New Augusta Distillery In Kentucky A $23M Investment

by Gary Carter
April 19, 2022

Kentucky’s bourbon and distillery industry continues its strong growth as a recent announcement sees Augusta Distillery’s new operation in Bracken County committing to a $23-million investment.

“It’s never an accident when a company decides to grow their operations within Kentucky,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in a prepared statement. “It is a testament to the Kentuckians who help make this state what it is – an increasingly attractive option for businesses to thrive within a surging economy. The continued momentum of the bourbon and spirits industry in the commonwealth is because of support from companies such as Augusta Distillery.”

Augusta Distillery’s first full-scale operation in Kentucky will be in an existing 40,000-square-foot building, formerly home to the F.A. Neider Company, on 1.8 acres. They look to start construction this summer with the facility operational by summer of 2024.

Augusta Distillery's bourbon — Augusta Distillery’s bourbon (image via Augusta Distillery)

“The Augusta Distillery team is proud of our plan to build a state-of-the-art facility in Augusta,” said Judd Weis, co-founder and board vice chairman of Augusta Distillery. “Over the next few years, we will be committing more than $23 million to create an extraordinary distillery, guest experience and event center. Our hope is that, by delighting our consumers, this investment will create a spike in local tourism and additional economic opportunity for our neighbors in Augusta and Bracken County.”

Headquartered in Augusta, Kentucky, the distillery was founded in July of 2018 and focuses on creating authentic, curated bourbon-centric experiences in Augusta and across the country.

The brand’s first expression, Buckner’s 13-year single barrel cask strength bourbon, is distributed nationally and is available at retail in Kentucky and Ohio. Recently added as a Craft Member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Augusta Distillery is planning its next release later in 2022.

State Rep. William Lawerence noted the importance of growing companies like Augusta Distillery in Kentucky.

“I’m thrilled by what Augusta Distillery has planned and will bring to the region,” Lawerence said. “As a co-sponsor for HB 500, which is now state law, I know how much positive impact this distillery project will bring. I will continue to support Augusta Distillery and the people of Bracken and Mason counties.”