You are here:

Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon

Name: Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon
Director: Eric Byford
Released: 2018
Duration: 73 min

Representation Score

0.7/10

Minimal

2018

Director

Eric Byford

Runtime

73 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon is a specialized industry documentary that prioritizes economic achievement and regional heritage over social representation. The narrative focuses on celebrating a traditional institution, resulting in a profile that aligns with conventional storytelling. The film functions as a tribute to Kentucky's rise to global dominance in the whiskey market. Since the focus is on technical innovation and historical legacy, it does not engage with identity politics or the disruption of established social hierarchies. Ultimately, the documentary serves as a showcase for a specific commodity and its production methods rather than a platform for diverse social perspectives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities or those who identify outside of being cisgender. It focuses solely on the technical and historical aspects of bourbon production.

How does Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon portray gender?

Limited

While the film showcases the individuals involved in the bourbon industry, it does not feature roles that challenge traditional gender norms. The narrative emphasizes a masculine-led industry hierarchy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon?

Limited

The documentary highlights Kentucky's regional history and global market dominance but does not specifically address multi-layered racial identities within the industry.

How does Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film celebrates the traditional Western economic structure and regional industry heritage. It reinforces the prestige of Kentucky’s cultural and economic heritage through conventional success stories.

Does Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or mental health narratives. The subject matter centers entirely on industrial processes and professional expertise.

Present on Screen

Provides a detailed look at the technical innovation and historical legacy of Kentucky's bourbon industry.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities, diverse racial backgrounds, or disability narratives.
Does not explore gender dynamics or provide evidence of female-led technical innovation within the industry.

Official Synopsis

Kentucky's rise to undisputed Bourbon Capital of the world is a rich, detailed, and innovative story that displays how the state has continued to play an integral role in raising the level of global whiskey making to unprecedented heights. From sour mash and charred barrels to the name Bourbon itself, Kentucky-based producers lead the world in both production and innovation. As the stills continue to pump out whiskey and the barrels are filled and stored, the people that make up Kentucky's bourbon empire tell of their state's rise to bourbon dominance.

How are these scores produced? →