Casey Jones Distillery Expands Production Complex in Christian County, Kentucky

Casey Jones Distillery will undertake a major expansion of its production facility in Christian County, Kentucky. The $1.9 million project is expected to create 15 jobs.

The investment will see the company add a 1,000 gallon distillation, fermentation and mash cooking system to increase production capacity for bourbon and other spirits. Additional support equipment such as a bottling line, distilled water system and liquor storage will also be installed. The expansion will include a nearly 3,800 square foot barrel aging rickhouse that will support the increased barrel storage and aging needed for the expanded operations.

“Through the belief and commitment of our remarkable staff and the many partners such as the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, our dream and goal of being the premier craft distillery in the western Kentucky will come true,” said Arlon “AJ” Jones, Master Distiller and Co-Founder of Casey Jones Distillery.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) on Thursday preliminary approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment Program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $200,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s $1.93 million investment and annual goals of creating and maintaining 15 jobs at full-time in Kentucky for 15 years, and paying an average hourly wage of $16. including the benefits of these jobs.

By achieving its annual objectives over the term of the agreement, the business may be eligible to retain a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company can claim eligible incentives against its income tax and/or employee contributions. Additionally, Casey Jones Distillery may receive resources from Kentucky Labor Service Providers. These include free recruitment and placement services, personalized training at reduced cost, and job training incentives.

“Kentucky’s bourbon and spirits industry is currently experiencing a period of incredible growth and expansion,” Governor Andy Beshear said. “We see example after example of companies choosing the Commonwealth to expand their distilling operations, which is a testament to the resources, workforce and communities that support this industry. I want to thank Casey Jones Distillery for their commitment to Kentucky and wish them success in the future.

The bourbon and spirits industry remains one of Kentucky’s largest industries. Today, the spirits facility employs more than 5,300 people statewide. Since the start of 2020, Kentucky’s spirits industry has seen approximately 50 announcements for new locations or expansion with over $980 million in planned investment and approximately 800 full-time jobs announced.

“Casey Jones Distillery continues to be an example of a local family business demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bluegrass State,” added Carter Hendricks, executive director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council. “With the leadership of Peg and AJ and strong support from local, regional and state government, the Casey Jones Distillery will continue to have a significant economic impact on our region for generations to come. We are thrilled to see their expansion come to life and look forward to supporting their continued success. »

Casey Jones Distillery was founded in 2014 and is an independent craft micro-distillery based in Hopkinsville. The company offers a complete bourbon experience that includes tours, tastings, and various events throughout the year. In 2019, the company’s fifth anniversary, the distillery released its first bourbon, starting a new chapter for the company and helping it become one of Kentucky’s leading producers of highly sought-after authentic spirits.