BOURBON- Distilled Spirits
Bourbon is booming, enjoying popularity with an expanding, discerning consumer base, coast to coast and on every continent.
As one of Kentucky’s signature industries, bourbon has become an ambassador for the Commonwealth, emblematic of Kentucky craftsmanship and tradition.
It also creates jobs. Lots of them. In fact, the bourbon industry helps create 9,000 jobs, generates more than $125 million in annual tax revenue, and has drawn nearly 2.5 million visitors over the past five years to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Cofounder is proud to work with Brown-Forman, makers of Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and numerous other iconic brands with a storied histories.
Improving Kentucky’s Tax Climate
Laws governing distilled spirits are often decades old dating back to the Prohibition Era. Prior to 2014, barrels of aging bourbon were taxed in the Bluegrass while they aged, which meant years, unlike any other spirits product, or any other product you can name.
The bourbon barrel reinvestment tax credit was a tremendous step forward for this industry. Removing the tax, tied with direct reinvestment, will further grow the signature industry.
The bourbon industry works in concert to modernize state laws, allowing for further growth in member companies and the burgeoning Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Brown-Forman and our employees play an important role in the communities where we do business. We have long been a leading corporate citizen in Louisville, given its unique importance to us.
- Paul C. Varga, Chairman and CEO, Brown-Forman
More About Brown-Forman
Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands. In addition to Woodford Reserve and Old Forrester, Brown-Forman is also the maker of products like Jack Daniels, Finlandia, Southern Comfort, Korbel and more, in 160 countries.