Garrard County Distilling begins production in Kentucky

Production has started at independent distillery Garrard County Distilling, owned by Atlanta-based spirits company Staghorn.

The new distillery is the largest independently-owned in Kentucky and has started production on a 45 foot tall 36” Vendome column still capable of producing 8.5 million proof gallons or 150,000 barrels of whiskey a year.

The US$250 million-plus project gives the once dry Garrard County its first commercial distillery since the 1800s.

“Staghorn’s vision for Garrard County Distilling Co is to craft the finest whiskeys and spirits in the world at scale to make an immediate impact in the market,” Staghorn founder and president Ray Franklin, who has 25 years of industry experience, said. “To support this goal, we will be hiring nothing but the best in the business, respecting long-honoured traditions and craftsmanship to assure our products are nothing short of remarkable.”

The 210-acre site is located in Lancaster, Kentucky, 30 minutes south of Lexington. It includes a 50,000-plus-square-foot distillery and two 20,000-square-foot rickhouses.

There are plans for a total of 24 warehouses by 2030, each capable of holding 25,000 barrels, as well as a visitor centre, tasting room, and restaurant to open by the end of this year. There are already 17,000 barrels of sourced whiskey ageing on site.

“Staghorn’s investment is a welcome addition to the Lancaster and Garrard County communities, as well as to Kentucky tourism,” Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said. 

Whiskey will be made using proprietary yeast and grains sourced from within 50 miles of the distillery. Barrels will be provided by Independent Stave and Zak Cooperage and water will come from the Lancaster Public Spring aquifer.

A head distiller will be announced in the coming weeks.

Garrard County was previously home to around 10 small distilleries in the 1800s when it was a railroad hub for hemp, flour and whiskey. The county was dry until November 2023, and the new distillery will create more than 60 new jobs.

“When selecting the site for Garrard County Distilling Co it was critically important to me that our location choice would have a significant impact on the local economy,” Franklin said. “The folks of Garrard County and Lancaster have been a real pleasure to work with and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to this peaceful corner of the Commonwealth.”

Garrard County Distilling Co will be home to All Nations Whiskey, which is currently available in select markets, with plans for additional whiskeys and other spirits to come.