BARDSTOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — Industry leaders, state leaders, and city leaders from across Kentucky gathered at Heaven Hill Distillery on Tuesday for a barrel selection, celebrating the state's signature bourbon industry, while also addressing mounting challenges from federal trade policies.

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers joined officials from Louisville and Corbin for the event, emphasizing bourbon's unique ability to bring people together across political and geographic divides.

"Food and bourbon can bring us together no matter where we are in the state. Rural, urban, democrat, republican - whatever our political persuasions are, perspectives are from wherever we live," Stivers said.

Max Shapira, Heaven Hill Distillery president, called bourbon "that iconic spirit of Kentucky,

See Full Page