SPRINGFIELD, Ky. – Willett Distillery today announced a major milestone at its new Washington County facility, filling the first barrel at the company’s Springfield distillery site and officially beginning production operations as part of the project’s first phase.
The first barrel was filled on Thursday, June 18, a date that also marks the late Ms. Martha Kulsveen’s birthday, adding special meaning to the occasion for the family-owned distillery. The milestone connects Willett’s newest chapter in Springfield with the family legacy shaped by the late Mr. Even Kulsveen, a Bourbon Hall of Fame member who resurrected the Willett Distillery in the 1970s, and his long-term commitment to craftsmanship.
“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 in the Bourbon world. The project 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.
The expansion of the company’s Kentucky operations is not a relocation. 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.”
About Willett Distillery
Established in 1936, three short years after prohibition, the Willett family chose the original family hog farm, situated at one of the highest point in Nelson County, Kentucky, to begin construction on the Willett Distillery. By St Patrick’s Day 1937, the first barrel of whiskey was rolled into Warehouse A. Approaching 90 years, Willett continues to make fine Kentucky Bourbon and Kentucky Rye Whiskeys. And remains independent and, truly, family-owned and -operated, honoring Even and Martha Kulsveen’s memories.
Learn more at: www.kentuckybourbonwhiskey.com.
