Kentucky-based contract distiller Lofted Spirits has broken ground on a multi-million-dollar, 4,000-square-foot expansion of its bottling facility. The project, located in Bardstown, will nearly double the operation’s footprint and is expected to become fully operational in the second quarter of 2026.
The expansion will add a high-capacity, high-speed, small-format line.
This upgrade will increase the facility’s annual output from its current 10 million bottles to more than 35 million bottles.
Lofted Spirits is the producer of brands including Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling Co., and is the largest distiller of custom contract whiskey in Kentucky.
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Its bottling operation supports customers across American whiskey, vodka, rum, cream liqueur, and ready-to-drink (RTD) categories, with capabilities for sizes ranging from 50mL to 1.75L.
The company stated the investment addresses growing demand in convenience and impulse formats, citing IWSR data.
“This expansion is about building long-term capability for our customers—more capacity, more speed, and even more flexibility—while maintaining the highest quality standard in the industry,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Lofted Spirits.
Erwin added: “While many organizations are pulling back, we are investing to meet the moment and help our customers grow.”
The facility holds both ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certifications for quality and food safety.
“With this expansion, we are one of the few independent co-packers that handle large format, large volume orders with precision, while maintaining the care and attention to detail that also allows us to produce high-touch small runs,” said Justin Willett, VP of operations.
Willett noted that “the team’s integrity and deep bench of expertise is what truly delivers for our customers.”
Earlier this year, the company launched an Alternating Proprietorship program, allowing brands to use their own DSP license at the facility to reduce excise tax rates through the Craft Beverage Modernization Act.
The project is being managed by Buzick Construction and is expected to add five to six new roles to the current team of 80 employees.
