The Western Kentucky Distilling Co. is investing $22 million to construct a whiskey distillery and 15 warehouses in Beaver Dam.
Gov. Andy Beshear and company officials made the announcement on Tuesday.
The investment, which could grow to $30 million with a second phase, is expected to create 35 full-time jobs across 15 years that pay an average hourly wage of $31.25 per hour including benefits.
Phase one of the project, which began in June 2022, will see the construction of a new 25,000-square-foot facility on 64 acres of land in Ohio County, the governor’s office said. The facility is scheduled to become operational in May 2023.
Phase two of the project will see the expansion of the new facility by 300,000-square-feet on an additional 16 acres of land. The distillery will be capable of producing up to 50,000 barrels of whiskey per year, eventually storing over 250,000 barrels.
The Western Kentucky Distilling Co. will be a full Kentucky-themed distillery – producing Kentucky Bourbon, using Kentucky made equipment, owned by Kentucky residents, and buying corn from Kentucky farms, according to the governor’s office.
“The momentum we are seeing in our state’s bourbon and spirits industry is critical to Kentucky’s continued economic success,” Gov. Beshear said. “This investment by Western Kentucky Distilling Co. is going to strengthen our bourbon production and bring quality jobs to Ohio County and Western Kentucky. Anytime a company is committed to sourcing all its materials and production right here in the commonwealth, it is a testament to its belief in this great state. I want to thank the leaders of Western Kentucky Distilling Co., and I look forward to their future success.”
Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston is excited for this opportunity and the opportunities it will bring to the area.
“We are very excited about this new development in our county,” Johnston said. “The fiscal court, including myself, has worked to secure this new industry and investment for our community.”
For more information on Kentucky Whiskey Co., visit westernkydistilling.com.
(Photo of artist’s rendering of new Ohio Co. facility courtesy of Western Kentucky Distilling Co.)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
