Kentucky Derby -- Bourbon Sales Through the Hoof ... Says Jim Beam

Horse racing is HUGE for the bourbon industry ... especially the Kentucky Derby ... so says Jim Beam which credits the race for a MAJOR boost in sales every single year.

A rep for the bourbon company says they see an average sales spike of around 20% during Derby season ... adding, "When the weather is at its prime, the team has seen spikes up to 30%."

"This year, the weather has been good."

The Beam reps say the sales spike isn't just in KY -- people all over the country are throwing Derby parties -- "and they're drinking bourbon, they're drinking Mint Juleps."