Willett Distillery: First Bourbon Barrel Filled at Springfield

Honoring Family Legacy: $93 Million Investment Leads New Chapter for Kentucky Whiskey Craft

The family-owned Willett Distillery has officially announced that its new distillery in Springfield, Kentucky, is now operational. This investment project, totaling $93 million and first announced in late 2022, has reached a significant milestone. On June 18, 2026, the distillery filled its first barrel of Sour Mash Bourbon, marking the start of production at this modern facility and writing a new chapter in the brand's history.

The start date holds deep meaning for the Kulsveen family, as it marks the birthday of the late Martha Kulsveen. This milestone connects the development of Springfield to the legacy established by Even Kulsveen, who revitalized Willett Distillery in the 1970s and passed away last September. Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen stated that this first barrel represents a pivotal moment for the family, the team, and the future of the distillery.

Expanding Production and Integrating with Tourism

The new 150-acre facility combines distillation with aging warehouses. As the scale grows, it is expected to create 35 full-time jobs in Washington County. While distillation has begun, the construction of the entire campus is not yet complete. Future plans include a visitor center designed to further integrate into the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, attracting more whiskey enthusiasts to the region.

Despite the expansion into Springfield, Willett Distillery will continue its core operations in Bardstown, including visitor experiences, dining, and bottling. Drew emphasized that the roots in Bardstown will always be the soul of the distillery, while the Springfield site provides ample room for growth, allowing the brand to honor whiskey-making traditions while maintaining its spirit of craft and hospitality.

📅 Release Date: 2026-06-23

🔗 Source: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/06/willett-starts-production-at-springfield-site/