LANCASTER, Kentucky — A $250 million distillery has officially begun production in Lancaster, Kentucky!
Atlanta-based spirits company Staghorn is opening its first distillery, Garrard County Distilling Co. It is the largest, all-new independent distillery in Kentucky, according to a news release.
Located 30 minutes south of Lexington, a spokesperson said the distillery can produce up to 8.5 million proof gallons or 150,000 barrels of whiskey a year.
Officials said this will be the first commercial distillery in the formerly dry county 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,” Ray Franklin, Staghorn Founder and president, said. “To support this goal, we will be hiring nothing but the best in the business, respecting long-honored traditions and craftmanship to assure our products are nothing short of remarkable.”
According to the news release, the distillery is 210 acres and includes the 50,000+ sq. ft. distillery, as well as two 20,000 sq. ft. rickhouses -- with plans for a total of 24 aging warehouses by 2030.
A visitor center with tasting room and restaurant is scheduled to open by the end of this year. The company said they have nearly 17,000 sourced whiskey barrels aging onsite.
Officials said there will be 60+ new jobs created with this project.
“Garrard County Distilling Co. is Staghorn’s first distillery and the dedication and size at which they are entering the category is a true testament to the worldwide appeal of bourbon from our great commonwealth,” Gov. Andy Beshear said.
The new distillery will be "home" to All Nations Whiskey, in addition to multiple soon-to-be announced whiskey and other spirits brands.
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