A bill filed Monday would legalize private barrel selections at distilleries. The bill aims to boost bourbon tourism and bring in repeat visitors.
“Bourbon is more than a cultural icon. It is a proven economic powerhouse for our Commonwealth,” said House Majority Whip Chad McCoy, who filed the bill. “Even in the midst of a global pandemic, tourists are visiting the Bourbon Trail, consumers are buying special releases, and distilleries are investing in their facilities. The provisions of this measure will help sustain the growth and introduce an additional draw for distilleries.”
There isn’t any sort of legal framework currently for the popular private barrel programs under Kentucky law. Recently, the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control noted that these barrel programs need a legal framework, and this is what House Bill 500 aims to do.
“This bill is the next step in our efforts to remove the barriers that the Bourbon industry faces,” McCoy said. “We’re leveling the playing field and giving consumers and tourists what they want – a unique bourbon experience that they can’t get anywhere else in the world. It will also create jobs and generate investment without costing taxpayers a single penny.”
Kentucky breweries and wineries can sell exclusive bottles in their gifts shops, but distilleries cannot. It would also allow distilleries to open satellite tasting rooms at another Kentucky location, which is another experience only allowed to breweries and wineries.