Whisky Advocate Exclusive: Newcomer Staghorn Opens A $250 Million Kentucky Distillery

After being delayed due to the pandemic, a massive new distillery is set to open in formerly dry Garrard County, Kentucky. The $250 million project is the brainchild of Ray Franklin, a longtime veteran of the wholesale tier, and will be the home of the All Nations whiskey brand, launched by Franklin’s Atlanta-based Staghorn company.

Slated to open this spring on 210 acres of land in Lancaster, Kentucky—about 30 minutes south of Lexington—Garrard County Distilling Co.’s stillhouse is 50,000 square feet, capable of producing up to 8.5 million proof gallons, or 150,000 barrels, per year. Two 20,000-square-foot warehouses are also on-site, with capacity for 25,000 barrels apiece; there are plans for an additional 28 warehouses to be built by 2030. A visitor center, tasting room, and restaurant are in the works as well, with opening dates scheduled toward the end of the year.

The distilling team will be comprised of around 20 people, many of whom come with experience from stints at Four Roses, Wild Turkey, MGP, and elsewhere. The head distiller is expected to be announced soon.

Aside from All Nations, a number of new brands will eventually come on stream, and Franklin notes that he’s solidified a handful of contract distillation partnerships as well. This is far from the only major distillery Kentucky is getting this year, with Jefferson’s, Eastern Light, Whiskey House, and Willett all set to open up shop in the coming months. Whisky Advocate has the full story.—David Fleming & Julia Higgins

Tagged : All Nations, Garrard County Distilling Co., Whisky Advocate

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