Bourbon producer in Hickman cuts ribbon on new rickhouse
HICKMAN, Ky. (KBSI) – A startup bourbon producer in Hickman, Kentucky cut the ribbon on a new rickhouse Friday at the company’s distilling operation in Fulton County.
It is a $10 million investment in Jackson Purchase Distillery LLC that adds to the company’s $26 million expansion project announced in October 2022 that is creating 54 full-time jobs.
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined local officials and leadership from the distillery.
“The commonwealth’s bourbon and spirits industry has seen historic growth in the last few years and shows no signs of slowing down,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “Continued support from companies like Jackson Purchase Distillery, which has tripled its original investment in this project and nearly doubled the number of quality jobs, is a testament to the workforce, resources and business-friendly environment here in Kentucky. I am excited to celebrate this next step for the company and Fulton County community and look forward to their continued success.”
The new $10 million rickhouse will store 25,000 barrels.
It will help the disillery’s continued expansion efforts at its Fulton County operation.
The expansion project was first announced in May 2021 when the company’s management group acquired an unused distilling facility.
In October 2022, the project grew from an initially planned investment of $8.76 million and 30 jobs to $26 million and 54 jobs.
The increased scope of the project involved purchasing additional land, making various upgrades throughout the facility and constructing a new rickhouse for barrel storage.
The company has produced more than 60,000 barrels for its growing consumer base since the project was announced.
“We put the community at the center of everything we do,” said Hickman native and Jackson Purchase Distillery CEO Lloyd Jones. “Bourbon has been a tremendous impact for other parts of the state, and we want to have that same kind of impact here in Western Kentucky.”
Hickman-based Jackson Purchase Distillery was founded in 2021. It offers contract distilling services, selling new-fill barrels of bourbon to craft brands, distillers in need of increased capacity and companies that purchase barrels for future third-party sales.
With the addition of another column still, the distillery will produce 60,000 barrels in 2024.
Master Distiller Craig Beam and Assistant Master Distiller Terry Ballard are crafting authentic Kentucky bourbon from locally sourced grains and calcium-rich well water.
“The Fulton County Fiscal Court is pleased to have Jackson Purchase Distillery join one of our best and fastest growing industries,” said Fulton County Judge/Executive Jim Martin. “Our farming community benefits greatly from their demand for agriculture products. Jackson Purchase Distillery is a win-win for Fulton County as they continue to grow, employ our citizens and contribute to our economy.”
“The presence of Jackson Purchase Distillery has been instrumental in the economic growth and development to the city of Hickman,” said Hickman Mayor Heath Carlton. “Their contribution to our community and the surrounding areas are building a legacy that will continue for years to come.”
“Bourbon evokes the timeless essence of heritage and legacy. Jackson Purchase Distillery is bringing that heritage and legacy to life in Hickman, Kentucky,” said Hickman City Manager Jennie Overall is excited to see the company bring the thriving bourbon industry to the area. “I can’t wait to see the story unfold.”
“Jackson Purchase Distillery is putting Fulton County on the map,” said Mark Welch, president of the Fulton-Hickman Counties Economic Development Partnership who looks forward to the exposure the project will bring to the region. “Bourbon is quintessentially Kentuckian and enjoyed globally. We’re honored to have such a high-demand and quality product coming from Fulton County!”
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