Rhythm River Distillery (formerly referred to as Henderson Distilling Co.) celebrated the groundbreaking for their start up distillery in Henderson, Kentucky. The more than $5 million distillery and entertainment venue will sit just a few hundred feet from the banks of the Ohio River.
Founders Andrew and Meredith Powell will rehabilitate the former Henderson Municipal Power & Light campus in downtown Henderson as part of this project, revitalizing two longstanding facilities in the community. They also will construct a new building on the campus, with barrels stored in a renovated building on the property and a visitor center located in a 7,000-square-foot structure facing Main Street. The operation will include a full-production distillery, as well as tourism and retail space.
A Community Based Distillery
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“Meredith and I are truly humbled by the vision and faith of our partners who have joined us in this venture,” said Rhythm River Distillery Co-Founder Andrew Powell. “We are also immensely grateful for our state, county and local partners who have helped get us to this point.
“It is really exciting to get to rekindle the distilling industry in Henderson, and we are committed to creating world-class spirits and experiences that will be enjoyed and remembered for generations to come.”
Co-Founder Meredith Powell, who has a background in chemistry, will serve as the head distiller, overseeing all aspects of bourbon production, while Andrew will handle the business operations. With the Powell family and all their investors connected to Henderson, Andrew referred to the project as a “community distillery.”
“With every groundbreaking event, we celebrate another quality investment that will bring job opportunities and economic growth to the commonwealth,” said Kentucky Gov. Beshear. “This is an exciting next step for Rhythm River Distillery and the Henderson County community. I want to thank the company’s leadership for their belief in what this great state has to offer and look forward to their success here in Kentucky.”
Rhythm River Distillery to Open Early 2025
Ground and site work have already begun for the new craft distillery stillhouse. The facility will produce bourbon and rye whiskeys along with other spirits, and feature 30-foot glass windows, offering guests views of the river, railroad bridge and column stills. The new distillery is expected top open in early 2025.
Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider noted the hard work to bring this project to Henderson: “I am so proud for the ownership group of our new distillery. They have worked long and hard to bring this project from a dream to a groundbreaking. The distillery will be a tremendous addition to our historic downtown and draw thousands of visitors to our community. I can’t wait to cut the ribbon next year and to also taste the first bourbon from their barrels a few short years from now. To Andrew, Meredith and all their partners: Cheers!”
Henderson Mayor Brad Staton said the project will have a positive impact on the community: “I’m so proud when people take a chance on our community, invest their time and resources, and have great ideas they’re able to bring to life. Henderson and our tourism industry are going to benefit from this new venture for many decades to come.”
Missy Vanderpool, executive director of Henderson Economic Development, welcomed the company to Henderson County: “Today is an exciting day for Henderson, as we break ground on our first craft distillery. We are incredibly thankful to Andrew and Meredith Powell, along with the Henderson Distilling Co. team, for their significant investment in our community. This project will not only create jobs but also boost tourism and foster local pride. This groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter in Henderson’s future, and we look forward to the many opportunities it will bring to our community.”
Abby Dixon, executive director of the Henderson Tourist Commission, explained the impact bourbon has on tourism in Kentucky: “This groundbreaking is a transformative moment for Henderson and our growing tourism economy. With the bourbon industry generating $9 billion for our state and welcoming 2 million visitors annually, we are ready to carve out our own place in this vibrant industry. Thanks to the visionaries who are bringing this project to life, we are solidifying our place on the map as a can’t-miss destination for bourbon enthusiasts to experience for themselves.”
Distillery Approved for $200k in Tax Incentives
Rhythm River Distillery is expected to create at least 12 full-time jobs. To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in January 2023 preliminarily approved an incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide tax incentives based on the company’s investment annual job and wage targets.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, the company can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
A History of Distilling in Henderson
If distilling and Henderson, Kentucky sound familiar that’s because this was the historical home to Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company. Beginning in 1881, Worsham Distilling Company operated in Henderson. It was acquired by Henry Kraver in 1889 and he changed the name to Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company. The distillery operated there until it was shut down in 1917 just prior to national Prohibition. Kraver’s great-grandson, Corky Taylor and his son Carson, restarted Kentucky Peerless Distilling in Louisville, Kentucky in 2015.
Rhythm River Distillery is located about 25 miles West of Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky.
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Startup Henderson Distilling Co. to build $5 Million Distillery & Destination in Western Kentucky – Jan 2023
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