Boutique bourbon construction project in KY hit with lawsuit, $1.2m+ in liens
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Buffalo Construction sued Stoddard Spirits Landco LLC on March 12 over $1.2M+ owed.
- At least three subcontractor liens filed; one seeks property sale for ~$21K claim.
- Owners cite financing issues and seek new funding; construction was suspended Nov. 21.
A bourbon tasting room in Louisville for a boutique brand has been sued over claims of unpaid construction debts.
Binder’s Stash is a premium independent brand that sources rare single-barrel or small-batch whiskeys from other distillers that have won rave reviews. Founder Bill Binder has partnered with Willett Distillery to release special bourbons that fans covet.
Binder’s Stash reportedly was planning on opening a $2 million tasting room at 121 S. Clay St. in Louisville, with a gift shop, full bar and private rooms, with a micro-distillery possible in the future. The tasting room, Binder’s first, was supposed to open last fall.
But on March 12, the owner of the property, Stoddard Spirits Landco LLC, was sued by Buffalo Construction Inc., which says Stoddard owes more than $1.2 million for work done last year. Buffalo said a lien also has been filed against the property for that amount. At least three other liens from subcontractors also have been filed, according to the lawsuit.
One subcontractor has filed a counterclaim, alleging it is owed nearly $21,000 for materials, court records show.
The subcontractor is seeking to have property sold, with the proceeds used to pay off the debts, court records say.
The construction company said it has not been able to pay subcontractors and suspended work on the project on Nov. 21.
Stoddard Spirits LLC is listed as the only member of Binder’s Stash LLC with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office. Richard Stoddard, also known as Drew Stoddard, is listed as the only member of Stoddard Spirits.
Drew Stoddard is CEO of Binder’s Stash. He and Bill Binder reportedly are partners on the tasting room project. They did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Stoddard told Louisville Business First that there is an issue with the project’s financing, and they are seeking new funding.
He said Binder’s Stash still plans to open the tasting room on the property.
