Sazerac Distillers, the powerhouse behind some of bourbon’s most beloved brands—Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Blanton’s, Weller, and 1792 has announced yet another major expansion, this time in Campbellsville, Kentucky.
The family-owned spirits company recently wrapped up a decade-long, $1.2 billion expansion at its world-famous Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. That project, completed in January 2025, more than doubled distilling capacity from 200,000 barrels per year to over 500,000. Now, as much of the whiskey industry is slowing or scaling back, Sazerac is once again betting big and unveiling more than $1 billion in new investments across the Commonwealth.
A New Chapter in Campbellsville
The New Orleans-based company, which operates major facilities in Louisville, Frankfort, and Bardstown, plans to invest roughly $1.02 billion in a new production facility in Campbellsville, Taylor County.
In August, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved $2.75 million in tax incentives to support the project. The investment is expected to create 50 new jobs over the next 15 years, with an average hourly wage (including benefits) of $33.80.
According to state documents, the Campbellsville facility is needed “as a result of significant business growth.” The project’s scope includes approximately $9 million for land acquisition, $385 million for construction and improvements, and $625 million for new equipment—a clear signal that Sazerac’s expansion push shows no signs of slowing down.
Building the Future of Bourbon
Sazerac’s commitment to growth has positioned it as one of the most dynamic forces in American whiskey. Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, who has overseen the brand’s monumental rise, continues to lead innovations in both production and aging, ensuring that the company’s legendary bourbons maintain their world-class quality even as output expands dramatically.
With its continued investment in Kentucky and beyond, Sazerac isn’t just expanding facilities—it’s expanding bourbon’s future.
For bourbon lovers, one thing is clear: the future of America’s native spirit is being built right here in the Bluegrass State.
