While Louisville continues to be a point-of-departure for people visiting Kentucky’s distilleries, it is also building inertia behind its own whiskey row. In the past year, the area has added two new distilleries (Michter’s & Heaven Hill) and other new bars & restaurants. Louisville Distilling Co. LLC, producers of Angel’s Envy, recently announced a $12M project to build a distillery & brand experience center in downtown Louisville, KY. The ground-breaking ceremony on July 9th included dignitaries at the city & state level. Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Louisville Major Greg Fischer were in attendance to support the announcement.
“This is an exciting addition to Kentucky’s vibrant bourbon industry, with Angel’s Share Brands creating 40 new jobs and investing $10 million in a new distillery,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “As bourbon continues to gain in popularity across the world, we will continue to work hard to foster new opportunities for jobs and investment. We take a lot of pride in this signature product, and the industry’s global success shows the type of dedication and craftsmanship that makes Kentucky stand out.”
Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson noted, “I feel blessed to do what I truly love to do. It is a dream come true to have my own distillery on Main Street in downtown Louisville.”
Wes Henderson, son of Lincoln Henderson and C.O.O. for Angel’s Share Brands added, “We are constructing a fully functioning distillery, from milling of grains to blending and bottling on site. The Angel’s Envy distillery will be a must-see experience on the Urban Bourbon Trail.”
Louisville-based private equity firm Blue Equity, LLC is a capital partner in the parent company, Angel’s Share Brands. Blue Equity, LLC Chairman and Managing Director Jonathan Blue said, “We are very pleased to have joined the investment group at Angel’s Envy… With the launch of the new distillery and brand experience center, the future looks even brighter for this incredible brand.” The distillery is expected to be up and running in 2014, and will be located on West Main Street in downtown Louisville.
Photos by Ted Tarquinio
