Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky started out their brand new distillery in September 2016 big at 1.5 million proof gallons. Their plan all along allowed for expansion. So they did. They expanded production from 1.5 to 3 million proof gallons. And now, “oops, I did it again” as they just announced plans to expand again from 3 to 6 million proof gallons. Looks like their unique model is working!
This latest announcement will make Bardstown Bourbon Company one of the largest bourbon distilleries in the world. Their model allows them to build their own brands while simultaneously distilling products for others with their Collaborative Distilling Program. Within months of announcing the program in 2016, BBCo sold out all of its original 1.5 million proof gallon capacity.
“The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s rapid growth is extremely exciting,” said David Mandell, President & CEO. “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.”
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The Collaborative Distilling Program is a unique model in the American whiskey market. This first-of-a-kind service provides craft distillers, non-distilling brand owners, and existing brand owners the ability to:
- Work side-by-side BBCo’s production team to create their own authentic and innovative Kentucky whiskey, bourbon, and rye products and mature them onsite
- Ensure consistent, high quality production that can rapidly scale
- Control the future source for their product
- Provide a production location and environment that they can celebrate and promote
The program has a very limited number of customers and is restricted to only those companies that qualify under its stringent eligibility requirements.
Though the company is new, the employees have years and years of distilling experience. The team is led by Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller Steve Nally. He’s the former Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark Distillery and has more than 40-years experience in the spirits industry. Just a few days ago the company announced the hiring of John Hargrove, Executive Director of Distillery Operations, formerly Master Distiller and Distillery Manager, at Sazerac and Barton Brands 1792. With more than 30 production employees, the team has an average of more than 15 years of whiskey making experience, working with world-class distilleries including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Barton Brands, and Heaven Hill.
“We’ve exceeded all expectations,” said Master Distiller, Steve Nally. “Our custom production program has attracted some of the best brands from across the country and the world, and we are proud to be producing some of the finest bourbon for them.”
Distillery Expansion Plans
Construction for the distillery expansion will be led by Buzick Construction of Bardstown. Buzick Construction 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, BBCo will build two 22.5k barrel warehouses per year. The Company plans to start construction on its third barrel warehouse next month. As part of the expansion to six million proof gallons, BBCo will install a second 36 inch, custom Vendome Copper & Brass Works column still, another 12.5k gallon cooker, and up to 16 additional fermenters.
Once completed, Bardstown Bourbon Company will have an annual production capability of nearly 100,000 barrels. They anticipate the expansion will be complete by July 2018.
It certainly appears their Collaborative Distilling Program is working, big time.
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