Search This Blog

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Walken Away: Record Year for Kentucky Bourbon as Unprecedented Momentum Fuels the Industry



"Spirits are High" in the voice of Christopher Walken

Listen up folks, I've got some good news for ya. The year 2022 was a historic one for the great state of Kentucky, particularly for its signature industry - Bourbon and spirits. And let me tell you, the spirits were high indeed.

Private sector new-location or expansion projects totaled over $2.1 billion in investments and created 700 new jobs for the residents of the Commonwealth. This makes 2022 the best year for the growth of the Kentucky Bourbon industry.

In November 2022, the largest distilled spirits investment in the history of Kentucky was announced. Louisville-based Sazerac Co. invested $600 million to construct nearly 20 barrel warehouses and expand operations in London, creating up to 50 full-time jobs. This project included the acquisition of the 198-acre Rowland Acres Industrial Park to build new barrel storage warehouses.

In July 2022, Beam Suntory announced a $400 million expansion of their Jim Beam Brands Co. in Boston, which will create over 50 full-time jobs. In December, Pernod Ricard USA invested $196 million to build a carbon-neutral distillery in Lebanon, which will produce 115,000 barrels annually.

Heaven Hill Distillery in Nelson County made their return to distilling with a $135 million, 38-job investment. Bluegrass Bottling LLC, a Kentucky-based woman-owned business, announced the construction of a $6.25 million bottling facility in Lancaster, creating 27 full-time jobs.

In February 2022, Kentucky Cooperage LP Ltd. expanded its used barrel operation with a $4.1 million investment, creating up to 20 full-time jobs. Pegasus Industries expanded its distribution facility in Shelbyville with a $738,000 investment to provide customer service to the Bourbon and spirits industry.

These investments add to the foundation of continued growth and momentum within the industry. And with the commonwealth entering 2023 with unprecedented economic momentum, it's a good time to be a part of the Kentucky Bourbon industry. 

So, let's raise a glass to the record year ahead!

###
Tweet: "Kentucky Bourbon is on fire! The commonwealth had its best year of growth in 2022 with private sector investments totaling over $2.1 billion and 700 new jobs. Here's to keeping the spirits high in 2023 #KentuckyBourbon #RecordYear"

No comments:

Post a Comment

Contact Me

Greg Walters, Incorporated
greg@grwalters.com
262.370.4193