Diageo to build new $130m whiskey distillery in US

Diageo has unveiled plans to build a new $130m whiskey distillery in Kentucky, US.

The investment is part of the company’s plan to strengthen its position in the bourbon and US whiskey segments.

Diageo’s new venture will see the construction of a distillery, a dry house and a warehouse facility at a 144-acre site in Lebanon, Marion County.

The new distillery will produce a wide range of bourbon and US whiskey brands, including Bulleit Bourbon. The facility is expected to commence production operations by 2021.

For this project, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority has approved an incentive package worth up to $4m. The new facility is expected to create 30 new full-time employment opportunities in the region.

Diageo’s executive Barry Becton said: “Bourbon and US whiskey are vibrant and growing categories and we are excited to expand Diageo’s footprint in Kentucky to support our ambitions in this space.”

The newly planned distillery will supplement the company’s other two distilleries in the region, which are located in Shively and Shelbyville. The company plans to open a new Bulleit Visitor Experience outside Shelbyville by next year.

Headquartered in London, UK, Diageo owns a wide range of alcoholic brands, including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Buchanan’s, Smirnoff, Ciroc, Ketel One, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.