Willett Distillery has begun production at its new Springfield, Kentucky facility, filling the first barrel on Thursday, June 18—a date coinciding with the birthday of late co-founder Martha Kulsveen. The 70,000-square-foot distillery, situated on 150 acres in Washington County, represents a significant capital investment in bourbon production capacity. The project includes barrel storage warehouses and is expected to create 35 full-time jobs as operations scale. "This first barrel represents an important moment for our family, our team and the future of Willett Distillery," said Drew Kulsveen, Willett Master Distiller. "Beginning production in Springfield allows us to grow while continuing to honor the people, places and traditions that have made Willett what it is today."

Expansion, Not Relocation The Springfield facility does not replace Willett's original Bardstown operations. All existing operations in Nelson County—including visitor experiences, dining, tastings, bottling, and warehousing—will continue. The company emphasized that the expansion preserves its 90-year-old family legacy and historic home. "Our Bardstown roots remain at the heart of who we are," Kulsveen added. "Springfield gives us room to grow while allowing us to continue building on the legacy, craftsmanship and hospitality that have always defined Willett. We are proud to invest in Washington County and grateful for the support we have received from the local community."

Future Plans Construction on the full Springfield campus is ongoing. The company plans to add visitor experiences in coming years and expects the facility to eventually join the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tourism circuit once buildout is complete. Willett was established in 1936, three years after Prohibition's repeal. The distillery is owned and operated by the Kulsveen family, which resurrected the brand in the 1970s under the late Even Kulsveen, a member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame.

Why It Matters

The Springfield expansion signals growing demand for bourbon production capacity and reflects ongoing consolidation and growth in Kentucky's spirits sector. The $35 million-plus investment—coupled with creation of 35 jobs—demonstrates bourbon's continued importance to regional economic development, even as the industry navigates supply constraints and market saturation.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors