Appalachians embraced their culture at the Bourbon and Spirits Winter Fest

On May 4, 1964, the United States Congress recognized bourbon whiskey as a “distinctive product of the United States”

Although bourbon may be produced anywhere in the United States where it is legal to distill spirits, most brands are produced in Kentucky, where bourbon production has a strong historical association.

The Appalachian Wireless Arena hosted their 2nd Annual Bourbon and Spirits Winter Fair allowing our community to not only taste but embrace the art form of creating this unique spirit.

Wes Hutchison, Executive Chef/beer, wine & spirits at the Appalachian Wireless Arena says that bourbon culture has really exploded in the last 20 years or so and it’s a huge part of Kentucky culture.

“…we probably had around 20-25 different types of bourbon last year. This year, we’ve grown to around 70 different types of bourbon and different vendors that come in… they take it seriously… they look at it as a craft,” states Hutchison.