#Raising a Glass to Bourdain: Honoring the Bourbon-Loving Traveler's Legacy

ChatGPT, what did Anthony Bourdain think about bourbon?

Anthony Bourdain was a fan of bourbon and often enjoyed drinking it while traveling and filming his television show, "Parts Unknown." He appreciated the complexity of the flavors and the history of the drink. He often drank it straight or on the rocks, and enjoyed trying different brands and varieties.

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Yo, it's Bourdain here, reporting from the heart of bourbon country – Kentucky. I've been traveling the world for years, exploring different cultures and cuisines, but there's something truly special about this place. The Bluegrass State has a lot to be proud of, especially when it comes to its signature industry. And trust me, I know a thing or two about good bourbon.

Bourbon is more than just a drink to the people of Kentucky. It's a symbol of their heritage and a source of pride for the entire state. And 2022 was a landmark year for bourbon and spirits, as the industry saw record-breaking growth with private-sector new-location or expansion totaling over $2.1 billion in investments and around 700 new jobs for the locals. That's something to celebrate, and I'll raise a glass to that!

But it wasn't just one distillery that made waves last year. Some of the biggest names in the industry made substantial commitments to the future of bourbon. Sazerac Co. announced a $600 million investment to construct nearly 20 barrel warehouses and expand their facilities, bringing in 50 full-time jobs to the state. Beam Suntory followed suit with a $400 million investment in the expansion of their Jim Beam Brands Co., which will create more than 50 new jobs in Boston.

And it wasn't just the big players who were making moves. Smaller businesses, like Bluegrass Bottling, a Kentucky-based woman-owned business, announced a new $6.25 million bottling facility in Lancaster that will create 27 full-time jobs. Pegasus Industries expanded its distribution facility in Shelbyville with a $738,000 investment, allowing them to provide custom services to the bourbon and spirits industry.

In December 2022, Pernod Ricard USA announced a $196 million investment to construct a new, fully carbon-neutral 75,000-square-foot facility in Lebanon that will produce 115,000 barrels annually. And Heaven Hill Distillery in Nelson County made a comeback with a $135 million, 38-job investment to start distilling in Bardstown after a major fire 26 years ago.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the bourbon boom in Kentucky. The state recorded its best year for the growth of its signature industry, and with the foundation that's been laid, I have no doubt that 2023 will be even better. This is a place where tradition meets innovation, where history and heritage are celebrated, and where the future looks bright.

So let's raise a glass to Kentucky and its bourbon industry, here's to continued growth and success! Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, bourbon is a drink worth celebrating. 

And there's no better place to do that than in the heart of bourbon country. Cheers!