The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Left Bank Bourbon in Jefferson County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
Left Bank Bourbon was founded in 2018 and has created a unique Bourbon expression by marrying hand-picked Bourbons with custom-blended oak staves. Beginning its journey in Kentucky, each barrel ages as it floats down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans for bottling.
The brand’s label also features “alligator horses,” a reference to the tough, versatile, and resilient Kentuckians hailed as “half horse, half alligator” as they helped Andrew Jackson defeat the British in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, a key event in the War of 1812.
“Joining the KDA is a proud moment for our team as it allows us to celebrate the industry’s rich heritage amongst a community of historical Bourbonmakers,” says Left Bank Bourbon president and co-founder, Ken Hagan.
“We have dedicated ourselves to craft spirits with our guiding passion rooted in the journey of early American Bourbonmakers. We’ve created a unique Bourbon expression that recreates the origin story of Bourbon in a bottle.”
KDA president Eric Gregory says, “Our industry continues to see new ideas and practices being used to help differentiate brands, all while creating memorable Bourbon experiences for our visitors.
“As we proudly welcome Left Bank Bourbon to our KDA family, we celebrate how Kentucky Bourbon is brought to those around the world — even through our rivers — and we are reminded of our rich Bourbon legacy that we work to strengthen within our communities.”
Learn more about Left Bank Bourbon at leftbankbourbon.com or visit them in person in their tasting room at the Logan Street Market near downtown Louisville.
Left Bank joins the growing Bourbon tourism and economic impact in the Louisville Metro region. Jefferson and surrounding counties now have 27 distilleries that are responsible for more than 7,000 jobs and more than $664 million in payroll.
Bourbon brings an economic impact of $3.3 billion and nearly $77 million in local and state tax revenue to the Louisville region each year. In addition, Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distilleries reported nearly 900,000 visitors to the area last year, adding more revenue to local coffers.
Left Bank Bourbon joins KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 1,000 barrels annually.