Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Distillery Expansion Journey
In 2014, the Bardstown Bourbon Company embarked on a journey to establish a remarkable distillery on 100 acres of pristine farmland. Fast forward ten years, this ambitious project has culminated in the completion of the most significant expansion to date for the company. This enhancement elevates the distillery’s production capacity to an impressive 18 million proof gallons, demonstrating a firm commitment to environmental sustainability.
A Modern Bourbon Experience
The recent expansion includes the addition of a second distillery, expanding the campus to 400 acres. With the installation of three new column stills and 48 fermentation tanks, as well as a modern bottling and logistics facility, the distillery is now equipped to accommodate nearly 2 million barrels for aging. This growth not only boosts the Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s esteemed brand but also caters to over 300 custom distillation and bottling partners.
Remarkable Production Growth
Initially producing 25,000 barrels a year, Bardstown Bourbon has exponentially increased its capabilities and can now produce 289,000 barrels annually. This remarkable growth underscores the company’s dedication to meeting the increasing demand for high-quality bourbon.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
Mark Erwin, the CEO of Bardstown Bourbon, passionately stated, "We revolutionized the bourbon industry in 2016, and our growth has been relentless since then. This expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality and most consistent whiskey to our custom distilling partners in Kentucky. We take pride in our exceptional track record and dedicated team, ensuring we continue to invest in our craft and enhance customer experiences."
Advanced Management Systems
At the heart of this expansion is the company's proprietary distillery management system. This sophisticated system allows for the control and customization of over 500 production parameters, providing valuable insight at every stage from grain to glass. With a blend of decades of technical expertise and certifications like Energy Star, ISO 9001, and FSSC 22000, Bardstown Bourbon is setting new production standards.
Sustainability Initiatives Lead the Way
Integral to the distillery's expansion is a robust focus on sustainability. Significant investments in advanced equipment and innovative processes are actively reducing waste and environmental impact. Impressively, despite nearly doubling their production capacity, Bardstown Bourbon has achieved a 30 percent reduction in energy usage compared to 2018 by effectively capturing and repurposing distillation heat. In November 2023, Bardstown Bourbon was recognized as one of only eight distilleries nationwide to earn the ENERGY STAR certified distilleries award for meeting stringent energy performance standards.
Water Conservation Efforts
The company is also committed to water conservation, managing to purify and recycle an impressive 90 percent of its operational water. This initiative allows for reuse throughout the property for various tasks such as cleaning and irrigation, helping to minimize the impact on local water resources.
Future of Bardstown Bourbon Company
Looking ahead, Bardstown Bourbon Company has a strategic plan to implement even more energy-efficient and resource-conserving initiatives over the next three years. These initiatives include innovative solutions for spent grain management, fertilization, and solar energy integration, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to responsible growth and exceptional customer satisfaction.
Erwin emphasizes, "Our team is truly the best in the spirits industry, dedicated to driving innovation and sustainable growth. With much more expansion and development on the horizon, Bardstown Bourbon Co. is committed to our promise of Never Stand Still."
About Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown Bourbon Company is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation while respecting the traditional craft of whiskey making. With a state-of-the-art distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Co. masterfully blends distillation and authentic hospitality, creating a unique experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Having been named the 2023 Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year and with the highest-rated bourbon in the world, Bardstown Bourbon Co. is leading the industry toward a future that prioritizes innovation, transparency, and collaboration. Standing as a top ten U.S. distiller by volume, the company continues to set the standard for excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Bardstown Bourbon Company's expansion?
The expansion aims to increase production capacity while emphasizing sustainable practices and improving the quality of their whiskey.
How does Bardstown Bourbon Co. ensure sustainability in their operations?
They implement advanced techniques to reduce energy and water consumption, including recycling and repurposing resources used in production.
What accolades has Bardstown Bourbon Company received recently?
The company was named the 2023 Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year, highlighting its excellence in the industry.
What innovations has Bardstown Bourbon Company incorporated in their distilling process?
The company uses a proprietary distillery management system that allows customization and real-time control over production processes.
How has Bardstown Bourbon Company impacted the local economy?
With its expansion and partnership with over 300 custom distillation and bottling partners, the company significantly contributes to job creation and local business growth.
