531 - The Kentucky Bourbon Trail's Big Challenge with Adam Johnson of the Kentucky Distillers Association

If you've been a listener for a while, you might remember our next guest who has talked to us about the Kentucky Distillers Association over the years. Adam Johnson from the Kentucky Distillers Association, who for nearly two decades has been at the forefront of the Kentucky bourbon scene. We’re diving into the state of bourbon tourism, and as Adam reveals, visits to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are absolutely going through the roof, transforming the experience from a day trip into a full-on bucket-list adventure. We also get into the legislative challenges facing our industry, from the battle for Direct-To-Consumer shipping rights to the elephant in the room: the cannabis beverage market, and why Adam believes it needs to play by the same rules. Adam also shares some great insights on how the collaborative nature of the bourbon community is actually fueling collective growth. If you’re planning a trip to Kentucky or just curious about the future of bourbon, you won't want to miss this one.

Show Notes:

• Recollection of Adam Johnson's first podcast experience
• Examining the booming bourbon tourism landscape
• Statistics on the surge in Kentucky Bourbon Trail visitors
• Advocacy for DTC shipping and legislative obstacles for small distillers
• Discussing the impact of new dietary guidelines on bourbon marketing
• Competition with cannabis beverages and calls for regulatory parity
• The collaborative ethos of the bourbon industry and its historical foundations
• Future outlook for bourbon tourism and KDA's sustainability initiatives
• Encouraging exploration of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and KDA updates
• Support this podcast on Patreon

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