Sazerac Company Continues Investing in Kentucky with Acquisition of Garrard County Distilling

Sazerac has announced the acquisition of the Garrard County Distilling facility in Lancaster, Kentucky. This addition marks a further expansion of the company's distilling operations across the Commonwealth. The facility is part of Sazerac's existing network in the state, which includes Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, and The Glenmore Distillery in Owensboro.

The Garrard County Distilling facility, which began operations in 2024, spans approximately 210 acres and is equipped with two column stills and two 20,000-square-foot barrel warehouses. Sazerac plans to utilize the current infrastructure and capabilities of the facility to enhance its production capacity and intends to hire additional staff as operations expand.

Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac, expressed pride in the company’s long-standing presence in Kentucky. He noted that nearly 3,000 individuals are employed in Sazerac's Kentucky operations and highlighted the necessity for increased production capabilities to meet growing demand. Wenz emphasized the company's commitment to becoming an integral part of the Garrard County community.

Sazerac's history of investment in its Kentucky distilleries includes approximately $50 million at Barton 1792 Distillery over the past five years and a completed $1.2 billion expansion project at Buffalo Trace Distillery earlier this year. The company has additionally invested $40 million at The Glenmore Distillery since 2020 and is further expanding barrel aging capacity across Kentucky.

Garrard County Judge Executive Chris Elleman welcomed Sazerac's investment, noting that it presents new job opportunities and economic prospects for the county. Kentucky House Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade also highlighted the acquisition as a demonstration of confidence in the state’s bourbon industry and the potential for continued growth at the facility.