Bardstown Bourbon Co completes expansion
The multi-million-dollar expansion project adds a second distillery to Bardstown Bourbon Co’s 400-acre Kentucky campus.
Ten years after construction first started on what was then a 100-acre piece of farmland, Bardstown Bourbon Company has announced the completion of its distillery expansion, which brings the organisation’s capacity to more than 18 million proof gallons annually.
Bardstown Bourbon revealed a US$28.7m expansion in 2022 with the aim of boosting distilling capacity by 50% this year.
“Bardstown Bourbon Co revolutionised the Bourbon industry when we started operations in 2016 and we haven’t stopped growing since,” CEO Mark Erwin said.
“This most recent expansion is the latest proof point in our commitment to deliver the highest quality, most consistent whiskey available to custom distilling customers in Kentucky. We have the track record, the team and the ability to continue investing in our business to provide the best customer experience available anywhere.”
The expansion includes three column stills, 48 fermentation tanks, a bottling and logistics facility, and warehouses that can hold close to two million barrels. In addition to supporting its own brands, the growth in capacity will help bolster Bardstown Bourbon’s contract distilling endeavours. The brand now has more than 300 custom distillation and bottling partners.
Initially capable of producing 25,000 barrels a year, today the company can push 289,000 barrels annually.
Beyond increasing production, the distillery expansion includes investments in equipment, processes and personnel that significantly reduce waste and environmental impact. In November 2023, Bardstown Bourbon was one of eight US distilleries to be recognised by the Energy Protection Agency (EPA) for its energy performance standards.
“We truly have the best team in the spirits industry – committed to pushing the category forward through thoughtful innovation, technical prowess and sustainable growth,” Erwin added. “With even more expansion and growth on the horizon, Bardstown Bourbon Co remains true to our promise to never stand still.”
While Bardstown Bourbon has doubled capacity since 2018, it now uses 30% less energy by capturing and redeploying heat produced by distillation. The distiller also recycles 90% of its operational water, reusing it for cleaning, cooling and irrigation.
Over the next three years, Bardstown Bourbon will implement additional energy and resource conserving initiatives including non-traditional solutions to spent grain, fertilisation, and solar.
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