08/29/2026
🥃 Today, Leadership Morehead wrapped up our year-long journey with a dynamic make-up day exploring the Commonwealth Signature Bourbon Industry! Beyond the heritage and craftsmanship, we learned firsthand how this iconic spirit fuels our state economy and ripples across global markets.
Did you know? Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine in Kentucky, supporting over 22,500 jobs and generating $285 million in local and state tax revenue annually. With over 12 million aging barrels across the Bluegrass State—outnumbering citizens almost 3 to 1—Kentucky crafts 95% of the world’s supply, exporting to over 100 countries worldwide! 🌍🌾
📍 First Stop: Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg)
Our morning kicked off at the breathtaking Spanish Mission-style campus of Four Roses Distillery. As we walked through the historic grounds built in 1910, our guide shared the legendary story of founder Paul Jones Jr.
"The story goes that Paul was smitten by a beautiful Southern belle," our tour host explained. "He sent her a proposal, and she replied that if her answer was 'yes,' she would wear a corsage of roses to the upcoming grand ball. When she arrived, she wore a corsage of four red roses—and the rest is history." 🌹
Beyond the romance, we dove deep into their unique production process, combining 2 proprietary mash bills and 5 custom yeast strains to create 10 distinct bourbon recipes.
📍 Final Stop: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort)
We wrapped up our day in Frankfort at the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. Operating even through Prohibition for "medicinal purposes," this National Historic Landmark spans over 200 years of distilling history.
Standing among giant aging warehouses like Warehouse C—built by E.H. Taylor Jr. in 1881—we saw the sheer scale of modern bourbon production. Buffalo Trace’s relentless focus on innovation and tradition was the perfect capstone to our year, reminding us how Kentucky's deep roots and leadership shape industry on a global scale.
Thank you to everyone who made this year of Leadership Morehead so transformative. Cheers to growth, community, and the future of Morehead and Rowan County! 🥂✨
