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Kentucky Distillers Welcome Seven New Members

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is set to welcome seven new members into the fold Monday night.

KDA president Eric Gregory says the new additions will put the organization at 27 members, its highest number since the 1930s.

"After Prohibition happened when the distilling industry reemerged, we saw an influx of 20 to 25 distilleries. And just through normal markets and consolidation over the years that had waned, especially when bourbon took a downturn back in the 60s and 70s," he says. "But now with bourbon hot again and on the cover of the New York Times this past weekend, the distilleries are coming back."

The new names, which include Lexington’s Bluegrass Distillers and Frankfort’s Three Boys Farm Distillery, put the total at 27 members. No surprise, as analysts predict continued growth ahead for the $3B dollar industry.

Distillers have pumped more than $400M into operations in the state over the last five years, with another $630M expected to roll in over the next five. 

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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