As you likely gear up for flying to some destination this holiday season to vacation or visit loved ones, some of you will be heading through the Louisville, Kentucky airport. This gateway to the famed bourbon country has many amenities beyond the security gate for those heading home afterwards, but until of late it lacked one thing which seemed like a no brainer – bottles of bourbon for sale. That’s just changed apparently.
The Paradies Lagardère-operated Distillery District Marketplace, according to folks at the Louisville International Airport, is located beyond the security checkpoint and now stocks a range of Kentucky bourbons one can purchase and take on board with them for the flight home in their carry on luggage. While certainly not the first airport to do this – similar ideas already exist in Lexington, Kentucky and Portland, Oregon – what sticks out here is the fact most travelers visiting Kentucky distilleries come through this facility, so it is a smart business idea to be offering this as a last minute purchase.
“We’re so excited to work with Paradies Lagardère to provide this carry-on option to travelers, especially those visiting to enjoy the state’s bourbon craft,” said Karen Scott, interim executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, in a prepared statement. “Whether you’re arriving or departing – this allows visitors to have a taste of Kentucky.”
The followings brands are available for purchase at the Distillery District Marketplace, with additional selections expected to be available in the coming months.
- Angel’s Envy –Louisville, Ky.
- Bulleit – Louisville, Ky.
- Evan Williams – Bardstown, Ky.
- Four Roses – Lawrenceburg, Ky.
- Jim Beam – Clermont, Ky.
- Knob Creek – Clermont, Ky.
- Maker’s Mark –Loretto, Ky.
- Old Crow – Clermont, Ky.
- Wild Turkey – Lawrenceburg, Ky.
“We’re thrilled and appreciative of our long-standing partnership with the Louisville International Airport,” added Gregg Paradies, president and CEO of Paradies Lagardère. “Now that our Distillery District Marketplace concept, which opened this year, has the ability sell travelers packaged alcohol, visitors will be able to shop locally for gifts and other items to commemorate their visit to Bourbon country.”
It should be noted as well bourbon enthusiasts can also visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail store, located on the ticketing level before the security checkpoint. Given current FAA/TSA travel regulations, however, you’ll be unable to carry those bottles through security in your carry on luggage.
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