Construction to start on Bulleit’s $10m visitor centre

Diageo is set to begin construction of Bulleit Distilling Co’s US$10 million visitor centre in Kentucky, which is expected to open next year.

The US$10 million visitor centre at Bulleit Distilling Co will open in 2019

The UK-based drinks group opened its US$115m Bourbon distillery in Shelby County in March 2017.

The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority approved an incentive package in December last year, allowing Diageo to progress with plans to build a visitor centre at the facility.

The “environmentally-conscious” 11,570-square-foot visitor centre will include interactive educational experiences, Bourbon tastings and retail space.

Distillery tours will focus on Bulleit’s whiskey-making process and will include a visit to founder Tom Bulleit’s office.

The visitor centre is expected to employ 30 full-time and part-time staff within two years of opening.

The site produces “current and future” American whiskey brands for Diageo and has the capacity to distil 1.8m proof gallons annually.

“It’s a thrill to realise that people from around the globe will soon have the opportunity to visit the distillery and learn about Bulleit’s heritage,” said Tom Bulleit.

“I speak for every distillery team member when I say how exciting it will be to open our doors and allow our consumers to be part of the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey experience.”

Ed Bello, US and global brand director for Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, added: “Our vision with Bulleit Distilling Company and the new visitor centre is to hero the community, culture and partners that have brought Bulleit to boundary-pushers all over the world and established it as a pillar of American whiskey.”