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Bourbon startup to open $9.7m Kentucky distillery
A startup whiskey producer has invested US$9.7 million to open a distillery in Kentucky that will produce “heritage” Bourbon.
The Kentucky distillery will create “heritage Bourbon through historical methods”
Paducah-based RH Resolute Distillery will move to a previously unopened distillery in Hickman, western Kentucky. The distillery will be the company’s first production home and will create 17 jobs.
The firm will finish constructing the distillery and begin distilling for the bulk spirits market by late summer. It will initially produce 400 barrels per week and increase to a projected maximum capacity of 2,600 barrels per week.
Spirits industry veteran Thomas McKenzie will become master distiller. He previously worked as a consultant for distilleries in Kentucky.
The company was the result of a partnership between Sarah Jones and her husband Chuck, and Matt Haney, the company’s chief operational officer, and his father Mike.
RH Resolute purchased the nearly complete distillery, which has never been opened. It contains the original beer still, fermenters and other equipment built and installed by Vendome Copper & Brassworks.
The firm plans to use the equipment for its production processes, which take place entirely in Kentucky. The distillery intends to create “heritage Bourbon through historical methods”.
“The opportunity to make great Bourbon in Hickman is exciting for us and we are proud to welcome talented folks from the area as part of our project,” said Sarah Jones, brand director at RH Resolute.
“We believe west Kentucky has a great deal to offer to the Bourbon industry and we look forward to showcasing the quality of our Kentucky-made product.”
Governor of Kentucky, Matt Bevin, said: “The commonwealth’s Bourbon and spirits industry is a sector that continues to grow at a steady rate.
“This project is particularly encouraging, as it puts a once unused facility to use in a region that will greatly benefit from the resulting job creation.
“We look forward to seeing RH Resolute Distillery begin production in the very near future, and to seeing its positive economic impact on many west Kentucky communities.”