BE IN THE KNOW | Pegasus

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Three Horses

Be In The Know...

Versailles is pronounced Ver Sales here in Kentucky- We’re not French!
May weather is predictably unpredictable (Well, KY weather is, if we’re being honest)
You can’t just pull up to Buffalo Trace and pick up a bottle of Pappy.
Bourbon Capital: Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon. With over 50 distilleries across 27 counties, it’s no wonder Kentucky is known as the bourbon capital of the world.
More Barrels Than People: There are more barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky than there are people! With over 7.5 million barrels, that’s nearly 1.75 barrels for every resident.
Economic Powerhouse: The bourbon industry pours a whopping $9 billion into Kentucky’s economy annually, supporting over 23,000 jobs and generating $358 million in tax revenue.
Historic Comeback: After a decline in popularity during the 1970s, bourbon made a remarkable comeback in the 1990s with the introduction of small batch and single barrel products.
Bourbon and Corn: Bourbon is an agricultural product that requires a lot of grain. Kentucky distillers purchase about 28.3 million bushels of corn annually, with 70% sourced from local farms.
Bourbon Tourism: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail attracts over 2 million visitors each year, offering tours and tastings at various distilleries.
Unique Innovations: In an attempt to keep up with changing tastes, bourbon manufacturers once tried creating transparent bourbon and canned mixed drinks, though these innovations didn’t catch on.
Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln: Kentucky is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. He was born in a log cabin in Hardin County (now LaRue County) in 1809.
Mammoth Cave: Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world. It has over 400 miles of explored passageways and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Bluegrass State: Known as the “Bluegrass State,” Kentucky gets its nickname from the bluegrass found in many of its pastures due to the fertile soil.
Kentucky Derby: The Kentucky Derby, held annually in Louisville, is the oldest continuously held horse race in the United States. It began in 1875 and is often referred to as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports".
Fort Knox: Fort Knox, located in Kentucky, is home to the United States Bullion Depository, which holds a large portion of the country’s gold reserves.
Bourbon and Moonshine: Besides bourbon, Kentucky has a rich history of moonshine production, especially in the Appalachian region. Moonshine was often produced illegally during Prohibition
Unique Geography: Kentucky is the only state bordered by rivers on three sides: the Ohio River to the north, the Mississippi River to the west, and the Big Sandy River and Tug Fork to the east
Daniel Boone National Forest: Spanning 21 counties, this forest covers over 700,000 acres and is named after the famous American pioneer Daniel Boone
Cultural Contributions: Kentucky is the birthplace of bluegrass music, pioneered by Bill Monroe, and is also known for its contributions to country music
Small but Mighty: Frankfort is one of the smallest state capitals in the U.S., with a population of around 28,600 people

Historic Name: The name “Frankfort” comes from an early settler named Stephen Frank, who was killed at a local ford in the Kentucky River. The area became known as “Frank’s Ford,” which eventually evolved into Frankfort
Capitol Buildings: The current Kentucky State Capitol building, completed in 1910, is the fourth building to serve as the state’s capitol. The previous three buildings either burned down or were replaced
Architectural Beauty: The Capitol building is known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, featuring a grand marble staircase, beautiful murals, and a rotunda topped with a dome that rises 212 feet
Governor’s Mansion: The Kentucky Governor’s Mansion, located in Frankfort, was modeled after the Petit Trianon, a small chateau on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles in France. It has been the official residence of Kentucky’s governors since 1914
Historic Events: Frankfort has seen its share of dramatic events, including the assassination of Governor-elect William Goebel in 1900, who was shot on his way to be inaugurated
Cultural Hub: Despite its small size, Frankfort is rich in culture and history, with numerous museums, historic sites, and annual events like the Kentucky Book Fair and the Candlelight Tradition
Rich History: The Van Winkle family has been in the bourbon business since the late 1800s. Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. started working for W.L. Weller & Sons in 1893 and eventually became president of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery
Wheated Bourbon: Unlike most bourbons that use rye, Pappy Van Winkle uses wheat in its mash bill. This gives it a smoother, sweeter flavor profile
Aging Process: Pappy Van Winkle bourbons are aged significantly longer than most other bourbons, with offerings ranging from 10 to 23 years This extended aging process contributes to its complex flavor and high demand
Limited Production: The distillery only releases around 7,000 cases of Pappy Van Winkle each year, making it extremely rare and highly sought after
High Prices: Due to its rarity and quality, bottles of Pappy Van Winkle can fetch thousands of dollars. For example, a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23-year-old bourbon can sell for over $20,000
Pappy Heist: In one of the largest alcohol heists in history, thieves stole around $100,000 worth of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon between 2008 and 2015
Celebrity Endorsements: Pappy Van Winkle has a cult following among celebrities and chefs. Anthony Bourdain was a notable fan, once tweeting about considering a tattoo of the brand
Pappy Tracker: Due to its limited availability, the distillery provides a list of stores that receive allocations of Pappy Van Winkle each year, though getting your hands on a bottle is still a challenge

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