Ground broke Monday on the new Augusta Distillery, a $23 million project expected to create at least 14 full-time jobs in the Bracken Co. city.
Governor Andy Beshear and county officials joined the distillery for the occasion.
“I want to thank Augusta Distillery’s leadership for this commitment in Northeastern Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “The commonwealth’s signature bourbon industry continues to grow, creating quality job opportunities for our residents and building toward the future. This project breathes new life into a historic building in Bracken County, and I look forward to seeing what this location will become in the years ahead.”
Augusta Distillery will be located in the historic F.A. Neider building on Seminary Avenue, which provided metal stamping services dating back to 1883 until its closure in 2007. The 40,000-square-foot facility located on 1.8 acres will house Augusta Distillery’s first full-scale operation, with plans to reach full production capacity by summer 2024.
“The Augusta Distillery team is proud of our plan to build a state-of-the-art facility in Augusta, Kentucky,” said Judd Weis, co-founder and board vice chairman at Augusta Distillery. “We are creating an extraordinary distillery, guest experience, and event center. Our hope is that, by delighting our consumers, this investment will create a spike in local tourism and additional economic opportunity for our neighbors in Augusta and Bracken County. We would like to thank the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the City of Augusta, and Bracken County for providing the support necessary to make this project a reality. This is a very exciting time for our team and our neighbors. Come visit us to have a taste and see our plans.”
Augusta Distillery was founded in Augusta in July 2018. Company leaders say they are focused on creating bourbon-centric experiences in Augusta and across the United States. Augusta’s initial brand expression, Buckner’s 13-year single barrel cask strength bourbon, is distributed nationally and is available retail in Kentucky and Ohio. Augusta’s next product offering is expected to arrive later this year. The company was recently added as a Craft Member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
“I am excited about this new investment in Bracken County on the historic riverfront in Augusta and am eager to see this distillery’s continued contribution to our signature bourbon industry,” said Sen. Wil Schroder (R-Wilder) in a statement. “I want to thank everyone with August Distillery for making today possible, and I join all in anticipation for operations to get underway in the coming years.”
Rep. William Lawrence (R-Maysville) spoke on the project’s economic impact on the area.
“I’m thrilled by what Augusta Distillery has planned and will bring to the region. I know how much positive impact this distillery project will bring,” Lawrence said. “I will continue to support Augusta Distillery and the people of Bracken and Mason counties.”
Bracken County Judge/Executive Tina Teegarden said the project contributes to a more significant effort to create a brighter future throughout the region.
“Economic development and building tourism within the communities of our county are vital. We are pleased that the partners of the Augusta Distillery chose our beautiful river town, Augusta, to build and develop,” Judge Teegarden said. “I believe their growth and success will be immediate, and I look forward to watching their new endeavor thrive along with all of Bracken County.”
Augusta Mayor Michael Taylor said the community is growing fast thanks to businesses like Augusta Distillery.
“Augusta’s tourism continues to grow. The river, our history, and quaint town-center are the perfect place to spend a day or night,” Mayor Taylor said. “The Beehive Augusta Tavern on the riverbank and the newly renovated, 10-room Augusta Guest House are proof that things are happening in Augusta. We congratulate Augusta Distillery and are thrilled to have them in town and open to receive guests.”