Bardstown, The Bourbon Capital of the World, Launches Strategic Plan to Expand Bourbon Tourism

Bardstown recognizes five more distilleries in Bourbon Capital Compass, celebrates rapid growth of Kentucky’s signature spirit.

Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, has formed a broad community alliance to develop a strategic plan to expand bourbon tourism and increase economic investment in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon-producing region, leaders announced today.

As part of this week’s internationally acclaimed Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton and Nelson County Judge-Executive Dean Watts announced the launch of the Bourbon Capital Community Alliance, a group of leaders from the bourbon industry, government, tourism, business, economic development and civic groups.

“People from around the globe are coming to Kentucky to see, sample and study America’s native spirit,” said Mayor Heaton. “We are working hard to provide more experiences, educational opportunities and destinations here in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World.”

Mayor Heaton and Judge Watts honored the state’s five newest distilleries by placing markers in the Bourbon Capital Compass, a centerpiece in downtown Bardstown. The Compass, which was created last year, includes 31 Kentucky distilleries with the newest additions:

– Preservation Distillery – Bardstown, Kentucky
– Lux Row Distillers – Bardstown, Kentucky
– Rabbit Hole Distilling – Louisville, Kentucky
– Jeptha Creed Distillery– Shelbyville, Kentucky
– Castle & Key Distillery – Frankfort, Kentucky

The compass is one of the improvement projects spearheaded by the Bourbon Capital Community Alliance. “Our goal is to use our collective strengths to enhance visitor experiences, expand opportunities for our citizens and sustain economic growth,” said Judge Watts.

“The Alliance and our support team will conduct research and listen to the community, our leaders and our visitors,” Heaton said. “Working together, we will identify and prioritize the most needed improvements to ensure Bardstown truly delivers on our unique and historic role as Bourbon Capital of World.”

Caroline Paulus
Caroline Paulus is the Senior Editor for The Bourbon Review. She lives and writes in Lexington, Kentucky. Follow her on Instagram @misswhiskeyhistorian to keep up with her latest in bourbon news - and a few old finds, too.