Chris Morris, who is celebrating his 40th year in the industry, is an acknowledged authority on bourbon and Kentucky history, and will hold the position of chairman until the end of 2016.
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| Chris Morris named new Kentucky Distillers Association Chairman |
Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers Association’s diverse membership produces 90 percent of the world’s bourbon, from legendary global brands to emerging micro distilleries. There are currently 28 members, the most since the Repeal of Prohibition and an all-time high of 19 members in its popular Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour experiences.
Commenting on the news, Chris Morris, said: “It is especially a treat to serve as Kentucky Distillers Association Chairman in 2016, because we will see more exciting events and programs that emphasize the heritage and great taste of Kentucky bourbon.”
Bourbon production has soared more than 170 percent since the turn of the century, with only 485,020 barrels filled in 1999. Distilleries crafted 1,306,375 barrels in 2014 – the highest production mark since 1970 and the third straight year with a million barrels born.
The Kentucky Distillers Association, announced last year that the state’s inventory of aging Bourbon barrels set a 40 year high in 2014 with 5,669,682 million charred oak casks maturing in warehouses. Barrel inventories for 2015 will be released later this spring.
Posted by Steve Rush