In 2014, Bardstown Bourbon Co. began construction on 100 acres of farmland. Today, ten years later, Bardstown Bourbon announces the completion of its most significant expansion to date, which pushes the organization’s capacity to more than 18 million proof gallons while focusing on conserving natural resources.
The expansion brings online a complete second distillery to the now 400-acre property. The campus includes three column stills and 48 fermentation tanks, a modern bottling and logistics facility and aging warehouses accommodating nearly 2 million barrels. In addition to growing capacity for the Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s own brands, the growth supports the needs of more than 300 custom distillation and bottling partners.
Initially producing just 25,000 barrels a year, today the company can roll out 289,000 barrels annually.
“Bardstown Bourbon Co. revolutionized the bourbon industry when we started operations in 2016 and we haven’t stopped growing since,” says CEO Mark Erwin. “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.”
Sustainability Initiatives
The distillery expansion also included significant investment in equipment, processes and people that materially reduce waste and environmental impact.
Though capacity has nearly doubled over the same period, Bardstown Bourbon today uses 30 percent less energy than it did in 2018 by capturing and redeploying the heat produced by distillation, the company says. In November 2023, it was one of just eight distilleries nationally to earn the EPA’s first-ever ENERGY STAR certified distilleries award for meeting strict energy performance standards.
Simultaneously, Bardstown Bourbon has focused on water conservation, purifying and recycling 90 percent of the distillery’s operational water for reuse throughout the property for cleaning, cooling and irrigation.
During the next three years, Bardstown Bourbon Company plans to implement additional energy and resource conserving initiatives including non-traditional solutions to spent grain, fertilization, and solar.
“We truly have the best team in the spirits industry, committed to pushing the category forward through thoughtful innovation, technical prowess and sustainable growth,” says Erwin. “With even more expansion and growth on the horizon, Bardstown Bourbon Co. remains true to our promise to Never Stand Still.”
This follows the recent releases of the company’s Silver Oak Finish, and the 12th iteration of the Discovery series.
