The recent boom in bourbon popularity and sales has perhaps had no greater impact than the explosion of craft distillers, and the construction of new distilleries in general. From the budding of new smaller scale operations to the construction of larger facilities like Bulleit and Willett, it seems the options available to the rank and file bourbon lover are growing exponentially each year. And it isn’t done. We’ve previously spoken about Luxco’s plan to build a new distillery in Bardstown, and we’re starting to get some more information on the specifics.
The new distillery, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2017, will begin construction this summer. That’s an aggressive timeline, so it should come together relatively quickly. It will site on a 70-acre site off Highway 245, and will feature an 18,000 square foot distillery and have six on site barrel warehouses, or “rick houses,” and have event space and a tasting room. It will be a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
The distillery will be a new entrant into the bourbon world, but Luxco is by no means a Johnny-Come-Lately to bourbon. The company has been producing sourced whiskey since the 1950s, and their labels include such common names as Rebel Yell and Ezra Brooks, plus the limited release Blood Oath and Yellowstone. In addition, they own 50 percent stake in Limestone Branch distillery in Lebanon, KY. So this new distillery should allow them to secure a constant and consistent source for their own (likely new) label as well as existing labels they may plan to continue.
I have heard no word on the actual still. I have to guess it will be produced at Vendome Copper and Brass Works in Louisville, but as to its size and capacity, that has not been released, though I hope to get that information at the ground breaking for this new distillery on May 2nd.
Luxco Announces Plans for Bardstown Distillery
Company to build distillery on Kentucky Bourbon Trail
(St. Louis) April 4, 2016 – Luxco announced today the company has finalized plans to build a distillery, located in Nelson County, Kentucky. Luxco has chosen to build the distillery on a 70-acre site off state highway KY-245 in the heart of Bardstown and Bourbon Capital of the World. The company announced preliminary plans for the distillery in late 2015, and the distillery is expected to be fully operational by late 2017.
Construction on the project will begin in the summer of 2016. Buzick Construction has been awarded the contract for the project. When finished, the distillery will be approximately 18,000 square feet, have six barrel warehouses and will employ an estimated 34 people. In addition, the distillery will feature a tasting room and event space and will offer visitors a new stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
“We are looking forward to building the distillery on this scenic property and in such a central location in Bardstown,” says David Bratcher, President and COO of Luxco. “We intend the distillery to be a welcoming stop for those visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and we are excited to bring our bourbon experience and brands to Nelson County.”
The distillery will be built alongside an existing house on the property, which is registered as a National Historic Place and will remain. Architect renderings of the new distillery, created by Joseph & Joseph Architects out of Louisville, are available upon request.
With the rapid growth of Luxco’s bourbon brands, such as Rebel Yell, Blood Oath and Ezra Brooks, the company decided to build this new distillery in order to meet its increasing whiskey demand.
“At Luxco, we are always looking to be innovative,” says Bratcher. “Building this distillery will allow us to control our own production as well as offer us the ability to experiment with new and innovative mash bills, barrel types and aging techniques.”
Luxco has received support for the distillery from various entities within Kentucky.
“We are pleased with the support we have received from the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet, the Nelson County Economic Development Agency and City and County government officials,” said Donn Lux, Chairman of Luxco.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for $1.3 million in tax incentives for the project. The Joint City-County Planning Commission also approved rezoning of the land for this project. Luxco also owns 50 percent interest in the Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky – which produces Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
“We are excited to have Luxco become a part of our community,” says Dean Watts, Nelson County Judge Executive. “Their history and success in the liquor industry will greatly enhance our County.”
For more information, please contact:
Pia Reinhold at [email protected]
About Luxco
Luxco, Inc. is a leading producer, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, where it is headquartered, it is owned and operated by the Lux family. Its portfolio of brands include: Juarez Tequila & Triple Sec, Pearl Vodka, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Arrow Cordials, El Mayor Tequila, Ezra Brooks & Rebel Yell Bourbons, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, Salvador’s Cocktails, Yago Sant’ gria and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company, visit www.luxco.com.
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