Gov. Beshear Celebrates Groundbreaking of Diageo Bourbon Distillery in Shelby County
Press Release
Governor Steve Beshear today joined company officials and local leaders to break ground on Diageo's (Dee-AH-Gee-O) 1.8 million proof gallon distillery in Shelby County. Diageo also announced the official name of the facility--The Bulleit Distilling Co.
"This is an exciting day for Shelbyville and all of Kentucky," said Gov. Beshear. "The world's taste for bourbon continues to grow, and Diageo's investment will help satisfy that demand. Kentucky proudly welcomes The Bulleit Distilling Co. to the family of distilleries that comprise our state's signature bourbon industry."
Earlier this year, Diageo announced its intention to invest an estimated $115 million to build the 1.8 million proof gallon (750,000 9-liter cases) distillery and six barrel warehouses. In June, Shelby County's Triple S Planning Commission unanimously approved the distillery project. Along with Bulleit Bourbon, the facility will distill a number of current and future Diageo bourbon and North American whiskey brands.
"Tom Bulleit has a genuine passion for his bourbon that he shares with everyone he meets. The growth of the Bulleit brand is the result of many years of investment and the relationships Tom has built," said Larry Schwartz, president of Diageo North America. "We are proud to be breaking ground on the new home of Bulleit Bourbon in this wonderful location in Shelby County. We look forward to becoming a valued member of the community for many years to come."
Founded by Tom Bulleit more than 20 years ago, Bulleit Bourbon ranks as one of the fastest-growing small batch whiskeys in America.
"When I walked away from my career as a lawyer to revive my great, great grandfather's high-rye bourbon recipe, people thought I was crazy," said Tom Bulleit. "Twenty-seven years into this entrepreneurial journey later, it's humbling to know this amazing facility right here in Kentucky will bear my family's name. It's an honor I'm not sure I will ever fully be able to describe."
To encourage the investment and job growth in Shelby County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives of up to $2.5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
KEDFA also approved the company for tax benefits up to $1.5 million through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, which allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing equipment.
"This is a very exciting celebration as Diageo has chosen Shelby County as its Kentucky home," said Sen. Paul Hornback, of Shelbyville. "The Bulleit Distilling Co. will have a tremendous impact on our county in investment, jobs and tourism. I look forward to watching this project come to fruition."
"Kentucky's bourbon industry continues to grow worldwide and is very important to our local economy," said Rep. Brad Montell, of Shelbyville. "I'm pleased Diageo chose Shelbyville as the location for The Bulleit Distilling Co. and look forward to the company's impact for years to come."
"I cannot wait to see this facility and what it will mean for our community once it's operational," said Shelby County Judge-Executive Rob Rothenburger. "I'd like to thank Diageo, Gov. Beshear, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Libby Adams, executive director of the Shelby County Industrial and Development Foundation, for helping make this investment happen."
Bourbon distilling contributes nearly $2 billion in gross state product each year and has more than doubled its importance to the state's overall economic activity in the past 13 years. Kentucky exported $383 million of its distilled spirits in 2013, a full 21 percent of the U.S. total.
Shelby County has also been certified by the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board as a Work Ready Certified Community. The certification is an assurance to business and industry that the community is committed to providing the highly skilled workforce required in today's competitive global economy.
About The Bulleit Distilling Co.
Founded by Tom Bulleit, the Bulleit Distilling Co. was started more than 20 years ago with Bulleit Bourbon, and in March 2011, Bulleit Rye, a straight rye whiskey, was added to the portfolio with critical acclaim. The brand's newest variant, Bulleit 10-Year was introduced in 2013. Bulleit ranks as one of the fastest-growing small batch whiskeys in America, which Tom largely credits to word of mouth recommendations. Using only the finest ingredients available -- the best grains and special strains of yeast -- the 150+ year-old family recipe uses a large amount of rye grain, which gives Bulleit a distinctive taste.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan's, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.
Information on Kentucky's economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet's "This is My Kentucky" video on YouTube.
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