With Kentucky’s bourbon industry a backbone of the state’s economy, Christian County’s Casey Jones Distillery will soon begin on a new expansion.
Thursday morning, Governor Andy Beshear announced that the business is embracing a $1.9 million investment that will create 15 more full-time jobs for local residents.
As part of the growth, the company will add a 1,000-gallon distillation, fermentation and mash cooking system to improve the production capacity of bourbon and similar spirits. Other resources, such as a bottling line, distilled water system and more alcohol storage, will be part of the project — as will a 3,800-square-foot barrel aging rickhouse, that will create more room for aging operations.
Founded in 2014 by Arlon “AJ” Casey Jones and Peg Hays, Casey Jones Distillery is an independently owned, micro-craft distillery based in Hopkinsville. The company offers a full bourbon experience that includes tours, tastings and various events throughout the year.
In 2019, for the company’s fifth anniversary, the distillery released its first bourbon, starting a new chapter for the company and helping to establish it as a premier producer of highly sought authentic Kentucky spirits.
Through a written statement, Christian County Judge-Executive Steve Tribble noted the family-owned company is “making a huge economic impact” on both county and regional economy. He applauded owners Peg and AJ for their “vision and investment.”
South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council Executive Director Carter Hendricks agreed, adding that with Peg and AJ’s “leadership and strong support from local, regional and state government, the Casey Jones Distillery will continue making a significant economic impact on [the] region for generations to come.”
For more information on Casey Jones Distillery, visit caseyjonesdistillery.com.
