US-based craft distiller Angel’s Envy has announced plans to expand its downtown Louisville distillery with an investment of $8.2m.

The investment will see the addition of more than a 13,000ft² area, which includes a new event space and bar and a larger retail space.

Angel’s Envy co-founder and chief innovation officer Wes Henderson said: “Since opening the doors to our distillery in 2016, we’ve been so fortunate to see an increased demand from guests hoping to visit us and take part in tours, experiences and classes.

“This expansion will double the number of fans we’re able to meet and raise a glass of Angel’s Envy with throughout the year.”

Construction works at the site are already underway and are expected to be completed next year.

Upon completion, the distillery expansion project would increase the annual guest capacity by 64,000 and also create nearly 20 new employment opportunities in Louisville.

The distillery will also have an additional bar space, five new tasting rooms, a full catering kitchen, and a designated room for Angel’s Envy’s ‘Bottle Your Own’ experience, which will offer its guests the chance to fill their own bottles of the company’s distillery-exclusives.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said: “Angel’s Envy is a prime example of how Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry immensely benefits our commonwealth by attracting visitors to the state while creating quality opportunities for Kentuckians.

“This expansion proves we can expect more great things from ANGEL’S ENVY as our state’s economy continues to strengthen.

“Tourism is a crucial component of our vision to build a better Kentucky for all our residents and this development brings us another step forward in bringing that vision to fruition.”

Last September, Angel’s Envy announced plans to expand the footprint of its Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels in the Canadian market.