Horse Soldier Bourbon has officially opened Horse Soldier Farms, a $200 million destination distillery and hospitality campus in Somerset, Kentucky. The multi-day grand opening took place over the Independence Day weekend, welcoming thousands of visitors for the property’s first public event on 7 July 2026.
The dedication ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, with live performances from country music stars Chris Janson and LOCASH.
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The weekend also included Professional Bull Riders (PBR) competition, bourbon experiences, curated food offerings, and a fireworks display marking America’s 250th birthday.
Horse Soldier Farms spans 240 acres and was built to become one of Kentucky’s premier bourbon tourism attractions.
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The property is home to American Freedom Distillery, a 50,000-square-foot facility, along with event spaces and The Outpost retail store. Guests can purchase Horse Soldier Bourbon and branded merchandise at the store. Additional visitor experiences will be introduced as the destination expands.
“This weekend marked the realization of a vision years in the making, and seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate this property, our team, and our country’s 250th birthday made it even more meaningful,” said John Koko, co-founder and CEO of Horse Soldier Bourbon. “We set out to build something that would endure for generations, and we’re incredibly proud to officially welcome guests to Horse Soldier Farms.”
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READ THE STORYScott Neil, co-founder and president, added: “From the very beginning, we wanted every part of Horse Soldier Farms to tell a story. Horse Soldier Farms is now a destination where people can connect over great bourbon, great experiences, and the values that brought us here.”
The campus is located near Lake Cumberland, one of Kentucky’s most visited outdoor recreation destinations. The opening expands tourism opportunities in southern Kentucky and strengthens the state’s position as the home of America’s native spirit.
“One of our greatest hopes for Horse Soldier Farms was that it would become part of the fabric of this community, and this weekend exceeded every expectation,” said Elizabeth Pritchard-Koko, co-founder and chief brand officer. “While this weekend was an incredible milestone, it’s also just the beginning. We look forward to welcoming guests back year-round.”
