(Credit: Willett)
Willett Distillery has announced a major company milestone, declaring its new Springfield, Kentucky facility operational and filling the first barrel there.
The first barrel was filled on Thursday, June 18, a date that also marks the late Ms. Martha Kulsveen’s birthday, adding an extra layer of meaning to the occasion for what is a family-owned bourbon company.
“This first barrel represents an important moment for our family, our team and the future of Willett Distillery,” said Willett Master Distiller, Drew Kulsveen. “Beginning production in Springfield allows us to grow while continuing to honor the people, places and traditions that have made Willett what it is today.”
Located in Springfield, Ky., the new facility represents a significant investment for a company that grew from being predominately sourced in the 1980s to a self-financed, mid-sized distiller in the 21st Century. The Springfield facility includes a new distillery operation, barrel storage warehouses, and capacity to grow visitor experiences. The 70,000-square-foot facility sits on 150 acres and is expected to create 35 full-time jobs as operations continue to grow.
While this milestone marks the beginning of distilling operations in Springfield, construction on the full campus is not yet complete. Future expansion of the property in the following years will include a visitor experience, further expanding the site’s role in Kentucky’s bourbon tourism economy, on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, once completed.
(Credit: Richard Thomas)
The expansion of the company’s Kentucky operations is not a relocation, and in no way implies a closure of the existing Bardstown facility. All operations in Bardstown will remain, including Willett’s Visitor Experiences, dining and tastings, bottling and warehousing; preserving the company’s historic home and long-standing presence in Nelson County.
“Our Bardstown roots remain at the heart of who we are,” said Willett Master Distiller, Drew Kulsveen. “Springfield gives us room to grow while allowing us to continue building on the legacy, craftsmanship and hospitality that have always defined Willett. We are proud to invest in Washington County and grateful for the support we have received from the local community.”
