The honorable Governor of Kentucky, Steve Beshear, joined Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and executives from the brand owner Gruppo Campari at a ceremony in Lawrenceburg to unveil the state’s first major distillery expansion in decades. Representing a potential boom for the local economy and the tourism industry, the new $50 million distillery will allow Wild Turkey to double its production to meet the growing global demand for its iconic Bourbon and rye whiskies.
“The Wild Turkey Distillery has a distinguished history with the Commonwealth and an even brighter future with the announcement of its recent expansion plans,” Gov. Beshear said. “This company displays its Kentucky roots proudly, and its investment in Kentucky has reaped great success and respect worldwide. This expansion will not only bring the potential of more jobs to our Kentucky families but will also bring continued stability and longevity to this remarkable business.”
The new 134,000 square foot facility expansion makes Wild Turkey not only one of the largest whiskey distilleries in Kentucky, but in all of North America. It can produce up to 11 million proof gallons of liquid annually, up from the 5 million proof gallons of the previous distillery which was first put into operation back in 1869.
“I was surprised to learn that no major distillery expansion had occurred in Kentucky for several decades,” said Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO of Gruppo Campari. “This project reflects the confidence we have in the growth prospects of the iconic Wild Turkey family of brands. We are pleased our distillery expansion will not only be able to meet the increased demand for this great product, but that it will also bring potential economic benefits to the people of the area and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Aside from the expansion of the Wild Turkey distillery, the brand has seen a lot of expansion in other places as well. Wild Turkey recently announced the birth of Wild Turkey 81 in the United States, as well as a change in packaging, and a new premium brand to add to their ready-to-drink product line in Australia.
“This expansion celebrates every individual who has ever worked at our distillery and helped us to craft Wild Turkey Bourbon,” said Master Distillery Jimmy Russell, the Bourbon legend with 57 years of experience, who played an active role in the planning of the facility. “This fine new home of ours means that we’ll continue to rais the profile of Bourbon, creating more of the Wild Turkey that you know and love, and bringing this little piece of Kentucky to more people around the world.”
