FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Sunday, September 14, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is raising a glass once again with its signature World Bourbon Toast. Hosted by KDA’s iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the second annual event is bigger, bolder, and poised to break records.
Following a history-making global debut in 2024, with toasts in every time zone, the KDA is amplifying the experience in 2025, thanks to a new partnership with Danny Wimmer Presents. This year’s World Bourbon Toast will stream live from Bourbon & Beyond Festival, voted Pollstar’s Global Music Festival of the Year. Together, they’ll unite Bourbon lovers and music fans with the world’s largest Bourbon toast, live from the festival’s main stage.
On September 14th, fans can join the celebration by tuning in to the official livestream via Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube channels. In addition to featuring the world’s largest Bourbon toast, the World Bourbon Toast livestream will include artist and celebrity toasts and exclusive interviews with Bourbon notables throughout the day.
KDA also invites fans to “Toast & Post” throughout the day, by raising a glass, snapping a photo or video, and sharing their toast on social media using #WorldBourbonToast and tagging the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Selected posts will be featured on Kentucky Bourbon Trail channels, putting Bourbon fans from around the globe in the spotlight.
KDA Vice President of Operations Colleen Thomas said that the World Bourbon Toast started as a bold idea to unite people everywhere in a shared moment of connection, and the response last year was overwhelming.
“Last year’s Toast proved that Bourbon brings people together across continents and cultures. From Kentucky to Fiji, Edinburgh to Toronto, glasses were raised in unison. It’s a simple act with a big impact, and this year’s event promises to be even more expansive, more spirited, and downright legendary.”
“Bourbon is at the heart of Kentucky’s culture, and Bourbon & Beyond is where we share that spirit with the world,” said Chamie McCurry, General Manager/CMO, Danny Wimmer Presents. “Partnering with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to host the World Bourbon Toast is a true celebration of music, flavor, and community. We can’t wait to raise a glass alongside fans from across the globe on September 14.”
Returning for a second year, Lewis, a Nashville-based creative agency, is once again partnering with the KDA to bring the event to life and amplify its reach worldwide.
Katie Peninger, VP of Account Service & Business Growth at Lewis, said last year, people from every time zone joined in, with participants spanning 32 countries and six continents and featuring 30 special guests.
“The World Bourbon Toast is more than an event — it’s a moment of connection that transcends borders. This year, we’re building on that momentum to create an even bigger, more engaging experience that once again invites the world to raise a glass with Kentucky.”
Learn more about how you can get plugged into this year’s World Bourbon Toast on September 14th, at worldbourbontoast.com.
