Bourbon $79
2. Bottled in Bond Double Oak Bourbon $65
3. Small Batch Char #1 Double Oak Bourbon $65
4. Toasted Barrel Double Oak Rye $65
5. Signature Double Oak Bourbon $49
Buzzard’s Roost Signature Double Oak Bourbon has been a run-away hit as a super-premium bourbon with a very approachable price. It won a Gold medal in the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Buzzard’s Roost whiskeys have earned more than a dozen 90+ scores and multiple Double Gold and Gold medals from top competitions since 2019.
3. Single Barrel Sales
Buzzard’s Roost single-barrel sales were a major contributor in 2025 success. Retailers and bourbon clubs bought more of its single barrels in 2025 than any previous year. In just the first week of 2026, the distillery hosted multiple barrel picks. “There is huge interest in single barrels,” says Hollis Jones. “People love the experience and exclusivity of selecting their very own barrel.”
4. Exceptional Customer Experiences
The Buzzard’s Roost Distillery and Tasting Room is another bright spot. Revenue from its downtown location on Whiskey Row was up 33% and foot traffic was up 27%, in the face of growing competition in downtown Louisville.
Source: Buzzard’s Roost
We attribute our growth to new experiences and exclusive product offerings.The Straight from the Barrel experience, where guests bottle and label their own whiskey using a whiskey thief, started selling out as soon as we launched it. People love hands-on experiences and they love taking home a bottle not available anywhere else.”
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Continues to Grow
It’s been an eventful 16 months for Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. The Franklin County, Kentucky distillery added a second location in Louisville’s downtown NuLu neighborhood in October, 2024. Dark clouds on the bourbon horizon don’t seem to create much rain on the Whiskey Thief parade, which has seen its revenue grow by nearly 40 percent, and had a 23 percent growth in the number of bottles thieved onsite by guests.
I visited Whiskey Thief Distillery last year for an update. Walter Zausch, Owner and CEO of Whiskey Thief Distilling Compan, told me“One of my goals has been to really to expand the experience, to see more visitors, and really tell our story in a bigger way. So, we’ve grown very quickly in four years.”
Some Positive Bourbon News from Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
- Revenue growth YOY – 37%
- Total visitors in 2025 = 110,000+
- YOY growth in bottles thieved by guests – 23%
- Number of employees – 80+
Jeptha Creed Sees Increase in Visitors
Shelbyville’s Jeptha Creed Distillery also reports good news as it prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary this year. The woman-owned craft distillery said it “saw a 28% increase in distillery tourism year-over-year, reflecting a broader shift toward experiential travel and a renewed curiosity about the bourbon’s origins and craftsmanship.”
As consumers become more intentional about what they drink, distillery tourism has become one of the most important ways we can tell our story,” said Joyce Nethery, Master Distiller and CEO of Jeptha Creed Distillery. “People want transparency, connection, and a deeper understanding of the craft, and we’re proud to offer that.”
Jeptha Creed recently joined the Estate Whiskey Alliance, which was ntroduced in March 2025 by the University of Kentucky. Jeptha Creed said the group is “The first-of-its-kind Estate Distilling Certification recognizes whiskies made with at least two-thirds of their mash bill grains grown on estate-owned or controlled land.”
“After a decade of commitment to this vision, it’s a dream come true to be part of this alliance,” Nethery said. “The Estate Whiskey Alliance brings credibility among a competitive Kentucky Bourbon landscape and gives consumers confidence in knowing exactly where our whiskey is grown and produced.”
Information on Jeptha Creed’s 10-year anniversary celebrations can be found at jepthacreed.com/events-page.
There’s no question that the Kentucky Bourbon landscape will continue to have some successes, even in the face of additional setbacks as we head into 2026. We’re right here in Louisville and will keep you posted on all the bourbon news that’s fit to print.
About the Kentucky Distillers' Association
(From the KDA) Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.
Colonel Brian G. Miller is the Editor of Whiskey Network Magazine. His column, The Bourbon Tutor, covers the latest in bourbon tourism, events, culture, and history. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. You can reach him at [email protected]
