Kentucky Distillers' Association

What Kentucky Distillers' Association does

The Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1880 and headquartered in the historic Jimmy & Loretta Russell House in Frankfort, KY. It represents the overwhelming majority of Kentucky's bourbon distilleries — approximately 70 companies operating 86 distilleries that produce 95% of the world's bourbon supply. The association operates as the sole industry-wide advocacy body for Kentucky bourbon at local, state, federal, and international levels, and runs the trademarked Kentucky Bourbon Trail (60+ destinations, launched 1999) and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour (launched 2012), which collectively attract nearly 3 million annual visitors.

The KDA's core product surface is a portfolio of trademarked programs and initiatives rather than technology or distillate. These include the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tourism programs, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame (industry's highest honor, est. 2001), the Stave & Thief Bourbon Certification Program (3,300+ stewards, est. 2014), the Order of the Writ fraternal organization, the KDA Bourbon Trail PAC, the Lifting Spirits Foundation (501(c)(3) created 2020), Safe Ride KY (2017), and the Kentucky Spirits Collaborative (2020). No proprietary technology platform or AI/ML capability is disclosed; the association's value derives from brand, regulatory advocacy, community building, and tourism distribution.

The KDA is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Gigi DaDan (Louisville Distilling Co.), with representation from across the membership including Brown-Forman, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, Diageo, Campari, Suntory, and Pernod Ricard (Rabbit Hole) at the enterprise level, alongside craft and proof-tier representatives. Revenue is generated through membership dues across Heritage (50,000+ barrels), Proof (10,000–49,999 barrels), and Craft (<10,000 barrels) tiers, plus events, sponsorships, and tourism program participation. Pricing is not publicly disclosed. The organization maintains a small staff (1–10 employees) led by President Eric Gregory.

Name

Kentucky Distillers' Association

Legal name

Kentucky Distillers' Association

Website

https://kybourbon.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1880

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Kentucky Distillers' Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1880 that advocates for and represents Kentucky's bourbon distilleries — 70+ companies operating 86 distilleries producing 95% of global bourbon — through regulatory advocacy, trademarked tourism programs (Kentucky Bourbon Trail), and industry education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industry Trade Association

NAICS

Distilleries (31214), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Distilled Spirits Production & Distilling (AFAFAAAC), Distilleries (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAG), Spirits Distillery Tours & Tastings (Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka) (THAJAGAF), Alcoholic Beverage Tours & On-site Experiences (Brewery/Winery/Distillery) (THAFALAK)

Keywords

• Bourbon trade association
• Spirits industry advocacy
• Bourbon tourism programs
• Distillery membership services
• Bourbon certification training

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfort

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The KDA generates revenue through membership dues from distilleries at Heritage, Proof, and Craft levels, as well as Industry and Educational members. The association also likely receives funding through events, sponsorships, and its Bourbon Trail program.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

The Kentucky Distillers' Association is a nonprofit trade association that represents Kentucky bourbon distilleries through membership services, governmental advocacy, trademarked tourism programs, industry certification, and public-facing marketing of Kentucky bourbon. Its core function is to advocate for member distilleries, promote the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tourism experience, defend the industry's regulatory interests, and educate the public on bourbon heritage and craft.

Product overview

The Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA) operates a collection of interconnected programs and initiatives centered around Bourbon tourism, industry advocacy, and education. The core offerings include the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® (60+ distillery destinations) and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® programs, which serve as the primary tourism experiences driving the industry. Supporting programs include the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® for industry recognition, the Stave & Thief Bourbon Certification Program for professional education, and the Order of the Writ® as a fraternal organization. The KDA also operates social responsibility initiatives (Safe Ride KY), a political action committee (KDA Bourbon Trail PAC), and the Lifting Spirits Foundation nonprofit. The organization functions as a trade association with an open membership policy for Kentucky distillers at Heritage, Proof, and Craft levels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kentucky Bourbon Trail: A tourism program created in 1999 for Bourbon lovers to visit Kentucky distilleries, now featuring 60+ destinations
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour
• Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame
• Order of the Writ
• KDA Bourbon Trail PAC
• Safe Ride KY
• Kentucky Spirits Collaborative

Quantifiable outcome

• $9 billion annual economic impact, 23,935+ jobs, $2+ billion payroll, $371.8 million annual tax revenue for Kentucky
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Cornbread HempminorOthers · 10 March 2026Stakeholder that voiced support for Senate Bill 223 on regulating cannabis beverages; represents intersection of cannabis and spirits industries.
• White Oak InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021KDA supports the White Oak Initiative in their efforts to actively create and champion vital conservation activities for American white oak forests, essential for bourbon barrel production and long-term industry sustainability.
• University of Kentucky - James B. Beam Institute (JBBI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020The James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky offers multidisciplinary research of Kentucky's spirits industry and its supply chain from farm to product. KDA is a signature partner in the JBBI Industry Conference, the most prominent conference for the global spirits industry.
• Kentucky Spirits CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Created in 2020 as a working partnership between KDA member companies and colleges and universities across Kentucky. Works to secure the sustainable future of Kentucky spirits industry through Education, Research, Social Responsibility and Workforce Development.
• Lifting Spirits FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020501(c)(3) non-profit foundation created by KDA in 2020 to educate the public about Kentucky's bourbon and distilled spirits industry through charitable, educational, literary and scientific research efforts. Also supports workforce development, scholarships, and diversity initiatives.
• Bourbon Women AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Founded 2011 with KDA support; organization bringing together women passionate about bourbon culture. Has grown to include members in 30 states as well as Australia and Canada. Promotes diversity in the bourbon industry.
• Frazier History MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018The official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is located on the first floor of the Frazier History Museum in downtown Louisville. Features the Spirit of Kentucky Exhibit and Bottle Hall.
• Louisville Water CompanyminorOthers · 1 January 2018Partnership related to Kentucky's limestone-filtered water supply which is key to bourbon production character.
• Safe Ride KYminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Initiative to end impaired driving in Kentucky; backed by alliance of passionate local organizations. Has provided nearly 10,000 safe rides during high-traffic holidays since 2017.
• Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011KDA partnered with BIER to conduct a comprehensive distillery-specific performance analysis to measure performance metrics and environmental initiatives effectiveness.
• Moonshine UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation provider of the Kentucky Distillers' Association. Its KDA Board certified curriculum includes industry leading experts from KDA member companies. Provides the Bourbon Certification program endorsed by the industry.
• Kentucky General AssemblycoreOthersKDA works with state legislators on bourbon-supportive legislation including barrel tax phase-out, tourism reforms, shipping laws, and private barrel selections. Key elected officials recognized through 100 Proof Awards.
• U.S. Senators and Congressional Bourbon CaucuscoreOthersKDA advocates at federal level on tariffs, dietary guidelines, USPS shipping equity, and duty drawback for bourbon. Key partner in protecting bourbon's international trade status.
• Independent Stave CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKey barrel supplier to Kentucky distilleries; mentioned in sustainability and supply chain context. Kentucky bourbon depends on new charred oak barrels.
• Kentucky Bourbon FestivalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual festival in Bardstown celebrating bourbon heritage; KDA partners on Hall of Fame induction ceremony held during the celebration.
• Bourbon & BeyondminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorld's largest Bourbon and music festival in Louisville; KDA supports and participates in this major tourism event.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS): National trade association representing distilled spirits producers and marketers in the U.S. Closely comparable to KDA in advocacy, regulatory engagement, and member services, but operating at the national level across all spirit categories rather than a single state.
• Scotch Whisky Association: UK trade body that protects and promotes Scotch whisky globally through advocacy, GI protection, and industry standards. Highly comparable to KDA as a single-origin whisky category trade association with global trade and GI defense as core functions.
• Brewers Association: Not-for-profit trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers. Comparable structure and GTM motion to KDA: membership tiers, advocacy, tourism-style experiences (craft beer tourism), certification programs, and industry promotion.
• American Craft Spirits Association: National nonprofit trade group representing U.S. craft distillers. Highly comparable in member-services, education, advocacy, and conference-driven community building, though oriented toward craft producers nationally rather than Kentucky bourbon specifically.
• Wine Institute: Public policy advocacy association for California wineries, focused on protecting and promoting California wine. Directly comparable to KDA in category-defending trade association role, regulatory advocacy, and international market development.
• Irish Whiskey Association: Trade body representing Irish whiskey producers globally. Closely comparable to KDA's Scotch-style model: single-category whiskey trade association focused on GI protection, export promotion, and industry standards.

Regional players

• Tennessee Distillers Guild: State-level trade association for Tennessee whiskey producers. Operates a similar model of state-focused bourbon/whiskey tourism and advocacy but serves Tennessee rather than Kentucky, so it is comparable in structure rather than direct competition.
• Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC): The Champagne interprofessional trade body that protects the Champagne designation and manages supply discipline. Conceptually comparable as the gold-standard model for category-defending trade associations, though serving wine rather than spirits.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KyDistillers
• Facebookfacebook.com/393619004162164
• Instagraminstagram.com/kybourbon
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kentucky-distillers-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kentucky Distillers' Association