US Bourbon Caucus

Congressmen John Yarmuth (KY‐3) and Brett Guthrie (KY‐2) jointly announced the formation of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus as an officially recognized Congressional Member Organization. Both Congressmen will serve as co‐chairs of the Caucus, a bipartisan group of members dedicated to maintaining and strengthening the bourbon industry in the United States and educating other Members on the legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry.

"I am honored that Congress recognizes and supports the Bourbon industry through the establishment of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus," said Bill Samuels Jr., president of Maker's Mark Distillery. "The tradition of family heritage, authenticity and craftsmanship behind Bourbon is what has made it an American icon."

In February, Samuels led a rally on Kentucky State capital steps, which drew about 400 liquor industry workers and executives, to oppose to a state House committee's approval of a 6 percent tax on alcoholic beverages in stores. Reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party, Samuels and other Kentucky Bourbon makers dumped bottles of Bourbon to draw attention to America’s native spirit, which draws more than 500,000 visitors annually to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.