Bardstown Bourbon Company Becomes Extremely Ambitious

Young Kentucky bourbon distillery Bardstown Bourbon Company has been all about big splashes as it moves from nascent upstart to serious player in the American whiskey market. We noted earlier this year how it was growing in all directions, with one example being its already full up role as a contract whiskey maker for other brands. Now Bardstown is doubling down, if you will, unveiling a desire to be able to produce up to six million proof gallons – a move that will make it one of the largest bourbon distilleries in the world.

To put things into perspective, Bardstown in 2016 began its Collaborative Distilling Program, an effort which provides craft distillers, non-distilling brand owners, and existing brand owners with a somewhat turnkey Kentucky whiskey making process. It originally sold out of its original 1.5 million proof gallon capacity. In 2017, the company doubled capacity to three million proof gallons, which is currently sold out through 2018. Hence the need for the expansion.

As plans call for it now, Buzick Construction of Bardstown, Kentucky will lead the expansion. Buzick built the distillery, expanded it to its current three million proof gallon capacity, and constructed the two 22.5k barrel warehouses on the property. At the current production rate, the distillery will build two 22.5k barrel warehouses per year. It plans to start construction on its third barrel warehouse in October 2017. As part of the expansion to six million proof gallons, Bardstown will install a second 36 inch, custom Vendome Copper & Brass Works still, another 12.5k gallon cooker, and up to 16 additional fermenters.

“The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s rapid growth is extremely exciting,” said David Mandell, Bardstown President & CEO, in a prepared statement. “We’re truly helping to reshape the American whiskey market, and the success of our Collaborative Distilling Program demonstrates the massive demand for custom-made, authentic, Kentucky whiskey, bourbon and rye.”

Alongside this expansion the distillery also continues work on a visitors’ center, event space, vintage spirits and whiskey library, bar, and full-scale restaurant, as well as planning out a boutique hotel and convention center on the property. No specific date has been mentioned as to when any of that might open.