Pappy, Buffalo Trace maker Sazerac plans $1 billion+ in expansions
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- Sazerac plans over $1.05 billion in U.S. expansions, countering sector cutbacks.
- Campbellsville project totals about $1.02 billion, adds 50 jobs and tax incentives.
- Company boosts capacity and portfolio with Indiana growth and recent acquisitions.
Sazerac Distillers, makers of some of the biggest-selling premium bourbons, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, 1792, Blanton’s and Weller, is expanding again.
The family-owned spirits company, which finished a $1.2 billion expansion in January at the Buffalo Trace Distillery that doubled distilling capacity, is bucking American whiskey trends by launching new plans totaling more than $1.05 billion as much of the industry downsizes.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon.
New facility planned for Campbellsville
The New Orleans-owned company, which has headquarters in Louisville and distilleries in Frankfort and Bardstown, is planning to invest more than $1 billion in a new facility in Campbellsville in Taylor County.
In August, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved tax incentives worth $2.75 million for the project, which will create 50 new jobs over the next 15 years with an average hourly wage including benefits of $33.80, according to the monthly agenda.
According to the economic board, Sazerac needs the new facility “as a result of significant business growth.” The project includes about $9 million for land, $385 million for building and improvements and $625 million for equipment for a total investment of nearly $1.02 billion.
Expansion in Indiana
Meanwhile, Sazerac also is planning a separate $38 million expansion of its existing operation in New Albany, Ind., according to industry publications. The site, which is managed by subsidiary Northwest Ordinance Distilling, will increase production capacity to meet “growing demand for its distilled spirits products,” according to a joint statement issued by the company and by local officials.
The Indiana expansion will create 25 new full-time positions in the plant in a former General Mills facility.
Sazerac purchasing brands
Sazerac has also been on a buying streak: Earlier this month the company bought Texas-based Western Son Vodka and Distillery for an undisclosed sum, its third purchase in 18 months.
In 2024, Sazerac also bought Svedka vodka from Constellation Brands and in March 2024 the company bought ready-to drink cocktails Buzzballs, one of the fastest-growing alcohol brands.
This story was originally published October 20, 2025 at 3:22 PM.
