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Bardstown Bourbon Co. installs new still Wednesday to expand distilling capacity

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 — The Bardstown Bourbon Company achieved another major milestone today with the installation of its second 50-foot tall, custom made, 36-inch stainless steel Vendome Copper & Brass Works still.

The still was delivered in one piece and hoisted above the 55-foot still tower by crane and then lowered into the center of the building Wednesday morning.

The new still is supported by the crane in preparation for installation Wednesday morning.

The new still installation marks the second expansion for Bardstown Bourbon Co. since it began operations in September 2016.

The still will be connected to Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new, 7,500 square foot fermenter building, which houses 16 12,500-gallon fermenters, a second laboratory, and an employee break room. The building will also be the future home of an expanded barrel dumping facility. The company anticipates the latest expansion will be complete by July 2018.

“The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s growth is a direct result of the significant demand for our Collaborative Distilling Program,” Bardstown Bourbon Co. President and CEO David Mandell said.

“In a short period of time, we’ve become one of the most technically advanced and flexible whiskey distilleries in the world.”

The new still is evidence of the continued success of the company’s Collaborative Distilling Program, which is a unique model in the American whiskey market.

This first-of-a-kind service provides craft distillers, non-distilling brand owners, and existing brand owners the ability to work side-by-side Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s production team to create their own authentic and innovative Kentucky whiskey, bourbon, and rye products and mature them onsite.

The program insures consistent, high quality production for customers that can rapidly scale. It controls the future source for the partner company’s product, and provides a production location and environment that they can celebrate and promote.

The exclusive program is limited to companies that qualify under Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s stringent eligibility requirements. Program partners must have exceptional brands and/or only want to produce superior quality whiskey.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. restricts the number of brands in order to provide the highest level of customer service. With the latest expansion to nearly 7 million proof gallons, the company will be turning nearly 70 fermenters a week and produce more than 24 different mashbills in 2018.

To continue to meet production and technical demands, the company is also expanding its highly-experienced whiskey distilling team, creating a dedicated quality control and lab technician team, and further upgrading its distilling technology.

Master Distiller Steve Nally said the program and its impact were unique.

“In all my years in the bourbon industry, I’ve never witnessed the level of knowledge sharing and collaboration between companies taking place in one facility,” he said.

Construction for the distillery expansion is led by Buzick Construction of Bardstown, Kentucky, which built the distillery, expanded it to its current three million proof gallon capacity, and constructed the three 22.5k barrel warehouses on the property. At the current production rate, BBCo will build more than two-and-a-half 22.5k barrel warehouses per year. The Company plans to start construction on its fourth barrel warehouse this summer.

In addition to its Collaborative Distilling Program, BBCo is also developing and releasing its own brands and opening a destination experience with a unique visitor’s center featuring a full-scale restaurant, bar, vintage spirits library, and transparent educational experience. The Company anticipates announcing an opening date for its visitor’s center in the very near future.

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