Barrell Craft Spirits opens blending site

American whiskey producer Barrell Craft Spirits has increased its blending capacity by 500% after opening a new facility in Jeffersontown, Kentucky.

The launch event was hosted by Bourbon expert Susan Reigler and featured speakers mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville and mayor Carol Pike of Jeffersontown.

Barrell Craft Spirits, which was founded by Joe Beatrice in 2013, sources Bourbon casks from established producers to create blends that are bottled at cask strength.

“We’re thrilled to unveil our new state-of-the-art blending facility and to continue our 10-year legacy of developing sought-after award-winning blends that push the boundaries of American whiskey,” said Beatrice.

The 31,000-square-foot site will support the company’s growth plans for both current brands and new product launches.

It features eight blending tanks with 64,000 gallons of capacity, increasing the brand’s blending capacity by more than 500%.

New bottling lines are capable of producing one million cases annually.

Earlier this month, the brand launched a new series with two whiskeys that showcase different cask finishes.

The new Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish series will feature two blends each year, with the first two to be released this autumn.

Barrell Craft Spirits also recently acquired a 8,000-barrel rickhouse, close to the new blending facility, which features 42 ricks and five levels.

“I am proud to celebrate the expansion and 10th anniversary of Barrell Craft Spirits, a local blender of unique, aged whiskey and rum,” said Greenberg.

“They have recently invested US$15 million back into Louisville’s economy and are creating new high-wage jobs for our residents.”

The brand also released a limited edition 10th anniversary Bourbon, which quickly sold out.