KY: Pennyroyal Barrel Co. Bringing First Bourbon-Related Project to Adair County, Creating 10 New Jobs

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted continued growth in Kentucky’s bourbon and spirits industry as Pennyroyal Barrel Co. (PBC), a bourbon incubator for third-party brands, plans to locate a bourbon-related project in Adair County with an $8.52 million facility creating 10 full-time positions.

“This project from Pennyroyal Barrel Co. adds even more momentum to our signature bourbon and spirits industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “Expanding the bourbon sector into counties that have not previously seen growth in this area is a huge accomplishment for the commonwealth, and I want to thank PBC’s leaders for their commitment to Adair County. I want to congratulate the company on this great project and look forward to seeing their success here in Kentucky.”

PBC’s entire 40-acre campus in Columbia will be built with its independent brands’ growth in mind. Brand partners will have facilities for warehousing, blending and bottling, meeting and public event space, as well as private event space. The campus will include a state-of-the-art blending and bottling facility, single-story rickhouses for consistent aging, a storefront to purchase each brand’s products and apparel, a tasting room in a repurposed grain silo, a single barrel selection room and a wooded amphitheater with walking paths.

“Adair County is where I grew up and getting to be a part of bringing such an exciting and unique concept to the area has me so excited,” said PBC co-founder Ross Hutchison. “I can’t wait until some of our partner incubators are calling Adair County – and particularly the Pennyroyal, home, just as I have.”

“The opportunity to be a part of and contribute to something so steeped in Kentucky history, while with our own unique spin, is such an honor,” said PBC co-founder Daniel Griffith. “I am excited to be part of something I care so deeply about and to work with the community we are joining. Columbia, Kentucky, and Adair County have been so welcoming, and we are excited to see what the future holds.”

Beyond the traditional warehousing, sourcing and bottling services that have been offered by others, PBC’s model makes each independent brand partner its focal point. At the campus, each brand will have the opportunity to curate its own consumer experiences. This creates an avenue to make the brand-to-consumer interaction more attainable without the risk associated with scaling up to a brick-and-mortar location. The model also creates a central hub for collaboration between brands and opportunities for brands to coordinate their consumer experiences with one another.

Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier explained the tourism aspect of the project.

“Bourbon tourism is a major draw for visitors to Kentucky, and Pennyroyal Barrel Co. will serve as a wonderful new stop,” said Secretary Casebier. “In addition to a tasting room, walking paths, an amphitheater and more, Pennyroyal Barrel Co. will also provide bourbon consulting services for smaller brands, contributing to the commonwealth’s storied bourbon legacy.”

Adair County Judge/Executive Larry Russell Bryant welcomed the company to the community.

“I am so excited to hear that Pennyroyal Barrel Co. has chosen Adair County to be home. Adair County native Ross Hutchison being one of the owners makes this all the more special,” said Judge Bryant. “Adair Countians have anxiously awaited new industry and growth for several years, and I cannot think of a better scenario than to have one of our own to kick start that growth and provide an example for others to follow.” 

Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority Chairman Bobby Morrison spoke on the infrastructure improvements that are helping to attract the new facility.

“The EDA has been working on infrastructure improvements in the Green River Commerce Park, as well as a competitive incentive package for several years now,” said Morrison. “The vision of our EDA Board and the continued support of community leadership has made it possible for Pennyroyal Barrel Co. to locate in the commerce park, and I couldn't be more pleased. This collaboration will help bring much-needed jobs and economic opportunities to the area.”

Adair County Executive Director for Tourism Paige Nickel mentioned the opportunities PBC will attract.

“I am so excited to see what kind of new tourism and economic impacts Pennyroyal Barrel Co. will bring to our charming small-town community,” said Nickel. “I can taste the opportunities already. Cheers!”