At a October 17th, 2024 Rotary Club of Louisville event, Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA), delivered an insightful presentation on the immense economic impact of Kentucky bourbon and the critical need to expand its global footprint. Among the attendees was Di Tran, founder of Di Tran Belief Bourbon, Kentucky’s first Vietnamese-owned bourbon brand. Tran, inspired by Gregory’s vision, is positioning his brand to tap into the growing demand for premium spirits in Asia, where Kentucky bourbon has yet to fully realize its potential.
Eric Gregory: Championing Kentucky Bourbon’s Economic Power
As the head of the KDA, Eric Gregory has been instrumental in promoting and protecting Kentucky’s bourbon industry, which produces 95% of the world’s supply. In his presentation, Gregory highlighted bourbon’s pivotal role in Kentucky’s economy, noting that in 2022 alone, the state’s distilleries shipped more than $500 million in exports, primarily driven by bourbon.
Beyond its global reach, Kentucky bourbon creates significant local economic impact, supporting farmers, businesses, and tourism. Gregory emphasized that distilleries purchase 70% of their corn from Kentucky farms, driving growth in the agricultural sector. However, he also pointed out the challenges facing the industry, including the fact that bourbon is the most heavily taxed large industry in Kentucky, with 34.4 cents of every dollar going to taxes.
Despite these obstacles, Gregory’s vision for the future of Kentucky bourbon is clear: global expansion. He underscored the importance of opening up new international markets, improving direct-to-consumer shipping, and ensuring market access parity to sustain growth.
Di Tran’s Vision: Bringing Kentucky Bourbon to Asia
As a key attendee at the Rotary event, Di Tran was deeply connected to Gregory’s presentation on global expansion. Tran, founder of Di Tran Belief Bourbon, brings a unique perspective as Kentucky’s first Vietnamese bourbon owner. His goal is to expand the legacy of Kentucky bourbon into the booming Asian market, where premium spirits are increasingly sought after.
With his deep roots in Vietnam and cultural ties across Asia, Tran sees enormous potential for Kentucky bourbon in countries like Vietnam, China, and Japan. He believes the story of Kentucky craftsmanship and the unparalleled quality of bourbon will resonate with Asian consumers, who value authenticity and heritage in luxury products.
Tran’s Belief Bourbon brand is more than just a business venture; it’s a cultural bridge, connecting Kentucky’s bourbon heritage with the growing appetite for premium spirits in Asia. His vision aligns perfectly with Gregory’s call for international growth, positioning Belief Bourbon as a key player in expanding Kentucky’s influence in the global spirits market.
Bourbon’s Path to Global Success
The event at the Rotary Club underscored a shared vision for Kentucky bourbon’s future. Eric Gregory, with his leadership at the KDA, is steering the industry towards a global expansion strategy that will open new markets and drive economic growth. His presentation focused on the critical role legislative reforms will play in making this vision a reality, addressing issues like tax burdens, shipping regulations, and market access.
Di Tran, as an attendee and entrepreneur, embodies the next wave of bourbon makers looking beyond Kentucky’s borders. His focus on Asia complements Gregory’s efforts to broaden the reach of Kentucky bourbon worldwide. Tran’s passion for bringing Belief Bourbon to Asia signals the kind of innovative thinking that will be necessary to secure Kentucky’s place in the global spirits market.
A United Effort for Kentucky Bourbon’s Future
The Rotary Club event brought together two key figures in Kentucky bourbon’s future—Eric Gregory, who continues to lead the industry’s legislative and economic strategy, and Di Tran, a pioneering entrepreneur with a vision to expand bourbon’s reach to Asia. Together, they represent the perfect balance of heritage and innovation, driving Kentucky bourbon into new markets while maintaining its time-honored traditions.
As Gregory leads the charge for legislative changes and economic growth, and Tran works to introduce Kentucky bourbon to Asia, Kentucky’s bourbon industry is poised for unprecedented global success. The collaboration between industry leaders like Gregory and forward-thinking entrepreneurs like Tran will ensure that Kentucky bourbon not only maintains its position as the world’s best but also reaches new audiences around the globe.