Perhaps not as epic as landing on the moon, but it’s not every day that you land a 50 foot tall 7,000 lbs. stainless steel still from a 100 ton crane into a brand new distillery. This is exactly what just happened as the largest new distillery in America installed its 50′ by 36″ Vendome Copper & Brass Works still into its new home in Bardstown, KY, “The Bourbon Capitol of the World.”
The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s massive still was delivered in one piece, and hoisted above the 55-foot still tower by crane, the Vendome apparatus was lowered into the center of the building into its permanent resting place. In its current configuration the distillery has a 1.5 million proof gallon annual capacity, which can be expanded to six million proof gallons within the current design of the distillery.
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The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s still features a unique design, incorporating large, rectangular glass manways – a shape never before used by Vendome in still manufacturing – that enables visitors to watch the whiskey moving through the distilling process.
The company says their use of glass reflects the transparent nature of their approach to whiskey making – No secrets, mythical stories, or fabricated legends, the Bardstown Bourbon Company celebrates the craft of making great whiskey.
Bardstown Bourbon Co Celebrating the Installation of Their New Still
Company President & CEO, David Mandell (left) and Master Distiller, Steve Nally (right.)
“The Bardstown Bourbon Company is just a few short months away from becoming a significant addition to the American whiskey landscape,” said David Mandell, President & CEO. “With the development of our own brands, new Collaborative Distilling Program, and unique visitors experience, we will continue to fuel interest, innovation, and growth across the entire whiskey category.”
“We can’t wait to start the whiskey flowing at the largest new distillery in the country,” said Steve Nally, Master Distiller. Steve is a 43 year whiskey industry veteran, Bourbon Hall of Famer and former Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark. “It’s an exciting time for bourbon and we’re proud to be at the forefront of innovation.”
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The still is part of The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s $25 million, 45,000-square-foot distillery project. The company which started in October 2014 expects to have the distillery in operation by September 2016. The visitor center will open a bit later in 2017.
The Bardstown Bourbon Co. 50′ Still Installation Photos
(Click any image to enlarge.)
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