Bardstown Bourbon Co. announces plans to double its production capacity
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 — The Bardstown Bourbon Company announced Wednesday expansion plans that will make the distiller one of the largest in the world.
In a press release, David Mandell, the president and CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Co., said the company plans to double its capacity to allow production of up to six million proof gallons – double its current capacity.
The expansion comes as demand for its distilling capacity has dramatically increased from its customers in its Collaborative Distilling Program. The expansion is expected to be completed by July 2018.
“We’re truly helping to reshape the American whiskey market,” Mandell said. “The success of our Collaborative Distilling Program demonstrates the massive demand for custom-made, authentic, Kentucky whiskey, bourbon and rye.”
The company’s Collaborative Distilling Program is a first-of-a-kind service that provides craft distillers, non-distilling brand owners, and existing brand owners the ability to work side-by-side with Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s production team to create their own authentic and innovative Kentucky whiskey, bourbon, and rye products and mature them onsite; ensure consistent, high quality production that can rapidly scale; control the future source for their product; and provide a production location and environment that they can celebrate and promote.
The program has a very limited number of customers and is restricted to only those companies that qualify under its stringent eligibility requirements.
Bardstown Bourbon Co. has assembled one of the most experienced whiskey distilling teams in the industry — a team led by Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller, Steve Nally – a 40-year veteran of the spirits industry and the former Master Distiller of Maker’s Mark, and John Hargrove, Executive Director of Distillery Operations, formerly Master Distiller and Distillery Manager, at Sazerac and Barton Brands 1792.
With more than 30 production employees, the team has an average of more than 15 years of whiskey making experience, working with world-class distilleries such as, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Barton Brands, and Heaven Hill.
“We’ve exceeded all expectations,” Master Distiller Steve Nally said. “Our custom production program has attracted some of the best brands from across the country and the world, and we are proud to be producing some of the finest bourbon for them.”
Within months of announcing the Collaborative Distilling Program in 2016, the company sold out all of its original 1.5 million proof gallon capacity. In 2017, the company doubled capacity to three million proof gallons, which is currently sold out through 2018.
Construction for the distillery expansion will be led by Buzick Construction of Bardstown, Kentucky. Buzick Construction built the distillery, expanded it to its current three million proof gallon capacity, and constructed the two 22.5k barrel warehouses on the property. At the current production rate, BBCo will build two 22.5k barrel warehouses per year. The Company plans to start construction on its third barrel warehouse in October 2017. As part of the expansion to six million proof gallons, BBCo will install a second 36 inch, custom Vendome Copper & Brass Works still, another 12.5k gallon cooker, and up to 16 additional fermenters.
In addition to its Collaborative Distilling Program, the company is also developing a destination experience with a unique Napa Valley style estate featuring a transparent educational experience, integrated visitors center, event space, vintage spirits and whiskey library, bar, and full-scale restaurant. The company also plans to develop a boutique hotel and convention center on the property. The Company anticipates announcing an opening date for its visitors’ center in the near future.
Bardstown Bourbon Co. is also in the process of developing its own unique line of bourbon, whiskey, and rye. The company anticipates having brands ready for the market starting this year.
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