Bardstown Bourbon Company to Acquire Green River Spirits Company

Acquisition expands custom distillation capacity and adds to Kentucky bourbon portfolio

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (June 30, 2022) – Bardstown Bourbon Company, an innovative distiller, producer and bottler of premium Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Green River Spirits Company. The acquisition is scheduled to close in July, subject to customary closing approvals and conditions. The transaction will bring together two leading Kentucky bourbon producers into a strong, independent spirits company with a commitment to Kentucky whiskey.

Distilling more than seven million proof gallons annually, Bardstown Bourbon Company is one of the top 10 distilled spirits producers in the country. As a complement to its innovative contract distilling capabilities, Bardstown Bourbon Company has steadily built its own brand through its award-winning Discovery, Fusion and Collaborative Series. Green River Spirits Company will add the Green River brand as well as two production sites, positioning the combined business for continued growth in both Kentucky whiskey and custom distillation. Bringing together the historic legacy of Green River and the modern bourbon experience at Bardstown Bourbon Company provides an enticing and distinguished selection of Kentucky whiskey for bourbon drinkers and visitors.

“We’re excited to forge this new partnership, which brings together two world-class teams and expands the breadth of our portfolio and the number of customers served,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Company. “Bardstown Bourbon Company was founded to honor the traditions and history of Kentucky bourbon while taking a wholly modern approach. The addition of one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky allows us to offer a comprehensive assortment that showcases the state’s flagship industry.”

The acquisition includes the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, which is the 10th oldest distillery in the state, and a state-of-the-art spirits production facility in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to its flagship Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Green River Spirits Company has a vibrant contract distillation business producing whiskey, rye, vodka, rum, gin, and flavored whiskey.

Bardstown Bourbon Company was founded by Peter Loftin in 2014 to offer custom distilling solutions to brands seeking scale or customization in the American whiskey market. Bardstown Bourbon Company’s branded whiskies are now available in 20 markets nationwide.