Senator Jim Bunning, from Kentucky, sponsored a bill that was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2007 making September Kentucky Bourbon Heritage Month. It was one of the few times that any bill got full bipartisan agreement on any topic. This month marks the time when bourbon lovers celebrate the industry's contributions to the American culture, economy, and history.
Responsibility to their consumers
The Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) takes their responsibility to their bourbon consumers very seriously. Besides the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the bourbon sampling events throughout Kentucky, this month represents a time to address the association's commitment to the importance of moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Besides the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the bourbon sampling events throughout Kentucky, this month represents a time to address the association's commitment to the importance of moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages.
KDA hires Director of Social Responsibility
This year, the KDA, hired for the first time in their history a Director of Social Responsibility, Ali Edelstein, in order to show their commitment to being responsible members of the non-profit group that was founded in 1880. The KDA, together with the help of Edelstein, has expanded their programming, policies, and partnerships that encourage responsible consumption and enable safe rides while creating a friendly atmosphere for nondrinkers.
They have also succeeded in helping adapt socially responsible best practices for visitor centers, and events, and have developed public service announcements addressing essential elements of Kentucky's responsibility to its bourbon culture and heritage.
Interesting facts
In 1964 Congress declared bourbon as "America's Native Spirit" which has made it the only alcoholic beverage distinctive to the U.S.
Bourbon was once used as a form of U.S. currency. Every year, during the month of September, visitors from over thirteen countries attend a Kentucky-inspired celebration of the history of bourbon, the Commonwealth, and the distilleries.
America's Native Spirit lives on
Not to worry if you are unable to get to Kentucky this month, you can still celebrate.
What better time to learn about America's Native Spirit? Of course, you can always purchase a few bottles of bourbon -- there is actually more produced and distilled today, than ever before -- thank goodness they don't sell the spirit only in the month of September.
