Beam Suntory will open a new barrel warehouse in Frankfort, KY today. The seven-story building is a testament not only to surging demand for bourbon globally, but Beam Suntory’s commitment to and investment in Kentucky, the heartland of its business.
“The need for this incredible new Rackhouse really underscores the global thirst for bourbon,” said David Hunter, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Beam Suntory. “I’m so proud of the team here in Frankfort, and all of our operations in Kentucky, who have been working so hard to keep up with the pace of demand for bourbon around the world.”
This new structure spans more than 275,000 square feet, and is the largest of Beam Suntory’s 112 Rackhouses in Kentucky, with room for more than 59,000 barrels, 17% more than its next-largest warehouse. It is the largest Rackhouse that can currently be built under current Kentucky state law and is Beam Suntory’s first new Rackhouse in Frankfort since 1968.
“The opening of this new barrelhouse reflects the importance of the bourbon industry and the commitment of Beam Suntory to central Kentucky,” said U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Lexington. “Each of those barrels represents good paying jobs made possible by global demand for Kentucky’s native spirit.”
Beam Suntory plans to invest more than $1 billion to make bourbon in Kentucky over the next five years, including grains, barrels, payroll and capital expenditures.
“This is a big moment for our entire campus here at Frankfort,” said Alan Mitchell, General Manager, Frankfort. “Not only will this new facility give us ample space for aging our incredible products, but its close proximity to the bottling lines will make transfer efficient.”
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.comand www.drinksmart.com.
