Kentucky Distillers' Association

Kentucky Distillers' Association has officially introduced our 2025 Board of Directors and Board Chair! We are proud to announce Ken Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling, as the 2025 Chair of the KDA Board of Directors! Ken has served on the KDA board since 2020 and this will be his first term as Chair. Ken is eager to build upon the work that has been done to grow Kentucky Bourbon as we prepare to face new challenges. . . . “It is an honor to serve as Chair of the KDA. I’m proud to have been a part of all the work KDA has done over the years to grow our industry into a $9 billion economic engine. As I enter this new leadership role, I have eyes wide open to the opportunities and challenges our industry will face in the coming months and years. We’ve always found success when we work together as one distilling family, and I look forward to building upon that legacy.” – Ken Lewis, KDA 2025 Chair and New Riff Distilling Operating Owner. Read more about our 2025 Board of Directors > https://bit.ly/41fxnFd

Happy Thanksgiving from Kentucky Distillers' Association! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with friends, family and Kentucky Bourbon. Enjoy Like a True Kentuckian: Responsibly

Member News: New Riff Distilling has announced its re-launch of Winter Whiskey. First debuted in 2020, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made with malted oats and chocolate malt, toting Holiday nostalgia with every sip. Read more > https://bit.ly/3Z7Zgg1 #BourbonBuildsKentucky #KentuckyBourbon #TheProofIsHere

This #MemberMonday, we’re spotlighting Casey Jones Distillery. Founded by the Jones family, the distillery honors the legacy of well-known still builder, Casey Jones, whose innovative copper square pot design serves as the foundation of the distillery. The design was used as inspiration for the distillery’s current still, blending tradition with craftsmanship. By blending tradition and craftsmanship, the distillery offers a wide array of spirits – including Kentucky Bourbon. Learn more about our growing member network > https://bit.ly/3Su5WCs

What a great morning with Governor Andy Beshear and the Scotch Whisky Association. Today, we had a productive conversation on the state of Kentucky Bourbon and the potential impact of tariffs. #BourbonBuildsKentucky #TheProofIsHere Big thanks to SWA's Mark Kent CMG, Ian McKendrick, and Graeme Littlejohn for joining us! More to come on what the Kentucky Distillers' Association and Eric Gregory have been up to this week!

Last week the Kentucky Distillers' Association successfully hosted our 144th Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY. We were honored to have special guests Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Lady Veterans Connect join us for our State Dinner. This year, we celebrated numerous new members, incredible industry accomplishments, and the passing of the gavel from our outgoing board chair, Heaven Hill Brands’ Jessica Pendergrass, to our 2025 board chair, New Riff Distilling’s Ken Lewis. The Annual Meeting was packed full of industry updates ranging from research and innovation to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Plus, great education and conversation from NielsenIQ, Brandjam, meetNKY Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau, Louisville Water Company, James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, and many others! Cheers to 2024 and what is to come! #TheProofIsHere #BourbonBuildsKentucky

Member News: Angel's Envy has announced its 13th annual release of Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Since 2011, the distillery has released an annual Cask Strength Bourbon, made from a hand-selected barrel with an extended aging process. This year’s edition introduces a Tawny Port Wine finish blended with a Ruby Port Wine finish, toting notes of brown sugar, butterscotch and spice. Read more > https://bit.ly/4hZlvNM #BourbonBuildsKentucky #KentuckyBourbon #TheProofIsHere

Member News: Evan Williams Bourbon has announced their 2024 American-Made Heroes Foundation grant recipients. This year, the grant has awarded $75,000 across 15 projects, each centered on creating a meaningful difference in the quality of life for veterans.  #HappyVeteransDay and thank you to all who have served our country.🇺🇸 Read more about the recipients > https://bit.ly/3UO2SCt  #KentuckyBourbon #TheProofIsHere Heaven Hill Brands

This #MemberMonday we’re spotlighting Second Sight Spirits! Established in 2012 in Northern Kentucky, Second Sight Spirits brings magic and mystery to #Bourbon. Founded by two former Cirque Du Soleil engineers, each magical drop is made in their visionary, copper still, constructed around a crystal ball. Learn more about our growing member network > https://bit.ly/3Su5WCs #BourbonBuildsKentucky #TheProofIsHere

Member News: Heaven Hill Brands has been named the Most Awarded U.S. Distillery by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Bringing in 90+ medals, portfolio brands also won Best in Show in numerous areas. Congratulations from the Kentucky Distillers' Association! Read more here > https://bit.ly/3BIsXfr #KentuckyBourbon #TheProofIsHere The Tasting Alliance