Pernod Ricard to build $250m new green distillery in Kentucky

Pernod Ricard will invest around $250 million over the next five years to build a new green distillery in Kentucky to further strengthen its American whiskey portfolio, The American Whiskey Collective.

The French beverage company will use the funds to construct the new 7.5 million proof gallon capacity carbon neutral distillery and related warehouses in Marion County in the American state to meet increasing consumer demand for its Jefferson’s Bourbon brand.

In addition, Pernod Ricard will construct a visitor center facility for whiskey aficionados on the South Trail of Kentucky Bourbon.

Ann Mukherjee — Pernod Ricard North America Chairman and CEO said: “American whiskey is booming, and Jefferson’s growth has been phenomenal.

“We’re very bullish on the brand’s potential, and we’re committed to making our new Jefferson’s facility one of the most exemplary distilleries in the world in order to achieve it.”

Pernod Ricard to build $250m new green distillery in Kentucky. Image courtesy of Pernod Ricard USA.

The distillery and warehouses are said to be carbon neutral once operational and feature renewable electricity-powered electrode boilers and on-site electric trucks and facility vehicles.

The French wine and spirits producer will also focus on extensive use of solar and natural lighting throughout the property and facility.

Trey Zoeller — Jefferson’s Founder said: “For the last 25 years we have been sourcing, contract distilling and — through Kentucky Artisan Distillery — distilling ourselves.

“It is now time for us to take more control of our destiny.

“The carbon neutral, state-of-the-art distillery we are building would not be possible without Pernod Ricard’s forward thinking, integrity, and commitment to Jefferson’s and the Bourbon category’s future.”

The construction of the new distillery in Kentucky and related warehouses is expected to start in January 2023 and completed in 2025.

In 2019, Pernod Ricard added Jefferson’s to its portfolio when the company acquired Castle Brands, the brand’s parent.

Pernod Ricard is committed to cutting its total carbon emissions in half by 2030, and following a net zero by 2050.