Pernod Ricard has revealed plans for a $250m investment over five years to build a state-of-the-art, carbon neutral distillery and ageing warehouses in Kentucky, for its Jefferson’s Bourbon brand.
The investment will also include construction of a world class visitor centre that will welcome whiskey aficionados on the historic South Trail of Kentucky Bourbon.
As well as being carbon neutral, the new facility is also expected to be the first distillery of its size in the US to achieve LEED certification, an internationally recognised sustainability framework for environmentally friendly buildings. The distillery and warehouses will operate using low carbon technologies powered by certified renewable electricity, meaning the distillery won’t burn fossil fuels during bourbon production.
In addition, as part of Pernod Ricard’s commitment to protect and nurture the environment surrounding its facilities, Jefferson’s will continue to partner with local farmers and suppliers to source ingredients and casks.
The drinks giant also recently announced plans to invest a total of €400m equipping Chivas Brothers and Irish Distillers with more sustainable distillation technologies and greater production capacity.
