The Kentucky House passed House Bill 500 which allows distillers to sell private barrel selections directly to consumers on Friday. Sponsored by House Majority Whip Chad McCoy (R-50), HB 500 clarifies the legality of private barrel selections and creates parity with wineries and breweries. The bill passed the House after an amendment passed settling concerns among key stakeholders.

Codifying the private selection barrel process for distillers will serve to attract repeat visitors to Kentucky’s already booming Bourbon tourism, including the Urban Bourbon Trail through downtown Louisville. GLI is supportive of these changes that enable distillers to expand tourism of Kentucky’s signature industry.

Key provisions of the bill as passed by the House include:

• Allows distillers to sell specialty bottles that are only available at their gift shops at a limit of 3 liters per person, per day, which drives tourism and repeat sales.
• Allows distillers with retail visitor centers that have sampling and souvenir bottle to operate one off-site tasting room with full retail privilege.
• Allows distillers to sell limited bottles at fairs, festivals, and farmers markets. Currently, distillers are limited to sell by-the-drink only at these events, but craft beer and wine have these privileges.

The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.